B.S. Health Information Management


Starting Fall 2022 term, the B.S. Health Information Management Program will be closed to new students and no applications will be accepted.

Program Overview

Collect, analyze, and protect vital patient information

With our transfer-friendly Health Information Management (HIM) degree program, you’ll be prepared to help streamline patient care issues. You will gain the knowledge and confidence to work with others at the management table to develop policies and processes that provide quick access to critical patient data while ensuring confidentiality and the proper release of patient information.

Build hybrid skills to become a unique asset to employers

Earn a degree that combines concepts in healthcare management, information technology, and organizational leadership, giving you the skills needed to succeed in the fields of health informatics and health information management.

Our Health Information Management degree program provides you with the knowledge to manage and improve health information access and delivery. You’ll learn how to integrate the management of health information while adhering to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Code of Ethics, HIPAA regulations, and organizational standards.  When combined with information governance and the principles of teamwork, you’ll have the confidence to develop and implement information systems solutions for any organization.

Get hands-on experience that’s valued in the workplace

Immediately apply your new health information management skills into the workplace through our practical curriculum and real-world assignments. When combined with the insight you’ll gain from instructors who are industry practitioners, you’ll have what it takes to separate yourself from the crowd and become more attractive to prospective employers.

Add practical value to learned theory during your Professional Practice Experience (PPE). This is the last course in the HIM program curriculum and gives you the opportunity to showcase all of the skills you learned during the program by developing a significant project for an approved healthcare-related agency of your choice.

Reap the rewards of your degree faster

Franklin’s HIM program is designed for individuals who would like to enter or advance in the health information industry. If you have previous healthcare experience or education, you can earn transfer credit toward your health information management degree or demonstrate your learning through proficiency testing and prior learning evaluations.

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family and life. Get started on your future today.

Source information provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)

Read more >

Specialized Accreditation

The Health Information Management accreditor of Franklin University is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the baccalaureate degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2028-2029. 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) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.

CAHIIM Student Achievement Data for the 2019-2020 academic year

  • Graduation Rate*: NA
  • Employment Rate: 100%
  • Certification Exam Pass Rate: 100%

*Per CAHIIM direction, the graduation rate metric is based on FAFSA’s Six-Year Undergraduate, Graduation rate definition for full-time, first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates who entered the university in the fall term and graduated within six years of attendance (150% of the normal completion time). This definition does not include part-time students, transfer students, or students who left school to serve in the armed forces. The majority of Franklin students attend part-time and may begin their enrollment in a term other than the fall semester. Franklin students balance finishing their degrees with work, family and other competing priorities therefore, unexpected breaks are sometimes necessary. Additionally, approximately 90% of our students transfer credit from other institutions. Per the above  FAFSA definition, Franklin University did not have graduates who met these parameters for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Future Start Dates

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please request free information & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

Spring 2024
April
1
Recommended Register By:
Mar 22
Summer 2024
May
20
Recommended Register By:
May 10
Summer 2024
July
1
Recommended Register By:
Jun 21
Fall 2024
August
19
Recommended Register By:
Aug 9
Fall 2024
September
30
Recommended Register By:
Sep 20
Fall 2024
November
11
Recommended Register By:
Nov 1
Spring 2025
January
6
Recommended Register By:
Dec 27
Spring 2025
February
17
Recommended Register By:
Feb 7
Spring 2025
March
31
Recommended Register By:
Mar 21

Curriculum & Course Descriptions

120 Semester Hours
Fundamental General Education
English Composition
ENG 120 - College Writing (4)

In this course, students acquire the writing competencies necessary for completing analytical and argumentative papers supported by secondary research. A variety of assignments, beginning with personal reflections, build upon one another, as students develop ideas that respond to, critique, and synthesize the positions of others. Students systematize and organize knowledge in ways that will help them in all their courses. The course also emphasizes the elements of critical reading, effective writing style, appropriate grammar and mechanics, clarity of language, and logical and cohesive development. It culminates in submission of an extended, documented research paper.

