What Can You Do With a Health Information Management Degree in 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

In 2023, the US employed approximately 756,000 medical and health services managers, a workforce vital to efficient healthcare delivery. Many in these roles hold a Health Information Management (HIM) degree, which blends healthcare knowledge with expertise in data management, compliance, and technology. This educational foundation supports decision-making and ensures accurate, secure patient information, which are core functions in modern healthcare systems.

In this article, I will discuss the salary potential and job growth for those with a health information management degree. I will also explore advanced career pathways and strategies to maximize earning potential in this expanding field.

Key Things You Should Know About Health Information Management Degrees

A health information management degree typically takes four years to complete at the bachelor’s level, though accelerated and associate-level options are also available.
Graduates are prepared for roles in managing healthcare data, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leveraging technology to improve patient care.
HIM programs provide a foundation for advanced certifications or graduate study in fields like health informatics or healthcare administration, expanding career and salary potential.

What are the top specializations in health information management? Specializations
What jobs can you get with a health information management degree? Job Options
Are remote jobs available for health information management graduates? Are remote jobs available for health information management graduates?
What is the average salary with a health information management degree? Average Salary
How can I maximize my earning potential in health information management? How can I maximize my earning potential in health information management?
How can I transition to health information management from another career? How can I transition to health information management from another career?
Is a health information management degree worth it for career advancement? Is a health information management degree worth it for career advancement?
What alternative career paths can I pursue with a health information management degree? Career Paths
What are the best certifications for health information management professionals? Certifications
What soft skills are important for health information management professionals? What soft skills are important for health information management professionals?
What are the top emerging trends in health information management? Trends
Other Things You Should Know About Health Information Management Degrees Other Things You Should Know About Health Information Management Degrees

What are the top specializations in health information management?

Health Information Management (HIM) offers diverse specializations that allow students to align their careers with both personal interests and evolving industry needs. This flexibility is especially valuable in a field that’s growing at an incredible pace.

In 2024, the global healthcare information system market was worth $522.01 billion. By 2030, it is expected to more than double, reaching $1,117.59 billion with a CAGR of 13.59% from 2025 to 2030. North America, which accounted for over 52% of global revenue in 2024, continues to stand out as a key hub for innovation, career growth, and emerging opportunities in the industry.

As healthcare providers increasingly adopt advanced Healthcare Information Systems (HIS), such as population health management tools, specialists who understand these systems are in high demand. These tools enhance disease prevention and management, improving patient outcomes and leading to significant cost savings for healthcare organizations.

Some of the top HIM specializations aspiring professionals can look into include:

Medical Coding and Classification: Focuses on accurately translating medical diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes like ICD-10, CPT, and soon ICD-11. This specialization is critical for billing, insurance claims, and data analytics.
Health Data Analytics: Specializes in extracting meaningful insights from large datasets to improve clinical outcomes, optimize operations, and support research. It blends data science techniques with healthcare knowledge.
Information Governance and Compliance: Emphasizes policies and procedures to ensure health data is managed securely, complies with legal regulations (e.g., HIPAA), and supports ethical secondary data use.
Health Informatics: Bridges clinical practice and IT by managing electronic health records (EHRs), implementing health IT systems, and facilitating interoperability between platforms.
Privacy and Security Management: Focuses on protecting patient data from unauthorized access or breaches through encryption, access controls, and risk management strategies.
Healthcare Administration: Combines HIM expertise with leadership skills to oversee health information departments, manage teams, and align information services with organizational goals.

These specializations reflect the expanding scope of HIM as digital transformation reshapes healthcare delivery. With the market’s rapid growth and shift toward advanced data-driven solutions, choosing one today, especially through fast-track online HIM degree programs, can open the door to long-term career growth and competitive salaries.

What jobs can you get with a health information management degree?

A degree in HIM equips graduates with a unique blend of healthcare knowledge, data management expertise, and technological skills that make them valuable across a broad spectrum of the healthcare industry. This combination allows professionals to work at the intersection of patient care and information systems to ensure health data is accurate, secure, and leveraged to improve outcomes.

Health information management graduates often find opportunities such as:

Health Information Technologist: Organizes, maintains, and manages patient health data to ensure accessibility and accuracy.
Medical Coder: Assigns codes to patient records to facilitate billing, insurance claims, and statistical analysis. For those interested in this role, learning how to become a medical coder involves gaining specialized training in coding systems and often obtaining certification to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Data Analyst in Healthcare: Analyzes health data to identify trends, improve patient outcomes, and support decision-making.
Clinical Documentation Specialist: Ensures that healthcare providers’ documentation meets quality, compliance, and coding standards.
Health Information Manager: Oversees the operation of health information systems and teams within healthcare organizations.
Privacy Officer: Manages compliance with privacy laws and protects sensitive patient information.
EHR Implementation Specialist: Leads the deployment and optimization of electronic health record systems.

