Health Information Management

Program Purpose: Students who complete Health Information Management courses will acquire the practical knowledge and skills to successfully utilize electronic record-keeping in health data collection, analysis, monitoring, maintenance, retrieval and reporting in accordance with quality principles, legal and regulatory standards and professional practice.

Health Information Management (HIM) is a profession dedicated to the management of health data. With the advent of electronic recordkeeping and advances in information technology, effective Health Information Management is not only critical to the delivery of health care to the public, but also essential to the utilization, financing, and management of the health care system itself.  The expansion in health information technology is opening a wide range of employment opportunities across all segments of the health industry. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a faster than average growth in the number of Health Information Management workers.

Health Information Management education provides distinct entry and exit points at each academic level, marking clear steps for career progression. The levels are: certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and masters degree. The HIM certificate completer is a Medical Coder.

Department Office Phone (805) 378-1433

Dean

Kim Hoffmans

Health Science Coordinator

Carol Higashida

 Medical Coding

To earn a Certificate in Medical Coding, students complete 34 specified units. Medical coders ensure that valid codes are applied to medical diagnoses and procedures to facilitate reimbursement, analysis of patient outcomes and research.

Full Catalog Information / Degree Information