RHIA Overview

Registered Health Information Administrators (RHIAs) are skilled in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems, collecting and analyzing patient data, and using classification systems and medical terminologies. They possess comprehensive knowledge of medical, administrative, ethical and legal requirements and standards related to healthcare delivery and the privacy of protected patient information. RHIAs manage people and operational units, participate in administrative committees, and prepare budgets. They interact with all levels of organizations - clinical, financial, administrative, and information system - that employ patient data in decision-making and everyday operations.

RHIA Career Opportunities

RHIAs enjoy job placements in a broad range of settings that span the continuum of healthcare including hospitals, multispecialty clinics and physician practices, long-term care, mental health, and other ambulatory care settings. The profession has seen significant expansion in nonpatient care settings, with careers in managed care and insurance companies, software vendors, consulting services, government agencies, education, and pharmaceutical companies. Prospects are especially strong in these settings for RHIAs who possess advanced degrees in business or health administration.

RHIA Career Outlook

Career outlook and salary potential for RHIAs are excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in health information is expected to grow by 20% between 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than the average of all occupations.

RHIA Salary

RHIAs have excellent earning potential. According to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), entry-level salaries for RHIAs average $40K - $75K. Health managers with RHIA certification earn nearly $15K more than managers without RHIT certification and almost 60% of RHIA certified health managers earn over $50K.

Preparing for an RHIA Career

The RHIA credential is a national certification for health information administrators and managers. First, RHIA candidates must have a CAHIIM accredited bachelor's degree in Health Information Management. The baccalaureate degree curriculum has a strong foundation in general education and lays the groundwork for future advanced learning at the graduate level for those interested in pursuing advanced studies. At the professional coursework level, the baccalaureate degree curriculum requires in-depth knowledge and skills in data content and uses, healthcare systems, information systems analysis and design, selected information and communication technologies, statistical analysis and clinical data management, research and evaluation methods, and strategic management of information resources. The expertise of the baccalaureate degree graduate lies in the planning, analysis, design, and management of healthcare information resources and services. The focus is on preparing mid-level managers. Second, RHIA candidates must pass the national RHIA Certification Exam. This 4 hour exam consists of 180 multiple choice questions. The pass rate for first time test takers of the 2009 RHIA Certification exam was 70.6%. >> RHIA Exam Content (pdf)

RHIA Certification

Whether you are certified as an RHIT, RHIA, CCA, CCS, etc., earning an AHIMA credential puts you in a special league, positioning you as a leader and role model in the health informatics and information management community. Investing in AHIMA certification is an investment in yourself and your long-term career. AHIMA certification can help you:

• Improve your earning potential
• Open the door to more opportunities for career advancement
• Increase your job mobility and choices even in the face of a tough job market
• Reach not only your short-term job goals, but also position yourself for success in your long-term career
• Provide a foundation of broad and deep understanding
• Be associated with AHIMA's strong and long-standing reputation of integrity and excellence.
• Connect with a strong network of AHIMA-certified peers. Earning an AHIMA credential plugs you into a prestigious community of ongoing support. Although membership is not required in order to become AHIMA-certified, you can enhance your connection even more by becoming an AHIMA member. 

Advancing to RHIA Certification Pays Off
An AHIMA-sponsored study indicates that a health information manager with an RHIA certification earns nearly $15,000 more annual median salary than one with the RHIT certification. According to a member study conducted by AHIMA, only 25 percent of health information management professionals with a RHIT certification earn more than $50,000 annually, while almost 60 percent with an RHIA make more than $50,000.

Note: To be eligible for AHIMA's RHIA Certification exam, candidates must have completed a bachelor degree level health information management program accredited by CAHIIM.

DeVry University offers 7,500 scholarships up to $25 million each year to current and prospective students from the U.S. and Canada.