Mathematics
MATH 215 - Statistical Concepts (4)

This course introduces you to statistics with applications to various areas. The course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics included are: sampling techniques, data types, experiments; measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, graphical displays of data, basic probability concepts, binomial and normal probability distributions, sampling distributions and Central Limit Theorem; confidence intervals, hypothesis tests of a mean, or a proportion for one or two populations, and linear regression.

Choose either MATH 140 Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning or MATH 150 Fundamental Algebra as the prerequisite. Course can count as a University elective.

Social and Behavioral Sciences
PSYC 110 - General Psychology (4)

This course is a survey of the various fields of study comprising modern scientific psychology. We will examine the theories, research findings, and applications in each of the major areas of psychology, with the goal of providing students with practical information they can apply to their personal and professional lives. The topic areas covered in the course include learning and memory, motivation and emotion, human development, theories of personality, psychopathology, and social behavior.

SOCL 110 - Introduction to Sociology (4)

Sociology is the scientific study of group behavior - whether the groups are dyads, small groups, associations, bureaucracies, societies, publics, aggregates, social movements, or mobs, etc. This introductory course introduces the student to sociological principles and theoretical perspectives that facilitate understanding the norms, values, structure, and process of the various types of groups into which people organize. The course focuses on applying the scientific method to studying social problems (e.g. poverty, crime, sexism, and racism) and basic institutions (i.e. family, government, economy, religion, education). Students will develop their "sociological imagination" as a way of understanding what their lives are and can be in relation to the larger social forces at work in local, national, and international environments.

Science
SCIE 244 - Foundations of Anatomy & Physiology (4)

This course is designed for students interested in the allied healthcare professions. The course focuses on the fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology that are necessary to be successful in any allied healthcare program. This course can be used to fulfill the general education science with a lab requirement, however, it is not recommended for students outside the allied health professions.

SCIE 254 - Health & Human Disease (4)

This course is designed for students pursuing allied health professions and provides an overview of human health and disease processes. Students will learn about common diseases and how they affect human health at cellular, organ, and systemic levels. Emphasis will be placed on the body as a system and how disease impacts the human body as a whole. The course focuses on the fundamental concepts of health and human disease that are necessary to be successful in any allied healthcare program. The pre-requisite for SCIE 254 is successful completion (a C or better) in SCIE 244.

Arts & Humanities

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Art, English Literature, Fine Arts, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Religion or Theater disciplines.

Additional General Education
PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferrable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for time management, goal setting, reading comprehension, and advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments.

OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments. The assignments and activities in the course are created to closely simulate teamwork found in the workplace.

ENG 220 - Research Writing: Exploring Professional Identities (4)

This is an intermediate course focusing on the composition of research papers. Students in this course prepare to be active participants in professional discourse communities by examining and practicing the writing conventions associated with their own fields of study and work. By calling attention to the conventions of disciplinary writing, the course also prepares students for upper-division college writing and the special conventions of advanced academic discourse. Course activities include three extended research papers, semi-formal writing addressing interdisciplinary communication, and readings fostering critical engagement with disciplinary conversations.

BUSA 200 - Database Fundamentals (2)

This introductory course focuses on applying information technology to business strategies using databases. The student will gain a working knowledge of current database technology, including relational database concepts, database design, data extraction, and data warehousing while working with database applications.

COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)

By using applied critical and creative thinking, students in this course will develop a set of communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional relationships and endeavors. This course will focus on skill development in key areas such as self, perception, listening, verbal messages, conversations, relationships, conflict management, persuasion, and presentation skills.

OR SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)

This basic public-speaking course intends to improve the student's ability to think critically and to communicate orally. Theory and practice are provided in various speaking situations. Each student is required to speak before an audience, but class work also involves reading, gathering and organizing information, writing, and listening.

