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USM is not currently taking new applications for its HIM program.

You're Not Alone

This is a 100% online program, with opportunities for hybrid-learning along the way. Just because you won't necessarily be in a physical classroom, it doesn't mean you're working by yourself. You can receive personalized, individual attention along the way by contacting HIM Program Director Sheila Hammonds at Sheila.Hammonds@stmary.edu whenever you need some extra support.

USM’s program focuses on five distinct areas of skill: 

• Management â€“ directing staff and controlling systems
• Data analytics â€“ acquiring, managing, and interpreting data into accurate, consistent, and timely information
• Information technology â€“ understanding IT, professionals, and implementation of electronic health records
• Classification systems â€“ interpreting procedures and financial impact
• Research â€“ emphasizing pharmaceutical and current information

What Spires are Saying

Martha Schultz of Richmond, Virginia

 

Why did you choose the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ?

I was looking for a four-year college with an online program in health information management. USM is accredited via AHIMA through CAHIIM. I needed a program that was flexible, comprehensive, and demonstrated excellence. I was able to transfer in with an AAS and my credit hours were reciprocal.

This college has a nice reputation and an outstanding completion rate. The school is affordable, especially for a private college. 

What has the progression towards your four-year degree done for your career?

My enrollment in a four-year program for a BSHIM placed me in a different category from other candidates. I am in the process of learning relevant subject matter and can apply that information, not only during the interview process but in my day-to-day workflow. I feel I was offered a directorship due to my past experience and education and certainly because I was seeking a four-year degree. The classes at USM for the RHIA program are designed to encourage problem solving. There is an emphasis on critical thinking and the ability to analyze the challenges and growth in the HIM profession. The classes are not for those lacking a forward-thinking mentality.

How helpful are the program advisors?

My program advisor is Professor Sheila Hammonds, and I have found her to be very involved in my success. I trust her to lead me through to graduation and obtaining my credential. Online classes can be challenging, but my advisor has taken time from her busy schedule to explain processes to me. It is Professor Hammonds' enthusiasm and faith that keep me going. She has certainly selected classes that pair well and continues to encourage one at a time. I will soon reach my goal. The online format is organized and complete. A student will most assuredly receive a respected diploma from this program. The online format at USM is similar to on-campus classes. There are assignments with specific due dates, collaboration, discussion, and deadlines. Communicating with instructors and peers is easy to do and one should never feel alone in the environment at USM.

 

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Job Outlook

HIM graduates have career opportunities as HIM directors, coding professionals, business process engineers, consultants, HIM faculty, health care consumer advocates, clinical data analysts, health data/information resource managers, compliance and privacy officers, health information system application designers, and more.

 projects the number of jobs will increase by about eight percent from 2019 to 2029.

In terms of salary, location matters. The highest salaries are found on the coasts. Keep in mind: the cost of living is typically higher on the coasts, too.

AVERAGE SALARY BY REGION (data pulled from )  

• AR, LA, OK, TX:  $78,090
• AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY: $76,670
• CT, NH, RI, VT, MA, ME: $84,410
• DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV: $78,170
• HI, CA, AK, OR, WA: $87,680
• IL, IN, MI, OH, WI: $72,400
• MS, KY, AL, TN: $69,940
• ND, SD, MN, IA, KS, MO, NE: $71,220
• NY, NJ, PA: $83,120

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FAQs

Does USM have any transfer agreements with local community colleges? 

The ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ offers articulation agreements with area community colleges, allowing students to earn a bachelor's degrees in HIM as seamlessly as possible.

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How many credit hours are required to complete the program?

Students are required to complete 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science degree.

How many credits can you transfer toward your degree?

Transfer students must have at least 56 hours of transferable undergraduate credits from a regionally accredited college or university. If the student has health care experience they may take a coding examination. 

What is the cost per credit hour?

Tuition for online Health Information Management enrollment is $398 per credit hour.

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Health Information Management Program Outcomes

• 90% of graduates who choose to seek employment are employed within six months of graduation in their field of study
• 100% of HIM graduates who choose to pursue graduate-level education are accepted into an accredited graduate program
• The HIM Program had a 90% retention rate in 2017-18

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Academic Plan

HIM 420 ICD 10 Coding Classifications Systems
This course provides the student with introductory rules and principles for International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding, a discussion on the importance of accuracy in coding for diagnoses, inpatient procedural coding and MS-DRGs, and compliance with payor requirements. The course will use sample exercises and medical records to develop skill and accuracy in coding in various health care settings as well as encoding software to enhance coding consistency, efficiency, and quality. (Three credit hours)

HIM 470 CPT Coding Classification System
Students will develop an understanding of HCPCS coding with an emphasis on CPT and the continuation of ICD 10 and coding guidelines. (Three credit hours)

HIM 450 Health Care 
Focusing on the American health care payment system, this course will cover reimbursement methodologies, approved code sets and their functionality, compliance with established national and organization coding guidelines, 3rd-party payers, and revenue cycle management. (Three credit hours)

HIM 440 Professional Practice
The course provides faculty-supervised exposure to the multiple venues where health care is practiced and the role of the HIM professional. Lectures are coupled with onsite visits to selected health care sites and examine current workplace expectations of health information administrators, including behavioral, ethical, and practice competencies. (Three credit hours)

HIM 480 Health Care Research
This course is an applied approach to the use of health care statistics and the role it plays in health care decision-making. Topics include epidemiology and outcomes research with an emphasis on data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of results. (Three credit hours)

HIM 501 Internship and Capstone
This course is a capstone and allows the student to apply practical application of skills learned in a working environment. Students will prepare for the RHIA Certification Exam through mock exams and practice exercises. (Three credit hours)

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