School of Allied Health
334 Palmer Ave
Lewis-Beck Building Suite 306
Tallahassee, Florida 32307
About Health Informatics and Information Management
Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) is an allied health professional program that focuses on the integration of information technology and management for all types of health care facilities, organizations, and agencies. The health information manager combines knowledge of health care, health records, information management and administration to provide services, which meet the medical administrative, legal, ethical, regulatory and institutional requirements of the health care delivery system being served.
Curriculum The health informatics and information management curriculum is made up of two parts: the pre-professional curriculum and the professional curriculum. In the pre-professional program, the student will complete two years of basic science and general education courses. Then, the student will complete two years of intensive coursework in health informatics and information management. This experience includes, but is not limited to, laboratory and supervised clinical experiences at area health care facilities.
Clinical Experiences Each student, upon acceptance into the HIIM program, is required to participate in supervised learning experiences in the technical and administrative aspects of health informatics and information management in the Tallahassee and surrounding area health care facilities. The health informatics and information management student is also required to participate in a six-week management affiliation (internship) in a health care facility. The student's preferences of the choice of the facility are considered; however, the faculty reserves the right to select alternative affiliation sites which serve the best interests and needs of the student to complete the education requirements. Clearing a criminal background check is required prior to advancing to the clinical component of the curriculum.
Professional Credentials A bachelor of science degree is awarded upon completion of the curriculum. A graduate is eligible to take the national certification examination to become a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
Program Accreditation Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
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).
2011 Graduate Placement (graduates employed 91.3% a health information management related job or continuing their education)
2011 Graduate Survey Graduate Satisfaction (overall quality of 100% preparation as a health information management professional)
2011 Employer Survey Employer Satisfaction (overall quality of graduates 100% of FAMU’s HIIM Program)
Health Information Management Profession Links www.ahima.org “American Health Information Management Association" www.fhima.org “Florida Health Information Management Association” www.healthinformationcareers.com “The Health Information Management Profession"
Articles and Resources Highlighting HIIM Career and Workforce Issues
Professional Tasks and Working Environment Health Informatics and Information Management encompasses (a) understanding the impact technology has on people, (b) the development of new uses for technology, and (c) the application of information technology in the context of another field. Florida A&M University offers a B. S. degree in, Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM). This degree prepares graduates for informatics and information related roles in the health care delivery system.
RHIAs organize the evidence used in evidence-based medicine. They arm the provider with organized evidence to support patient care, reimbursement, teaching, research, quality improvement, and legal inquiries. Accomplished in the art and science of electronic information systems, these professionals serve as advocates of the patient-provider relationship and the information suppliers for the business side of evidence-based medicine.
Skills and Interests Most Suited to a Career in Health Informatics and Information Management HIIM professionals manage people and information. They must be able to supervise others, think logically, understand how systems function and interact, apply business theory for effective work processes, write and speak clearly, and discreetly handle confidential information. HIIM professionals who have interests in computer science, business administration, health science, and health care facility administration are well suited for a career in this career.
Employment and Career Opportunities Opportunities for a health information management career are excellent. HIM professionals are in demand now and the future outlook is equally as strong. HIM professionals enjoy a broad selection of job opportunities and options for professional growth. Based on your skills, education, and interests, here are some positions available to you:
With a Bachelor's Degree: · HIIM Department Director · HIIM System Manager · Data Quality Manager · Chief Privacy Officer · Information Security Officer · HIIM College Instructor · Consultant
Professionals work in a multitude of settings throughout the health care industry, from hospitals, clinics, insurance agencies, to software vendors.
Growth and Income HIIM professionals can expect to be in high demand as the health sector expands into the next century. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites health information technology as one of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the United States. On top of strong job prospects, competitive salaries also await HIM graduates. More than half of new HIIM graduates with a bachelor's degree start with salaries in the $30,000 to $50,000 range with an average of $42,000. By five years out, one can earn upwards of $50,000–$75,000 annually.
