Health Information (HIM) allows professionals to gather, analyze, and protect health and medical data for use in managing quality care for patients. For those interested in data analytics and technology, combined with the ability to make a real difference healthcare services, an affordable health information management degree is a great option. A bachelor of science in Health Information Management allows flexibility of career directions in hospitals, home health agencies, public health offices, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, insurance companies, and other healthcare-related settings.
An online HIM program is often the best choice for adult students who are already working in the field and who want to advance. Working professionals looking for an affordable health information management online program can look to a lot of different options: they can get their general education courses at a more affordable community college; choose small, regional public colleges and universities; or seek out private institutions with strong financial aid programs.
Methodology: Ranking the Most Affordable Online Health Information Management Programs
Bachelor’s Degree Center editors feature only accredited, reputable institutions for rankings, but to rank the most affordable health information management programs online, only one criteria is critical — tuition cost, as reported to IPEDS.
1. Weber State University
Weber State University offers affordable online BS in Health Information Management degree programs for students who want to earn an advanced degree while still working their regular job. The health information management degree offers students the skills they need to manage all types of digital platforms. Students will also learn effective communication skills that allow them to work hand in hand with other professionals when it comes to sharing information. Weber State University offers one of the most affordable online Health Information Management degree programs in the area.
Weber State University has been rated as one of the best online colleges in terms of providing in-depth educational materials and resources for their students. The University has a tradition of working with employers to determine what skills students need before entering the workforce.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
Weber State University BS in Health Information Management
2. CUNY School of Professional Studies
CUNY School of Professional Studies provides an affordable BS in Health Information Management online degree program that will allow students to reach their professional goals. Online health information management programs teach students how to effectively manage information as it is used in the office. This maintains the workflow of the office and increases overall efficiency. CUNY School of Professional Studies is known to have one of the most affordable Health Information Management online programs in the northeast.
CUNY School of Professional Studies is one of the most respected schools when it comes to educational programs that use advanced technology as part of their curriculum. When it comes to health information management, students must understand every nuance of the field. CUNY School takes pride in maintaining the highest ethical standards in the industry and passes those standards on to their students.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
CUNY School of Professional Studies BS in Health Information Management
3. Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University includes an affordable online BS in Health Information Management degree program as one of their many options for students who are interested in entering the healthcare field. A health information management degree includes courses on ethics, information management, as well as learning how to use the technology that is now part of most office settings. In addition to learning how to manage how information is used, students also learn proper storage and retrieval methods that ensure the information is as secure as possible. Students who are looking for the most affordable online Health Information Management degree program can find what they are looking for at Western Kentucky University.
Western Kentucky University is well-known for offering online educational programs for students who need to get their degree but can’t afford to take time off of work. Every course program provides the essential skills and resources each student needs to succeed.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
Western Kentucky University BS in Health Information Management
4. University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers affordable BS in Health Information Management online degree programs to meet the needs of students who are interested in fulfilling the educational requirements for their desired position. Each course shows students how to properly allocate resources and manage information in a professional and efficient manner. Students also learn the necessary skills to make sure all of the information they are in charge of is secured and protected at all times. The University of Illinois at Chicago offers one of the most affordable online BS in Health Information Management programs in the state of Illinois.
The University of Illinois at Chicago is one of the most well-respected schools when it comes to any degree program in the health and medical field. By offering online degree programs students can continue to work and provide for their families while attending school and earning their health information management degree.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
University of Illinois at Chicago BS in Health Information Management
5. Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global is a leader in health care management and offers an affordable BS in Health Information Management degree program for students who are ready to take the next step forward in their education. Students are given the necessary skills to effectively manage patient information as well as properly utilize the storage platforms that are used to store it. Students will also be taught both ethics and professionalism within the workplace so that they can communicate effectively with their peers. Purdue University provides each student with access to the most affordable online BS in Health Information Management degree programs in the Midwest.
Purdue University Global is one of the elite institutions of higher learning that puts for the extra effort to make sure each graduate has what they need to succeed in their chosen career. Students are encouraged to pursue an online degree program if they are interested in working while attending school.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
Purdue University Global BS in Health Information Management
6. Indiana University
Indiana University is the Midwest’s leading health and medical university when it comes to offering an affordable online BS in Health Information Management degree program. Students who choose Indiana University’s BS in Health Information Management will receive the most concise and informative lessons when it comes to handling patient information and managing how it is stored and transferred from one location to another. Students also learn how to use the technology that is now being employed to manage information systems in a health care setting. Indiana University provides one of the most advanced and affordable BS in Health Information Management programs in the country.
Indiana University has designed its online degree programs to make it easier for students to care for their families and continue to hold down a job while they are earning their Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. The purpose behind their online courses isn’t just to help the students to get ahead. It’s to give them the advantage they need.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
Indiana University’s BS in Health Information Management
7. Texas State University
Texas State University is well-known for having one of the most affordable online BS in Health Information Management degree programs in the state of Texas. The Bachelor’s programs offer in-depth training on every level of information management. From ethics to interpersonal communication within the workplace, students learn how to collective store and manage the massive amounts of confidential information an office must handle on a regular basis. Texas State University boasts one of the most effective and affordable BS in Health Information Management online programs in the surrounding area.
