HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

About Us

Alabama State University offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management (HIM). Health Information Management is the profession that focuses on healthcare data and the management of healthcare information resources. The profession addresses health informatics which requires knowledge of clinical medicine; the computer-based patient record; healthcare database administration; computerized clinical information systems; coding and classification systems; quality and human resource management; the legal aspects of health information systems, including the laws and regulations governing the release of health information to healthcare providers, researchers, educators, third party payers and regulatory and accrediting agencies. The health information system supports the needs of patients, healthcare professionals, administrators, the community, and those involved in research and education.

Program graduates are eligible to apply to write the national qualifying examination for certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

The program is accredited by the commission on accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

AHIMA’s link is www.ahima.org and is located at 233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2150, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Phone: (312) 233-1100; Fax: (312) 233-1090. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Health Information Management is to prepare students who will demonstrate the entry-level competencies for health information administrators and possess basic skills in leadership, critical thinking, interpersonal and professional communications, and application of technology in the management of information resources in diverse practice environments. Students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of different moral, social and ethical behaviors that are reflected by a culturally diverse society and to participate in life-long learning activities that enhance their personal and professional goals.

In support of the mission, the objectives include the following:

1) To promote understanding of the Health Information Management field by providing a comprehensive liberal arts foundation that includes knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, medical sciences, computer information systems, healthcare delivery systems and research.

2) To provide knowledge of the origin and development of the Health Information Management (formerly called Medical Record Administration) profession and learning experiences throughout the curriculum that facilitate the understanding of Health Information Management processes, values, and ethics, for use in professional practice.

3) To provide theory and practice in the development of critical thinking skills.

4) To promote personal initiative in life-long learning and career planning.

5) To provide educational experiences which encourages effective communication through language arts skills in speaking, reading, writing and listening.

6) To provide opportunities to analyze, formulate and articulate appropriate communication patterns.

7) To provide professional practice (clinical/field) instruction in a variety of traditional and alternative healthcare settings.

8) To provide collaborative learning experiences which promote the accomplishment of goals through interdisciplinary team projects.