What is Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM)?
Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) involves the study of the principles
and practices related to acquiring, analyzing, and safeguarding both digital and traditional
medical information. In essence, HIIM is an interdisciplinary field that blends business,
science, and information technology. Individuals working in this profession are referred to as Health Information (HI)
Professionals.
Prepare for a dynamic career at the intersection of health and technology with a focus
on data management and cybersecurity.
Why is Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) Important?
HIIM is essential for delivering high-quality patient care. It serves as a vital link
between clinicians, technology designers, and information technology, acting as the
valuable bridge between leadership and the management of health information in all
formats (paper, scanned, or electronic). HIIM professionals are also a key component
of the electronic health record (EHR) workforce.
Our program equips you with the knowledge to optimize health systems and improve the
delivery of care through tech-driven solutions.
The Integration of Health Information and Technology
Health informatics and Information Management also focuses on information systems,
informatics principles, and information technology as it is applied to the continuum
of healthcare delivery.
Technology enhances the availability of patient information, allowing multiple providers
to access it in real time, which leads to more efficient and higher-quality healthcare
services. This integration enables clinicians and decision-makers to make better-informed
decisions regarding patient diagnoses and treatment protocols, ultimately improving
outcomes. Additionally, technology advances data analysis, helping optimize staffing
efficiency, identify policy gaps in healthcare delivery, and track trends in public
health.
Gain practical experience and work with the latest tools and systems that are shaping
the future of healthcare.
Additional Roles of HI Professionals
HI professionals are essential in classifying diseases and treatments using standardized
systems. They also manage health data for financial and legal purposes within healthcare.
By overseeing medical data, HI professionals ensure the quality, integrity, security,
and protection of patients’ health information, directly contributing to patient care.
Join a program that prepares you to lead the way in improving healthcare efficiency,
accessibility, and quality through advanced technology solutions.
Health Information (HI) Career Areas:
Data Quality
Informatics
Data Analytics
Privacy, Risk, and Compliance
Consumer Health Informatics
What Job Titles Do HI Professionals Hold?
Health Information Director
Privacy Officer
Compliance Manager
HIM Operations Manager
Clinical Data Developer
Clinical Systems Analyst
Clinical Data Manager
Coding Auditor
Director of Revenue Cycle Management
Revenue Cycle Trainer
Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Educator
Credit Hours and Professional Practice Experience/Internship Opportunities
The curriculum has 120 credit hours covering Pre-professional and Professional Level courses. Students
gain hands-on experience in the real-world workforce through three key courses: HIM
3806, HIM 4816 (providing up to 64 hours of Professional Practice Experiences or mini-internships),
and HIM 4838 – Management Internship (offering up to 240 hours). Students can obtain
hands-on experience in various healthcare facilities and organizations, including
but not limited to hospitals, VA healthcare facilities, ambulatory care (physician
offices, outpatient care, etc.: insurance companies, state agencies, etc. Upon completing
the Baccalaureate program, graduates can take the national credentialing examination
through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to earn the
Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) management credential. Additionally,
students may qualify for the Medical Coding Certificate and the Health Information
Privacy and Security Certificate.
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
The Health Information Management accreditor of Florida A&M University is the Commission
on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
The University’s accreditation for Baccalaureate degree in Health Informatics and
Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2029. All inquiries about the program’s
accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street,
Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601, by phone at 312-235-3255, or by email at info@cahiim.org.
CAHIIM serves the public interest by establishing quality standards for the educational
preparation of future health information management professionals. When a program
is accredited by CAHIIM, it means that it has voluntarily undergone a rigorous review
process and has been determined to meet or exceed the accreditation standards.
The Health Informatics and Information Management B.S. degree program at Florida A&M
University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics
and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). CAHIIM is the accrediting organization
for degree granting programs in health informatics and information management. CAHIIM
serves the public interest by establishing quality standards for the educational preparation
of the future health information management professionals. When a program is accredited
by CAHIIM, it means that is has voluntarily undergone a rigorous review process and
has been determined to meet or exceed the accreditation standards.
Outcome Measures
In the 2022-2023 academic year, the Division of Health Informatics and Information
Management had a 100% graduation rate.
In the 2022-2023 academic year, the Division of Health Informatics and Information
Management had an employment rate of 94% employment rate (within one year of graduation).
ln the 2022-2023 academic year, the Division of Health Informatics and Information
Management had a 100% acceptance rate into a graduate program.
HIIM Certificate Programs
Note: All courses are not offered each semester.
Description of Certification
The Health Information Privacy and Security Certificate Program will assist the student
learn skills needed to apply the principles of privacy and security of data in the
health care industry.
