Health Information Management
Available entirely online and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), the Blinn College District Health Information Management (HIM) Program prepares graduates for various roles like HIM technicians, coders, and billing specialists.
The HIM AAS degree, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate, and the OSA in Health Information are completed entirely online. All program plans will require students to complete a clinical during their last semester at a healthcare facility near their current location.
To discover which track suits you best, check out each individual plan below.
Degree and Certificate Plans
Prepares graduates to work with health information in a variety of healthcare-related organizations.
The Health Information Management program at Blinn College meets the state education requirements for a students who successfully earns their HIM associate degree to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and for students who successfully earn their Medical Billing and Coding certificate to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Blinn College has not determined if the Health Information Management program at Blinn College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
The Health Information Management accreditor of BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for ASSOCIATE degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2034-2035. 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 312.235.3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
Mission Statement:
The Health Information Management Program of the Blinn College District prepares students with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to become competent entry-level health information professionals.
Program Outcomes
RHIT Certification Exam Pass Rate
AY 2024-2025: 100% (Based on survey results received)
(First-Time Test Takers)
HIM Graduation Rate
AY 2024-2025: 0% of graduates (All graduates completed the program on a part-time basis, greater than 2 years)
(% of students who completed their degree within the “normal” timeframe of 2 years)
HIM Employment Rate
AY 2024-2025: 100% (Based on survey results received)
(Students employed within 6 months of graduation)
(Not included are students continuing their education or not actively seeking employment)
Program FAQ
What degree and certificate plans does the HIM Program offer?
The HIM Program offers one Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, one certificate, and one occupational skills award (OSA):
What occupations will the HIM Program degree and certificate plans prepare me for?
Graduates who successfully complete their HIM AAS degree are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Graduates who successfully earn their Medical Billing and Coding Specialist certificate can sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) offered by the AHIMA or the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Students who complete Blinn’s HIM Program are prepared for careers as HIM technicians, coders, documentation specialists, revenue cycle specialists, credentialing specialists, birth certificate specialists, inpatient or outpatient coders, billers, HIM technicians, patient advocates, chargemaster specialists, DRG auditors, patient access associates, insurance specialists, and revenue cycle specialists. They also can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and master’s degrees in health information management and health informatics.
How long are the programs?
The HIM associate degree is two academic years in length, and the certificate is one academic year. (Academic year is fall and spring semester)
What courses are offered online or on campus?
All HIM courses are only offered online.
Academic courses (ENGL, BIOL, etc.) are offered online and face-to-face at all Blinn campuses.
The degree and certificate require the student to complete a 50-hour clinical at a healthcare facility. A facility near your home can be arranged
When does the program start?
A student can begin taking courses for any track during any semester.
What are the requirements to enroll in the HIM program?
The Blinn College District is an open-admissions institution. The HIM Program is also open-entry to any Blinn student. Students will need to:
- Apply to Blinn and follow all the necessary steps to complete their admissions file. Enrollments steps can be found here.
- Apply to the HIM Program by submitting an online application.
- Receive advising by the HIM program director.
What credentials can I earn after completing this program?
Graduates of the HIM associates degree can sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Graduates of the Medical Billing/Coding certificate can sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or any credential offered from AAPC.
Will any of my previous courses count towards my major?
Possibly. Blinn will need official copies of transcripts from all colleges/universities that you have attended in the past to verify if any past courses will count towards your major.
How can I pay for college?
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to students who need assistance with college expenses.
What is the minimum grade I must earn to pass a course?
Students must earn a grade of C (70%) or higher in all HITT courses in order to pass that course. If a student earns a D, F, or drops the course, that course will have to be taken again and might delay progression within the degree plan. If developmental courses are taken, a grade of C (70%) or higher must be earned.
How will I get hands-on work experience?
All programs will require students to complete a clinical during their last semester at a healthcare facility. Clinical site city location can be determined by the student; however, the College needs to know the city location that the student is planning to do clinicals at least one (1) year in advance, so contracts can be drawn up. Clinicals require the student to complete 50 hours during normal workday hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Are there any additional requirements?
Before a student can complete their clinical, they must complete a criminal background check, drug screening, and immunization requirements (at the cost to the student). Additional information will be sent during the semester before the clinical is completed.
What is the preferred communication method for faulty and staff?
E-mail is the preferred form of communication, so documentation is on file.
Email: jaime.schroeder@blinn.edu
Phone: 979-830-4275 (please leave a voicemail)
Please visit our Health Information Technology Faculty and Staff page for more contact information.