These positions are especially concentrated in hospitals, the largest employer of medical and health services managers, accounting for 30% of roles. Another 12% work in offices of physicians, with others employed by insurance companies, government agencies, and consulting firms. This distribution highlights the versatility of an HIM degree across different healthcare settings.

This chart from the US BLS shares the largest employers of medical and health services managers.

Are remote jobs available for health information management graduates?

Digital health technologies opened new doors for health information management graduates. As hospitals, clinics, and health organizations increasingly rely on secure digital systems to manage patient data, many HIM responsibilities can now be carried out entirely online. This means that graduates no longer need to be tied to a physical office to make a meaningful impact.

Remote opportunities are particularly abundant in roles centered on data analysis, coding, and health IT. In these fields, work can be performed efficiently with secure, cloud-based tools. For many professionals, this environment is ideal for those considering a career in cloud computing, as managing, storing, and securing health data remotely requires skills directly transferable to cloud-based IT roles.

Remote Medical Coding: Coders review and code patient records from any location using secure digital platforms.
Health Data Analyst: Analysts often work off-site, leveraging data visualization and analytics tools to generate actionable reports for healthcare providers.
EHR Consultant: Specialists support healthcare organizations in implementing and optimizing electronic health records through virtual collaboration.
Compliance and Privacy Officer: These professionals ensure adherence to data protection standards while working remotely through secure communication systems.

What is the average salary with a health information management degree?

The earning potential for professionals with a health information management degree is strong. Salaries vary significantly based on factors such as job title, years of experience, geographic location, and the complexity of the role.

In the US, the average annual salary for a medical and health services manager, a common career path for HIM graduates, is $95,625. This equates to $45.97 per hour, $1,838 per week, or $7,968 per month.

For those pursuing advanced education, a master's in health informatics salary tends to be higher, reflecting specialized skills in managing health IT systems and data analytics. Top-paying regions can also offer considerably higher compensation. For instance, professionals in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, average $129,032 annually, while those in Nome, Alaska, earn around $118,623.

These figures highlight not only the financial rewards of the profession but also how location and demand for healthcare leadership and information management can drive earnings well above the national average.

The chart below from ZipRecruiter highlights the top states offering the highest salaries for medical and health services managers.

How can I maximize my earning potential in health information management?

The demand for skilled HIM professionals is growing as we continue to embrace digital transformation. Maximizing your earning potential in health information management demands strategic career development.

To navigate this evolving landscape, you need to proactively build your expertise, pursue relevant certifications, and develop leadership abilities. Below are practical, actionable strategies designed to help you advance in your profession, broaden your skill set, and position yourself for top-tier earnings in the dynamic HIM field.

Pursue Advanced Degrees: Zippia reports that 43.8% of medical and health services managers hold advanced degrees. That said, you should earn a master's in Health Informatics or Healthcare Administration to open doors to leadership and specialized roles.
Obtain Professional Certifications: Credentials like Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), and Certified Professional Coder (CPC) enhance your qualifications.
Gain Experience in High-Demand Specializations: Skills in data analytics, privacy management, or EHR implementation are highly sought after.
Develop Leadership Skills: Take on supervisory roles and demonstrate project management abilities.
Stay Current with Industry Trends: Engage in continuous learning about emerging technologies and regulatory changes.
Network Actively: Connect with professionals through associations like AHIMA to learn about job openings and career advice.

If you’re just starting out, it also helps to understand broader career pathways in healthcare. For example, exploring what can you do with a health science bachelor's degree reveals how foundational skills in health sciences can lead to roles in education, public health, administration, and data management—many of which overlap with health information management and provide a stepping stone to higher earnings.

How can I transition to health information management from another career?

A career change into health information management is more accessible than ever, especially for professionals coming from healthcare, IT, or administrative backgrounds. With the healthcare industry increasingly relying on digital data and technology, HIM offers a promising pathway for those eager to blend clinical knowledge with information management skills.

Many HIM programs now offer flexible online options designed specifically to accommodate working adults and career changers. This makes it easier to gain the expertise needed without disrupting your current commitments.