Professional Core
ACCT 202 - Financial/Managerial Acct for Non-Majors (4)

This course is an introduction to financial and managerial accounting. It is designed for non-accounting majors. Financial accounting emphasizes how general purpose financial statements communicate information about the business's performance and position for users external to management. It emphasizes how the accountant processes and presents the information. The course also examines the major elements of the financial statements. The managerial accounting portion of the course studies internal reporting and decision-making. The course assists those who wish to learn "what the numbers mean" in a clear, concise and conceptual manner without focusing on the mechanical aspects of the accounting process.

OR ACCT 215 - Financial Accounting (4)

This course is an introduction to accounting, emphasizing how general-purpose financial statements communicate information about the business corporation's performance and position for users external to management. Approximately one third of the course emphasizes how the accountant processes and presents the information and includes exposure to recording transactions, adjusting balances and preparing financial statements for service and merchandise firms according to established rules and procedures. The balance of the course examines major elements of the statements such as cash, receivables, inventory, long-lived assets, depreciation, time value of money, payroll, bonds, and other liabilities and stocks. Concepts of this course are applied to ACCT 225 (Managerial Accounting). Students are advised to avoid any time lapse between these two courses.

HCM 210 - Healthcare Foundations (2)

This course will provide fundamental information regarding health, healthcare, and the healthcare delivery system. Students will become familiar with the various types of healthcare organizations, stakeholders, and healthcare issues in order to shape their understanding of the different components of the healthcare delivery system. Through the exploration of health information, students will discuss and analyze the role healthcare professions play within healthcare.

HCM 442 - Legal Aspects of Healthcare Management (4)

Understanding cultural competency, ethics, policy, and law is necessary for healthcare professionals in a continuously evolving healthcare system. This course will provide students with practical knowledge and methods for applying ethical, legal, and cultural decision-making frameworks to mitigate risks. Topics will include regulatory compliance, patient consent, privacy and confidentiality, and cultural competence.

HIM 150 - Medical Terminology (2)

This course will introduce the foundations of medical terminology nomenclature and use. Emphasis will be on the fundamentals of prefix, word root, and suffix linkages to build a broad medical vocabulary.

SOCL 335 - Applied Research Methods (4)

Applied Research Methods introduces students to the basic research designs and data collection techniques involved in human subjects? research common to social research environments. After completion of this course, the student should know the basics of social research ethics, the steps of the research process, the strengths and weaknesses of selected types of qualitative and quantitative research strategies, issues of selecting or creating and refining instruments of measurement, how to properly select an appropriate sample of subjects, and how to interpret selected statistical measures utilized in hypothesis testing.

PUBH 201 - Introduction to Public Health (4)

This course provides a basic introduction to public health concepts and practice by examining the philosophy, purpose, history, organization, functions, tools, activities and results of public health practice at the national, state, and community levels. The course also examines public health occupations and careers. Case studies and a variety of practice-related exercises serve as a basis for learner participation in practical public health problem-solving simulations.

Major Area Required
HIM 200 - Introduction to Health Information Management (2)

Students are introduced to the roles of the health information management (HIM) professional in a variety of healthcare settings. The educational and credentialing requirements for the HIM professional will be discussed along with an overview of the U.S. healthcare delivery system, and the various reporting and accrediting requirements.

HIM 210 - Clinical Classification Systems I (4)

This course is an introduction to the clinical classification systems that are used to assign codes for healthcare encounters in a variety of settings. Focus will be emphasized on the organization, relationships, and guidelines that regulate these systems.

HIM 215 - Clinical Classification Systems II (4)

This course is an introduction to the clinical classification systems that are used to assign codes for healthcare encounters in a variety of settings. Focus will be emphasized on the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Manual, Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), and other common classification systems.

HIM 250 - Medical Reimbursement (4)

This course provides an overview of the common healthcare reimbursement methodologies used in the United States to pay for services. Emphasis will be placed on identifying and applying correct methodologies based on patient encounter type.

HIM 300 - Health Information Management Practice (4)

This course introduces students to the foundations of the Health Information Management profession and competencies, along with the management, legal, and ethical challenges that affect the healthcare delivery system in the United States. Students will challenged by the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the intricacies of leadership in a diverse environment, and the issues of managing employees within a healthcare organization.