Upon completion of the certificate program, the student will be able to:
Demonstrate a choice to focus and advance by specializing in the privacy and security
dimensions of health care
Denote competence in designing, implementing, and administering comprehensive privacy
and security protection programs in all types of health care organizations
Monitor an organization’s networks for security breaches and investigate a violation
when one occurs
Install and use software such as firewalls and data encryption programs to protect
sensitive information
Prepare reports that document security breaches and the extent of the damage caused
by the breaches
Research the latest IT security trends
Help plan and carry out an organization’s way of handling security
Develop security standards and best practices for the organization
Recommend security enhancements to management or senior IT staff
Help computer users when they need to install or learn about new security products
and procedures
Curriculum
Prior to beginning the curriculum, students must provide official proof that the following
course has been satisfactorily completed:
CGS 2060CE - Computer Literacy
MAN 2543 - Intro to Business Systems
Students who successfully complete the courses listed below with a "C" or better are
qualified to receive the Health Information Privacy and Security Certificate. Students
interested in receiving the Certificate must submit an application upon completion
of the required coursework.
HIM 3016 - Legal Aspects of Health Information Management (3 hours)
HIM 4465 - Healthcare Informatics (3 hours)
HIM 4656 - Health Information Systems (3 hours)
HIM 4426 - Health Information Privacy and Security
CIS 4360 - Introduction to Computer Security (3 hours)
Description of Certification
The Medical Coding Certificate Program will assist the student learn the basic skills
needed to become an entry-level coding professional. Coding professionals abstract
clinical data from health records and assign appropriate medical codes. These codes
are used for reimbursement, planning, and research.
Upon completion of the certificate program, the student will be able to:
Accurately apply diagnosis and procedure codes utilizing ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, and HCPCS
Interpret coding guidelines for accurate code assignment
Identify the importance of documentation on code assignment and the subsequent impact
on reimbursement
Practice AHIMA's Standards of Ethical Coding
Students who successfully complete the curriculum will receive a Medical Coding Certificate
and may choose to sit for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Certified Coding Associate (CCA).
Curriculum
Prior to beginning the curriculum, students must provide official proof that the following
pre-requisite courses have been satisfactorily completed:
HSC 3535 - Medical Terminology
BSC 2085 - Anatomy and Physiology I (lab not required)
BSC 2086 - Anatomy and Physiology II (lab not required)
Students who successfully complete the courses listed below with a "C" or better are
qualified to receive the Medical Coding Certificate. Students interested in receiving
the Certificate must submit an application upon completion of the required coursework.
HIM 3437 - Pathophysiology I (3 hours) OR NUR 3125 - Pathophysiology and Nursing Care (3 hours) OR PHA 3581 - Pathophysiology I (4 hours)
HIM 3438 - Pathophysiology II (3 hours) OR PHA 3583 - Pathophysiology II (4 hours)
HIM 4226 - Clinical Classifications and Terminologies I (3 hours)
HIM 4286 - Clinical Classifications and Terminologies II (3 hours)
The primary mission of the Division of HIIM is to improve health care delivery by
preparing graduates to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills in the management
of health informatics and information systems in the electronic age. Our mission encompasses
preparing graduates to promote and manage quality clinical documentation ensuring
confidential and secure electronic exchange of health data and conducting data analytics
to improve individual and population health, research, and education.
Furthermore, the mission of the Division of HIIM, in accordance with the mission of
the School of Allied Health Sciences, is to provide an enlightened and enriched academic,
intellectual, moral, cultural, ethical, technological, and student-centered environment
for the purpose of educating individuals to become competent allied health professionals
who are capable of:
Critical thinking
Comprehensive communication skills
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Analysis and involvement in research processes
Improving the health status of under-represented and underserved populations
Lifelong learning
This mission will be accomplished through the contributions of dedicated faculty and
staff that are capable of meeting student needs through inspired and creative teaching,
exemplary scholarship and meaningful public, community, and professional service at
local, state, national, and global levels. As a result, students will be prepared
to meet existing and emerging health care needs that will benefit the citizens of
Florida, the nation, and the world.
Vision
The Division of HIIM, as an exemplary health professions entity within the School
of Allied Health Sciences at Florida A&M University, is a provider of the highest
quality academic experience in the dynamic profession of health informatics and information
management at the undergraduate level.
The FAMU Student Health Informatics and Information Management Association (SHIIMA)
is the official campus organization representing health informatics and information
management majors. Any student who has been accepted as a major is eligible for membership.
The purpose of the SHIIMA is to provide service to the school, university, and profession;
to promote the profession to the campus community and general public; to promote involvement
in scholastic and professional aspects of the field of health informatics and information
management; and to provide the opportunity for fellowship among HIIM students. Meetings
are held at regular intervals throughout the year. The HIIM faculty encourages students
to attend these meetings and to participate in association activities.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) www.ahima.org
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM)
www.cahiim.org
Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) www.himss.org