Health Information Management
Bachelor of Science

This CAHIIM accredited online degree program in Technical Management with a technical specialty in Health Information Management (HIM) provides the experience and knowledge students need to progress in their profession and take the RHIA certification exam. HIM students will learn about healthcare data security and privacy, health information systems, health information financial management, healthcare total quality management and more. Some of the positions available with a bachelor's degree include HIM Department Director, Health Information System Manager, Chief Privacy Officer, Clinical Data Specialist, Information Security Manager and Product Marketing Specialist. Graduates are eligible to sit for AHIMA's RHIA Certification exam.

• Health Information Technology - AAS
• Health Information Systems - BS

DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University operates as DeVry Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. AC0060. DeVry University is authorized for operation by the THEC. www.state.tn.us/thec. Nashville Campus - 3343 Perimeter Hill Dr., Nashville, TN 37211 Program availability varies by location.

Health Information Management
Bachelor of Science

This CAHIIM accredited program prepares students with the necessary skills and knowledge in the health information management field for management positions in a variety of health-related settings including hospitals, clinics, long-term care settings, consulting firms, government agencies, insurance companies and software vendors. A health information management professional is responsible for the management of health information systems consistent with medical, administrative, ethical and legal requirements of the healthcare delivery system. They are experts in coding and classification systems, managing patient health information, and administrating computer information systems. Individuals with interests in computer science, business administration, health science and healthcare administration are well-suited for a career in health information management. Upon completion of this degree, students are eligible to take AHIMA's Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification examination.

UC is ranked in the Top 100 Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report. UC is ranked in the Top 100 "Elite Values" in Higher Education List by Money Magazine.

Health Information Management
RHIT to RHIA Progression
Bachelor of Science

This CAHIIM accredited program provides a unique path for RHITs to obtain their BS in HIM in just 2 ¼ years. This program has been tailor-made for working RHITs who don't want to be bogged down with countless electives in their efforts to obtain a Bachelor's degree. The accelerated curriculum-made possible by an advanced network of support-prepares students to truly excel in the field. This RHIT progression program builds on the knowledge and skills acquired through prior education and work experience. Graduates of this program are equipped with the knowledge to take AHIMA's RHIA certification exam.

• Health Administration - MHA

Health Informatics
Bachelor of Science

This CAHIIM accredited Health Informatics BS Degree program combines concepts in healthcare, information technology, and leadership practice to provide students with the knowledge and skills to be a valuable designer, developer, and manager of health information systems. It is designed for healthcare and health information professionals seeking IT skills to move into health informatics as well as IT professionals seeking a career that combines healthcare, IT, and business. As part of the program, students can earn the two industry relevent certifications: CompTIA A+, CIW Database Design Specialist. The program proudly holds CAHIIM accreditation, which allows its graduates to become eligible for the AHIMA RHIA credentialing exam.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is ranked in the top 4% of 4,000 colleges and universities in the US by U.S. News & World Report. The University of Illinois at Chicago offers the first online graduate programs in the nation to receive CAHIIM accreditation.

Health Informatics
Master of Science

The CAHIIM accredited Master of Science in Health Informatics emphasizes the analysis, implementation and ongoing management of the critical factors that impact the successful selection and use of health care information technologies. This online degree program equips students with an academic foundation in health information sciences and the practical tools necessary to apply this knowledge.

• Gain insight into the resources and methods required to optimize the use of information technology in the areas of nursing, clinical care, pharmacy, public health and medical research.
• Examine the use and application of health care data and learn how it's collected into Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Examine health care information systems to discover how current information technology systems are used and implemented in health care organizations.
• Gain perspective on the dynamic role health information technology will play in the future of medical practice, nursing, and the healthcare industry as a whole.

The University of Illinois at Chicago Master of Science in Health Informatics program is the first master level degree program in the nation to receive CAHIIM accreditation. With supplemental coursework from UIC's HIM program, graduates are eligible to sit for AHIMA's RHIA Certification Exam.

Creighton University is Ranked #1 Regional Universities (Midwest) and #1 Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report.

