Bachelor Certificate in Health Information Management - BSCert HIM Online or On Campus

In harmony with the mission of Loma Linda University and the School of Allied Health Professions, the Department of Health Informatics and Information Management is dedicated to:

• Educating competent health information professionals
• Promoting the health information management profession
• Extending the current knowledge of health information professionals at neighboring healthcare facilities
• Challenging students and department faculty to maintain high standards of ethical and professional behavior
• Encouraging students and faculty to seek a meaningful relationship with God and a balanced Christian lifestyle

To prepare our graduates to be competent health information professionals through excellence in classroom instruction, professional practice experience, advisement, and mentoring with an emphasis on global service.

• Students understand and apply the laws of patient record confidentiality, privacy, and compliance
• Students demonstrate knowledge of health information technology and systems
• Students demonstrate and apply knowledge of the principles of personnel management
• Students develop a financial plan for a health information management department
• Students demonstrate mastery of the principles of health information management
• Students demonstrate mastery of the health information management curriculum

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Job opportunities continue to grow for HIAs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 22 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.” As the population ages, they will require more care. More care translates to more documentation
required and reimbursement for health care providers. “Additional records, coupled with widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs) by all types of health care providers, could lead to an increased need for technicians to organize and manage the associated information in all areas of the health care industry”
(www.bls.gov).

EARNINGS

Full-time salaries in the profession range from entry positions paying approximately $55,000-$70,000 to advanced positions paying up to $90,000+. Management positions may offer earnings as high as $150,000.

EMPLOYMENT

Health Information Administration provides job flexibility for the person seeking work in a variety of settings. Many are employed by hospitals and medical centers in large urban areas. Others work in small community hospitals in rural settings.

The job market is rapidly expanding outside of hospitals. New openings are available in home health agencies,long term care facilities, outpatient care, mental health facilities, private medical practices and clinics, insurance companies, health management organizations, commercial and industrial firms, governmental agencies, legal
offices, software vendors, and education.

For information about gainful employment for this program, please visit Gainful Employment Disclosure

Job positions include but are not limited to

This program is designed for the professional who has a bachelor’s degree. The program involves 6 quarters of instruction and clinical affiliations. The academic load varies between a total of 78 and 85 units depending on the student’s experience, as well as previous instruction received. The certificate qualifies graduates to sit for
the RHIA exam.

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university
2. Minimum GPA of 2.5
3. Complete all program prerequisites (listed below)
4. Complete the LLU application, including values and personal essays and submit application fee
5. Provide three letters of recommendation that indicate a strong academic background and professional
   readiness
6. Interview, if deemed necessary

• Medical Terminology*
• Intermediate Algebra (or 2 years of high school math with a grade of C or better)
• Business Communication
• Psychology course (one course)
• Anatomy & Physiology (complete sequence)*

*Courses offered at Loma Linda University

Applicants who have comparable education or experience maybe be able to gain credit toward certificate by
equivalence or evaluation of credit on an individual basis.

Program Outline - 85 total units

85 Total Units x $420 per unit = $35,700

• Certification Exam Pass Rates: 100%

• Acceptance into Graduate Programs: 100%

• Retention Rate: 100% 

• Reported an overall positive LLU experience: 100%

• Reported receiving a quality education: 100%

The following links will provide information regarding the cost of the certificate, financing available, median debt, normal time frame for completion, and job placement rates for students that have completed this program. To view this information click on the links below.

• Gainful Employment Disclosure

The Health Information Administrator (HIA) manages health information systems that serve the needs of patients, the health care team, and the administrative staff. It is an excellent career choice for the person who would like to have a profession in health care that combines interests in data analytics, computer science, business, management,informatics, law, and medicine. This unique mixture provides the HIA with great opportunities in a variety of
different settings and job titles along with substantial income.

Health Information Administrators have opportunities to assist in the development and implementation of health information systems for quality patient care, financial reimbursement, medical research, health care planning, and health care quality evaluation. Others responsibilities include privacy, security, and data governance.
One of the many career options chosen by HIAs is the management of a health information department. In this position, managers evaluate and motivate employees, provide leadership in department planning and organizing, determine department policies, and budget department resources. Managers are also involved in decision making and healthcare committees.