HIM 320 - Health Data (4)

This course introduces students to various types, definitions, relationships, uses, and interpretations of data derived from healthcare functions and processes. Students will explore information standards and representations of health data that are commonly used for patient care, reporting, reimbursement, and quality improvement programs.

HIM 350 - Health Informatics (4)

This course will cover the history of health informatics, design and challenges of informatics infrastructure, and current issues. Topics will include HIPAA and other legislation, application of electronic health records, and other clinical and administrative applications of health information systems.

HIM 470 - Health Information Systems (4)

This course examines healthcare organizations from the perspective of managing the information systems that exist within the enterprise. Identifying the clinical and healthcare delivery processes and how they relate to information systems is a main focus. The intent of the course is to identify the key issues confronting the management of healthcare information systems today, examine their causes, and develop reasonable solutions to these issues. Specific federal regulations, vendor solutions, and financial implications as they relate to healthcare information systems are also examined.

HIM 485 - Applications in Health Info Systems (2)

This course will require the student to apply Health Information Management software, tools, and techniques to authentic healthcare situations and problems. Emphasis will be on the applications of electronic health records, common data tools and reports, and the appropriate analysis for decision-making.

HIM 497 - Professional Practice Experience in Health Information Management (4)

The Professional Practice Experience (PPE) in Health Information Management is the culmination and demonstration of achieved competencies within the HIM curriculum. Students are required to select an appropriate site (e.g., hospital, clinic, insurance company, government or regulatory agency, software vendor, etc.) in consultation with the HIM Program Chair, and to develop a significant HIM project, research study, or other applicable endeavor that measures their mastery of established HIM program outcomes. The typical PPE will consist of a minimum of 80 on-site hours, with an additional 20-40 hours of coursework. Students are expected to meet with the HIM Program Chair and the PPE Site Manager periodically during this course to document satisfactory progress. All PPE proposals must be approved by the Program Chair and should be submitted no later than 12 weeks prior to the course start date. Students should consult the HIM PPE Handbook for more detailed information.

HIM 498 - RHIA Exam Preparation (1)

This course is designed to prepare the student to successfully pass the Registered Health Information Management Administrator (RHIA) exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Emphasis will be on best test-taking practices, the application of critical thinking to solving complex scenarios, and reinforcing RHIA domain competencies.

SCIE 264 - Introduction to Pharmacology (2)

This course is intended for allied health students as an introduction to the study of pharmacology. Students will examine the properties, effects, and therapeutic value of the primary agents in the major drug categories. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics will be explored in detail.

University Electives

19 credits from the following types of courses:
Any undergraduate courses offered by the University except developmental education courses.

Current Franklin students are eligible to take up to 8 credit hours of graduate coursework towards fulfillment of both their undergraduate, and future graduate degree. Please speak with your Academic Advisor if you are interested in this opportunity. Students should choose from the following graduate courses: HCM 733, HCM735, HCM742, HIM702, HIM 710, and HIM 761.

Additional Requirements

All students are required to pass College Writing (ENG 120), and either Basic Learning Strategies (PF 121) or Learning Strategies (PF 321) prior to enrolling in any course at the 200 level or above. Students who enroll at Franklin with 30 or fewer hours of transfer credit are required to pass PF 121 Basic Learning Strategies in place of PF 321 Learning Strategies. Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150) or Speech Communication (SPCH 100) must be taken prior to enrolling in any course at the 300 level or above. Students must also meet the University algebra competency requirement. Please note: Due to the unique requirements of a healthcare internship, students should consult the Professional Practice Experience (PPE) Handbook for important information on the program’s required internship component before selecting this major. Applicants must complete and return the Acknowledgement of Receipt of the PPE Handbook prior to enrolling in the HIM program. For questions regarding the handbook or forms, please contact the HIM Program Chair. The handbook and forms may be accessed via the links below:

Academic Minors

Personalize your degree with a minor. Explore available minors, learn how minors can benefit you, and find out what requirements you must meet to earn a minor.

Learn More

B.S. Health Information Management Program Details

Back to College Blog

Related Programs