Health Information Management

Learn how to:

• Apply critical thinking skills and other affective skills to entry-level professional opportunities
• Effectively lead and manage within organizations
• Apply diverse knowledge in data analytics, project management, electronic health record implementation, reimbursement and standards to HIM-related careers across various settings
• Use knowledge of federal regulations and standards to maintain the privacy and security of patient data
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
• Apply knowledge of Coding Classification Systems to support and achieve maximum coding accuracy and reimbursement for a healthcare organization
• Serve as a bridge between practitioners, administration, information technology professionals and external standard setting and accrediting agencies.
• Analyze and provide research data and operational reports to other health professionals, administrators and external agencies
• Develop and formulate policies and procedures to integrate technology and identify processes and systems to monitor and evaluate the accuracy and retrieval of computerized medical information
• Adapt to new methods of capturing, storing, and electronically assessing healthcare information

HIM Mission & Philosophy

Our Mission

The primary purpose of the HIM program is to provide the academic foundation necessary to prepare students to be competent health information professionals and meet the entry-level competencies that will enable them to apply management and problem-solving skills to every aspect of a medical/health record information system, regardless of the setting or environment. In addition, enhance the visibility of the health information profession provide continuing education, support, and consultation for health care professionals in our community.

Our Philosophy

It is the belief of Coppin HIM faculty that excellence in teaching, research, continuing service to the community, an emphasis on ethical, professional behavior, a high-quality academic program that offers innovative curricula and the latest advancements in technology, will prepare students for new workforce careers in a global economy. We educate and empower a diverse student body to lead by the force of its ideas to become critical, creative, and compassionate citizens of the community and leaders of the world, with a heart for lifelong learning and dedicated public service.

Our Health Information Management program provides students with the knowledge and skills to become capable health information management professionals. Coursework emphasizes applying theory to practice. We focus on preparing graduates to meet demands of entry-level positions where they can apply management and problem solving principles to every aspect of medical and health information systems, regardless of environment.

The cohort model of the program helped me learn how to work in a team and more about various settings in our community. The willingness of my colleagues and faculty to connect and assist each other was extraordinary! It helped me foster a strong network in our profession.

~ Moses Asiedu, First Graduating Class, 2009

Health Information (HI) professionals provide reliable and valid information that drives the healthcare industry. Students graduating from this program are specialists in managing patient data, ensuring access and data integrity to authenticated users, coding and classifying data for reimbursement and research, analyzing information that supports decision-making, protecting patient privacy, providing information security, and enhancing the quality and uses for data within health information computer systems.

There is more information about major requirements in the Program Requirements section on this page.

Admission Requirements

Any student interested in declaring as a Health Information Management major must have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. The application process has several steps, and requires you to submit application materials to both the Office of Admissions and the College of Health Professions Academic Success Office (formerly the STAR Office). Be sure to pay attention to where you must submit any required documentation.

To be considered for admission to the Health Information Management undergraduate program, submit the following:

• Online application
• Letter of interest/personal statement
• 3 letters of recommendation. Submit to the CHP’s Academic Success Center only.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended. For students who have completed any education in a college or university outside of the U.S or related territory, be sure to submit a course-by-course evaluation by an approved evaluation agency. Submit all official transcripts to the Office of Admissions and the CHP’s Academic Success Center.

Important Dates to Remember

• December 1st is Early Decision deadline
• February 1st is Final Decision deadline

Welcome Pre-Nursing Transfer Students!

Many of the HIM requirements during the first 2 years of this program are similar to pre-requisite courses for the School of Nursing. If you have started in our undergraduate Nursing program, and are currently exploring other health-related careers, consider how a HIM career positions you for the healthcare industry and beyond.

The Department is very serious about supporting our students. Each new HIM student receives academic counseling to help prepare for admission to the program’s professional coursework.

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, students must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours split among General Education Requirements (GERs), course prerequisites, and major courses. Expand each section below to see the range of course offerings.

General Education Requirements (GERs)

Students must complete 40 GER credits. Specifically for Health Information Management majors, your program plan should also include:

Core Courses (16 credits)