Empowering Healthcare Through Information Management
The application period for the HIM program has been extended until May 31, 2025 for students starting in Fall 2025.
The curriculum is designed to provide training in the management of systems to collect, store, process, retrieve, analyze, disseminate, and communicate information related to the research, planning, provision, and evaluation of healthcare services.
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
Associate Degree in Health Information Management
The curriculum is designed to provide training in the management of systems to collect, store, process, retrieve, analyze, disseminate, and communicate information related to the research, planning, provision, and evaluation of healthcare services. It provides students with a unique blend of courses in information technology, business management, and clinical knowledge. Students who possess an interest in studying diseases and therapies but who prefer not to work in a direct patient care setting find this career very rewarding. An interest in using computers to manage data is also important. Health information management professionals are experts on patient data that doctors, nurses, and other providers rely on to perform their jobs. Employment opportunities exist in all types of healthcare delivery organizations (hospitals, ambulatory care centers, home health services, and long-term care facilities) plus managed care, consulting firms, claims and reimbursement companies, and research firms. Graduates of the program are eligible to take a national certifying examination. The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) Certification is recognized nationwide as proof of proficiency in health information management.
- Length
- Two Years
- Credits
- 72
- Locations
- Medical Education, Online
Why Health Information Management at NOVA?
Comprehensive Training
In this program, you will gain knowledge and skills to effectively manage healthcare information systems, which includes data collection, processing, and analysis.
Diverse Skill Set
The Health Information Management program provides a well-rounded education through a blend of IT, business, and clinical courses.
Rewarding Careers
Ideal for those interested in studying diseases and therapies without direct patient care, opening doors in various healthcare settings.
Program Details
Information Session
The first step to start health career training at NOVA/MEC is to attend an obligatory information session. Please note that the online information sessions provide program information for the current academic year only.
Start the Information Session Online
There is no in-person Information Session for this program. You are required to include the code provided during the online session on your application as proof of completion.
Pre-Health students who have questions regarding program requirements or need academic advising are encouraged to visit Advising & Counseling.
Phone: 703.822.6570, Medical Education Campus, Room 302.
Programs Delivered 100% Online
- As of Fall 2023, NOVA’s Health Information Management (HIM) program and the Clinical Data Coding (CDC) Career Studies Certificate program are 100% delivered online.
- For questions, please get in touch with Professor Dana Pratt, HIM Program Director, at dpratt@nvcc.edu.
Note: All HIM NOVA Online courses will continue to be delivered through the NOVA Online format, whereas previously on-campus courses will now be delivered via synchronous Zoom format. HIM students are required to attend a 64-hour in-person clinical practicum at a healthcare facility in the local area.
More Program Details and Resources
Accreditations
The Health Information Management accreditor of Northern Virginia Community College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for an Associate degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2029. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at 312.235 ext 3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
Health Information Management Program Outcomes
| School Year | 2021–2022 |
|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 40% |
| Employment Rate | 50% |
| Retention Rate | 77% |
Data provided by the Office of Strategic Insights
Students wishing to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs have successfully transferred program credits.
Credits and
Transfer Info
Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.
Transferring
Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.