Healthcare + Technology =

 

Success for You!

 

Informatics encompasses (a) understanding the impact of 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. The Medical College of Georgia offers an applied informatics degree in Health Information Administration (HIA). This degree prepares graduates for informatics related roles in the health care delivery system. Graduates of this health informatics program are eligible to take a national credentialing exam to become a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). Frequently, health information administrators (HIA) are referred to as health information managers (HIM).  

 

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. (Return to top)

 

SKILLS AND INTERESTS MOST SUITED TO A CAREER IN HEALTH INFORMATICS

Health Information Administrators 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. HIAs who have interests in computer science, business administration, health science, and health care facility administration are well suited for a career in this applied health informatics career. (Return to top)

 

EMPLOYMENT AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities for an applied health informatics career are excellent. HIAs are in demand now and the future outlook is equally as strong.

HIA 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:

  • HIM Department Director

  • HIM System Manager

  • Data Quality Manager

  • Chief Privacy Officer

  • Information Security Officer

  • HIM College Instructor

  • Consultant

Professionals work in a multitude of settings throughout the health care industry, from hospitals, clinics, insurance agencies, to software vendors. (Return to top)

 

GROWTH AND INCOME

HIA 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 US.

On top of strong job prospects, competitive salaries also await HIA graduates. More than half of new HIA graduates with a bachelor's degree start with salaries in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. By five years out, one can earn upwards of $50,000–$75,000 annually. (Return to top)

 

HOW TO GET STARTED

Step one begins with a college education. MCG grants a bachelor of science degree in health information administration. The program is a "2+2," meaning the student completes the first two years at any accredited college of choice, and the last two years on the MCG campus. Students begin the MCG program fall semester of their junior year. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the national registration exam to become a RHIA.

If you've already earned a college degree and possess the prerequisites, you can earn a postgraduate certificate or second degree in health information administration. MCG also offers a post-baccalaureate certificate program in health information administration to students who are licensed or registered in nursing or an allied health profession or who have earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. For more information, contact the Office of Academic Admissions. (Return to top)

 

NEXT STEP: CERTIFICATION

After completing your formal education, the next step is to successfully complete an AHIMA certification exam. A credential validates your competence as a HIA professional to employers and the public.

 

Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)–This credential requires a bachelor's degree and successful performance on the RHIA certification exam.

 

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