IT Management / Healthcare Information Management
Master of Science

Technology touches every aspect of business, and graduates of the MS-ITM program are prepared to set the pace, bringing a values-centered perspective to the business world. The course of study provides a synergy between technology and management and is designed to meet the demands of the constantly evolving business-technology environment. Students will learn to be responsible leaders who will shape how information technology drives business success.

To control expenditures and continue providing quality health care, many medical facilities are turning to information technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The Health Information Management concentration of the online MS in Information Technology Management program combines business, IT and health care knowledge to create leaders who can manage the implementation of these IT solutions.

Health Information Management
Master of Science in IT

This Health Information Management master’s specialization offers health care-focused course work on information systems, databases, system security, data analysis, decision support, and strategic management, along with overviews of important IT and business topics. The curriculum follows the model curriculum of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and was developed to align with the criteria of the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information and Information Management (CAHIIM). It is designed to help you use information management and security to support efficient, accurate health care delivery and management. People who choose this specialization are often IT professionals pursuing health information management or consulting positions in hospitals, clinics, and health care systems.

Health Information Technology
Applied Associate of Science

Rasmussen's Health Information Technology AAS Degree program is accredited by CAHIIM and will prepare students to take the American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Graduates with HIT training understand the healthcare system and how to communicate well within a team setting. Graduates will be able to perform medical coding and billing, analyze data, use and understand scanning technology, navigate an electronic health record, manage a file room, and release medical information under appropriate circumstances. Key courses will include: Introduction to Heatlh Information Management, Basic ICD-9-CM Coding, Ambulatory Care Coding, and Quality Analysis & Management. Rasmussen's industry-seasoned instructors guide and mentor you throughout your curriculum to pass your RHIT exam, so you can further enhance your competitive advantage within the job market. As a Rasmussen College graduate, you can take your RHIT exam at no cost -- Rasmussen will cover your application fee.

• Medical Administration AAS
• Healthcare Management - BS

Health Information Management
Associate of Science

The CAHIIM accredited Health Information Management associate degree program will prepare the student to perform information management services that directly impact the quality of patient care. These functions include organizing, analyzing and technically evaluating health information; compiling various administrative and health statistics; coding diseases, operations, procedures and therapies; maintaining and using health information indexes; creating disease data registries; facilitating storage and retrieval of health data; utilizing computerized health data; and controlling the use and release of health information. Graduates of this program will be eligible to sit for AHIMA's RHIT certification exam.

• Health Administration - BS

Health Information Technology
Associate of Applied Science

If you are interested in health information data as it relates to patient care and the use of computers in this area, this program may be for you. The program blends online coursework with on-ground clinical experiences# and is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge, technical skills, and work habits required to pursue entry-level positions in the competitive and growing health information management field. This program requires a clinical practicum and unpaid externship in your area.

IT / Information Systems / Health Informatics
Bachelor of Science

Students of the health informatics specialization will examine data modeling and management for the twenty-first century health care industry. They will review the wide variety of health care information available, focusing on quality, laws, regulations, and standards. Students will learn to design and develop health care IT application components, and gain foundational IT knowledge to support smarter decision making.

• Healthcare Administration - BS (Advanced Start and BS to MHA Options Available)
• Healthcare Administration - MHA

Health Information Technology
Associate of Applied Science

NAU's CAHIIM Accredited Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology (HIT) is an excellent career choice if you see yourself working in the in-demand health care field, but not directly with patients. As a graduate of this program, it may be your job to verify the completeness and accuracy of medical records and data entry into computer systems to ensure medical record quality; to use technology to analyze for quality and efficiency of patient care; to code patient diagnoses and procedures for research or reimbursement purposes; or to work in specialized registries that maintain data for medical research. NAU's HIT AAS program holds accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) to allow graduates of the HIT program to be eligible to take the certification examination offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

• Healthcare Coding - Diploma
• Healthcare Management - BS
• Health Care Administration - MBA
• Management / Health Care Administration - MM
• Medical Staff Services Management - AAS