Program Details

Health Information Management (HIM) professionals play a critical role in maintaining, collecting, analyzing, and disseminating the data that healthcare providers rely on to deliver high-quality health care. They are experts in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems, and coding the diagnoses and procedures for health care services provided to patients. HIM professional duties can include operating computer information systems, coding diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement, maintaining quality control of health records, and more. These professionals are also the caretakers and guardians of personal health information — ensuring that confidential patient information is secure and released only according to strict state and federal laws. HIM professionals work in all types of healthcare delivery organizations (hospitals, ambulatory care centers, home health services, and long-term care facilities), plus managed care, consulting firms, insurance companies, and research firms. 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.

The Associate of Applied Science in HIM prepares entry-level health information professionals for the HIM workforce. It provides students with a unique blend of courses in information technology, business management, and clinical knowledge. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Graduates are eligible to take a national examination; successful completion of the examination leads to the professional credential of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). HIM courses are offered both on-campus and online. Our CAHIM-accredited program features the latest EHR and Data Analytics Computer Software -- i.e., AHIMA VLAB.

• Transfer Opportunities

  Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their academic advisor early in their program.

• Credit for Prior Learning

  Northern Virginia Community College accepts industry-standard certifications, credentials and/or professional courses for credit. Broadly, licenses, credentials and/or certifications must be current and valid for consideration. For more information regarding the status of the certification and its eligibility for credit, please see an advisor or faculty members in the discipline area that awards CPL credit.

  • Credit for Prior Learning
• Career Prospects

  HIM professionals work in a multitude of settings throughout the healthcare industry, including hospitals, physician offices and clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, medical societies, non-profit healthcare organizations, and government agencies.