To successfully make the transition to health information management, consider these key steps:

Evaluate Your Existing Skills: Identify which of your current abilities. Be it data handling, healthcare experience, or IT knowledge, it can be applied directly to HIM roles.
Pursue Relevant Education: Enroll in accredited HIM degree or certificate programs, or consider an accelerated computer science degree, to build a strong foundation in health data management and coding.
Obtain Certifications: Earn credentials like the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) to demonstrate your professional qualifications and boost your employability.
Gain Practical Experience: Look for internships, volunteer positions, or entry-level jobs to develop hands-on skills and understand real-world HIM workflows.
Leverage Professional Networks: Join professional organizations, attend HIM industry events, and connect with mentors to expand your opportunities.
Highlight Adaptability: Showcase your willingness and ability to learn new healthcare technologies and stay compliant with evolving regulations.

Is a health information management degree worth it for career advancement?

A health information management degree provides expertise in healthcare data, coding, compliance, and technology, skills vital to modern healthcare operations. Beyond technical knowledge, it fosters an understanding of patient privacy laws, data analytics, and health informatics so graduates can manage and safeguard critical health information.

Some of the benefits of pursuing a health information management degree include:

Access to Growing Job Markets: The US BLS projects HIM roles, including medical and health services managers, to grow 29% from 2023 to 2033 due to healthcare expansion and digital recordkeeping needs.
Pathway to Leadership: HIM degrees prepare graduates for roles such as health information director, compliance manager, or chief privacy officer.
Foundation for Advanced Study: Graduates can seamlessly pursue master’s programs in health informatics, healthcare administration, or public health. This opens doors to diverse health informatics careers and further specialization.
Versatility Across Settings: HIM expertise is sought in hospitals, insurance companies, government health departments, research institutions, and health tech startups.
Competitive Salaries: Advanced HIM education can lead to top-tier salaries, with some managerial roles earning over $120,000 annually.
Job Security: Rising electronic health record adoption and regulatory demands keep HIM professionals in consistent, high demand.

What alternative career paths can I pursue with a health information management degree?

A HIM degree offers remarkable flexibility that enables professionals to branch out into diverse and rewarding roles beyond traditional coding and records management. This adaptability is especially valuable in a field where medical and health services managers, whose average age is 45.9, often bring years of experience to leadership and strategic positions.

As healthcare becomes increasingly data-driven, HIM graduates can leverage their expertise to make an impact across various sectors, such as:

Health Data Scientist: Analyzes complex health datasets to support clinical, operational, and strategic decision-making. You can further enhance your skills by completing one of the cheapest online data science masters programs.
Health IT Specialist: Implements and maintains technology systems that improve healthcare delivery and information accessibility.
Compliance Officer: Ensures organizations adhere to healthcare regulations and protect patient privacy.
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist: Improves the accuracy, clarity, and completeness of medical records for better care and compliance.
Healthcare Consultant: Advises organizations on optimizing information management, workflows, and digital transformation strategies.
Project Manager: Oversees projects aimed at enhancing health information processes, systems, and adoption rates.
Educator or Trainer: Teaches HIM concepts and skills to students, clinicians, and administrative staff.

What are the best certifications for health information management professionals?

The competition in the healthcare environment never sleeps. Earn professional certifications to demonstrate your expertise, stay current with industry standards, and increase your career opportunities in health information management.

Certifications validate your skills and show employers your commitment to quality and ongoing professional development. Remember, the right credentials can set you apart and open doors to higher-level roles and better salaries. For many professionals, exploring what can you do with an IT certification alongside health information credentials can also be beneficial, since technical certifications in cybersecurity, data management, or cloud computing complement HIM skills and expand your career options.

Here are some of the top certifications you can pursue as a HIM professional:

Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA): Designed for those overseeing health information management departments and responsible for strategic planning and compliance.
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT): Focuses on practical skills in medical coding, data accuracy, and record maintenance.
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): Recognized for expertise in inpatient and outpatient medical coding across various healthcare settings.
Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA): Concentrates on analyzing healthcare data to support decision-making and improve clinical outcomes.
Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS): Specializes in managing patient data privacy, security policies, and regulatory compliance.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC): A widely respected credential for professionals working specifically in medical billing and coding.

What soft skills are important for health information management professionals?

In HIM, technical proficiency is essential, but it’s often soft skills that distinguish top performers. These skills shape how professionals interact with teams, navigate challenges, and uphold the integrity of healthcare data.