At Texas State University, a student’s needs are the priority. Offering online courses in the healthcare information management field allows them to continue working and gaining additional, hands-on skills that will benefit them as they continue to push forward with their career.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
Texas State University BS in Health Information Management
8. East Carolina University
East Carolina University’s affordable online BS in Health Information Management degree programs are available to students who want to earn their degree while continuing to gather real-life work experience. The courses offered by the University are designed to provide students who graduate with the skills they will need once they enter the workplace and begin to work with patient information on a regular basis. East Carolina University has one of the most affordable online BS in Health Information Management programs available anywhere along the East Coast.
East Carolina University takes pride in knowing that students who need to continue their education can turn to them to finish earning their degrees. The ability to continue working while attending online classes offers valuable work experience they may not have gotten if forced to sit in a classroom.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
East Carolina University’s BS in Health Information Management
9. Ferris State University
Ferris State University can provide students with the most affordable BS in Health Information Management online degree programs in Central Michigan. Every degree program provides valuable information about the storage, retrieval, and transmission of confidential patient information. The goal is to ensure that each student who earns their Bachelor’s degree is capable of performing every task that is asked of them once they are working in an office setting and handling massive amounts of patient information. Ferris State University offers one of the most affordable BS in Health Information Management programs in the area.
Ferris State University is well-known for its dedication to its students. By developing online degree programs that students can complete on their own terms, the University allows students to remain on the job gaining additional work experience they may need once they complete their degree program.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
Ferris State University BS in Health Information Management
10. Augusta University
Augusta University provides an affordable online BS in Health Information Management degree program that allow them to achieve their goals and move forward in their chosen careers. Students who enroll in the HIM degree programs get the skills they need to manage the information their office uses on a regular basis as well as how to work with the advanced systems that are used to keep the confidential information secure and protected. For many years, Augusta University has offered the most affordable BS in Health Information Management online programs throughout Georgia.
Augusta University is one of the most popular colleges in terms of what degree programs are offered and for the option to take those programs online. Students who can’t afford to take time off of work can attend the University’s degree programs and still continue to work and care for their families.
Degree: BS in Health Information Administration
Augusta University BS in Health Information Management
Is Health Information Management a Good Career Choice?
When considering the answer to is health information management a good career choice, a person needs to consider the health information management salary as well as the scope of the profession.
If a person is searching “health information management degree worth it,” it’s important to look at the outlook of the profession. Fortunately, a majority of healthcare degree career paths are highly in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that the jobs for health information technicians are expected to grow from 2018 to 2028 by 11 percent. This growth is greater than the average career. Therefore, if a person is wondering is health information management a good career choice, there are definitely positions available, and they’re only expected to grow in number. In other words, if a person wants a job with job security and is asking “is health information degree worth it,” it is.
Another aspect of determining whether this career path is ideal for a person is to look at the salary for health information management. The BLS states that the median pay or average health information management salary for a technician is $40,350 per year. This salary for health information management is equivalent to $19.40 per hour. Keep in mind, the health information management salaries are higher in certain areas. For instance, New Jersey is the state with the highest paying health information management salaries. The median health information management salary there is $54,020 annually or $25.97 hourly.
This particular area of interest is beneficial for those who want to work in the medical field but don’t want to work hands on with patients. They still get to help others but without the need to handle blood and other bodily functions.
What are the Best States to Work in Health Information Management?
Some states offer health information management professionals more opportunities. They’re able to remain employed because of the number of positions in that state. For instance, in California, there were 21,970 positions for this field in 2018, which is the highest level of employment for this profession when compared to other states. Other states that have a high level of jobs include Ohio, Texas, Florida, and New York. Because of the number of healthcare facilities, Detroit, IL and Philadelphia, PA also have a high level of employment.
Another vital aspect to consider when choosing a place to live is the health information management salary range. A person must consider the health information management salary by state. A person must also consider the fact that they can progress in the field from a technician to a manager while some people can obtain a management position immediately out of school.
The average health information management careers salary is $113,730 per year, which is the same as $54.68 per hour. However, the health information salary management range is great. The bottom 10 percent of earners make $58,680 annual, which is the same as $28.21 per hour. The top 10 percent of earners make $182,600, which is the same as $87.79.
The health information management salary by state is also a great difference. The top earners are in the District of Columbia, where individuals earn an average of $145,760 per year. The health information management careers salary in the second top-paying state is $143,030 annually, which is in New York.
How Much Can I Expect to Make Out of School?
Finding a job immediately after school is possible since this career is highly in demand. For instance, a person can find a job in hospitals, physicians’ offices, nursing facilities, or outpatient care centers. Basically, anywhere that’s a medical facility is in need of individuals to manage their healthcare system.
Before taking on a management position, a person may need to start as a technician, where he or she can gain valuable knowledge about health information systems and the healthcare field in general. The health information management starting salary for these individuals is usually around $40,000 per year. This varies based on the state a person is in. For instance, if a person searches, “how much is a health information management salary,” a person will find that California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia are among the states with the highest salary of health information management professionals. In these states, someone can expect to earn over $50,000 per year just starting out. Therefore, the average health information management hourly salary is equal to at least $24.00 per hour. However, in lower-paying states, the health information management hourly salary is around $18.00 per hour.
Fortunately, once a person gains experience, a person can earn a substantially higher salary than the health information management starting salary. In fact, it’s possible to take on a management role and earn over $100,000 per year in many states. In other words, “how much is health information management salary” depends on a location and the position a person takes on.
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