The Growing Importance of Health Information Management
The growing complexity of healthcare technology, along with the increasing demand for electronic health records (EHRs), has resulted in an exponential surge in demand for health information management professionals. The healthcare industry is experiencing a significant shift from paper-based records to advanced healthcare information systems to streamline operations, improve care delivery and outcomes, and reduce costs. Healthcare providers need the expertise of skilled professionals who can manage this transition effectively, and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management (HIM) can help professionals gain the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in this exciting field.
Reasons Why a Bachelor’s Degree in HIM is In-Demand
Here are the top 5 reasons why a Bachelor’s degree in HIM is in high demand:
1. Greater Opportunities for Career Advancement
A Bachelor’s degree in HIM comes with an array of career opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies, and consulting firms. Graduates often find themselves in leadership and management roles, such as HIM Director, Compliance Officer, Privacy Officer, Chief Information Officer, and Project Manager. These roles come with higher levels of responsibility, prestigious job titles, and better compensation packages.
2. Strong Job Market
The demand for healthcare-related professionals is increasing at an unprecedented rate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health information professionals is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in HIM have a competitive edge as employers prefer employees with bachelor’s degrees in this field.
3. Greater Need for Security and Compliance
The protection of patient data has become a crucial topic for healthcare facilities over recent years. Industry regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the HITECH act have increased the penalties for data breaches. Therefore, healthcare providers need professionals who can effectively manage and secure confidential healthcare information better. A Bachelors degree in HIM offers students unique career opportunities to work in healthcare compliance and security, making them equipped to integrate the timely implementation of National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines in their workplace.
4. Exciting Technological Advancements
Technology continues to play a critical role in the healthcare industry. Health information management professionals continue to refine and build on the electronic health record systems for better patient outcomes. Individuals who obtain a Bachelors degree in HIM will be well-versed in the latest technology advancements, including specialized healthcare software, coding, and implementation techniques. Such individuals will have learned about the industry’s standard practices, such as Clinical Documentation Improvement, Electronic Data Interchange, and ICD-11 implementation.
5. Valuable Cross-Disciplinary Skills
The curriculum in a Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management covers various fields, including information technology, management, healthcare, and medical coding. Therefore, students can expect to develop competencies in diverse areas, such as project management, process improvement, leadership, analytics, and risk management. All these skills are valuable and can prepare students to take advantage of opportunities in other professions unrelated to healthcare.
The Bottom Line
The demand for health information management professionals continues to increase, and obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in HIM can open doors to a rewarding and lucrative career path. As technology advances continue to impact the healthcare industry, these professionals will be at the forefront of developing more efficient and effective healthcare delivery systems. In summary, HIM is an in-demand field, and a bachelor’s degree in HIM can prepare students for the future of healthcare.