In this field where regulations evolve rapidly, technologies advance continuously, and accuracy is non-negotiable, soft skills enable HIM professionals to bridge the gap between clinical, administrative, and technical functions. Below are the essential skills for health information management professionals:

Attention to Detail: Ensures precision in data entry, coding, and compliance auditing to maintain the integrity of health records.
Analytical Thinking: Supports the evaluation of complex datasets to detect trends, resolve discrepancies, and guide informed decisions.
Communication: Enables effective collaboration with clinicians, IT teams, and administrators. With 82% of managers in constant contact with others, strong interpersonal skills are essential.
Adaptability: Equips professionals to adjust quickly to changing technologies, standards, and healthcare regulations.
Ethical Judgment: Safeguards patient confidentiality and guides responsible handling of sensitive health information.
Leadership: Drives the coordination of teams, mentoring of staff, and execution of strategic projects.
Time Management: Allows for efficient prioritization of tasks while meeting deadlines in high-pressure environments.

importance of interpersonal skills in health information management

What are the top emerging trends in health information management?

Health information management is evolving rapidly as advancements in healthcare technology transform how patient data is collected, analyzed, and used. HIM professionals must stay current with emerging trends to lead innovation, enhance data accuracy, and ensure health information supports better clinical outcomes and operational efficiency.

By understanding and adapting to these changes, these professionals can shape the future of healthcare delivery. When we embrace new technologies and approaches, we improve data management and open doors to expanded career opportunities and increased professional influence within the healthcare ecosystem.

Here are some of the most important trends shaping HIM today:

Big Data and Advanced Analytics: Harnessing vast healthcare datasets to create predictive models that enhance personalized patient care and operational efficiency.
Implementation of ICD-11: Transitioning to the latest International Classification of Diseases version improves global consistency and coding accuracy.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence: Employing AI to automate coding processes, identify data anomalies, and assist in clinical decision-making.
Focus on Information Governance: Strengthening data security policies and compliance frameworks to protect sensitive patient information from growing cyber threats.
Expansion of Telehealth Data Management: Managing health data generated from remote monitoring devices and virtual care platforms, which have surged in use.
Interoperability Initiatives: Enhancing seamless data exchange across various healthcare systems to improve coordination and patient outcomes.
Growth of Remote HIM Roles: Enabled by cloud technologies and secure networks, more HIM professionals work remotely, increasing flexibility and access to talent.

As artificial intelligence continues to take root in healthcare, many professionals are exploring masters in artificial intelligence jobs, which often overlap with HIM through roles focused on data analytics, predictive modeling, and AI-driven process automation. This crossover highlights how expertise in both AI and health information management can unlock high-demand positions at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

What Health Information Management Degree Graduates Say About Their Careers

Maan: "Earning my health information management degree gave me the skills to navigate healthcare data, coding, and compliance confidently. The coursework was challenging yet practical, preparing me for a role with real impact in patient care systems. I feel proud to be part of a field that’s growing so rapidly."

Jazzy: "Studying health information management opened doors I never imagined. Now, I work in a leadership role for a hospital network. I gained both technical expertise and a strong understanding of healthcare operations, which made me a valuable asset right after graduation. "

Aden: "My HIM degree allowed me to combine my interest in healthcare with my passion for technology. The program sharpened my analytical skills and gave me the confidence to handle complex data management tasks in high-pressure environments. It was truly life-changing for my career."

Key Findings

The average annual pay for a medical and health services manager in the US is $95,625, reflecting strong earning potential.
The average age for professionals in this role is 45.9 years, suggesting it is often a career built on prior experience.
Employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow 29% from 2023 to 2033, indicating significant demand.
Two Rivers, Wisconsin, offers the highest average salary for this role at $129,032 per year. This suggests that the area has strong demand for experienced medical and health services managers.
About 82% of medical and health services managers are in constant contact with others, highlighting the people-focused nature of the role.

Other Things You Should Know About Health Information Management Degrees

How do HIM careers compare to nursing or public health careers?

HIM careers focus on managing healthcare data, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and secure access, rather than direct patient care. Unlike nursing or public health, HIM roles are primarily administrative and technology-driven, offering opportunities in diverse settings such as hospitals, insurance, and government agencies.

How is the shift to electronic health records impacting HIM jobs?

The move to electronic health records (EHRs) has increased demand for HIM professionals skilled in data management, privacy laws, and system integration. This shift creates more opportunities in IT collaboration, compliance oversight, and analytics within healthcare organizations.

Do HIM programs include medical coding training?

Most HIM degree programs include medical coding courses covering ICD, CPT, and HCPCS systems. These skills prepare graduates for roles in coding, auditing, and compliance, which are essential in accurate healthcare billing and reporting.

Are internships required for HIM graduation?

Many HIM programs require internships or practicums to provide hands-on experience in real healthcare environments. These placements help students apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills, and build connections in the industry.