Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management

Program Overview

The health information management degree at the University of Kansas prepares students for careers in managing healthcare data, information systems, and medical records. This interdisciplinary program combines healthcare, business, and technology, equipping graduates with the skills to ensure the accuracy, security, and accessibility of health information. As healthcare organizations continue to expand their use of digital systems, the health information management degree prepares students to lead at the intersection of patient care, data governance, analytics, and regulatory compliance.

Healthcare organizations rely on professionals with a health information management bachelor degree to manage patient data, comply with regulations, and improve overall efficiency. The demand for professionals with a degree in health information technology continues to grow as the healthcare industry increasingly relies on digital records, interoperability standards, cybersecurity protocols, and data analytics to guide strategic decision-making. Through this health information management degree, students learn how accurate documentation and secure data systems directly impact patient outcomes, reimbursement, and organizational performance.

Students in this BS in health information management program will gain hands-on experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems, medical coding, compliance policies, and data analytics. Coursework integrates real-world applications in data governance, health informatics, revenue cycle operations, and quality improvement initiatives. Students in this BS in health information management program will gain hands-on experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems, medical coding, compliance policies, and data analytics. Coursework integrates real-world applications in data governance, health informatics, revenue cycle operations, and quality improvement initiatives. The program is structured as two years of prerequisite coursework — completed at KU Lawrence or another qualified, regionally accredited institution — followed by two years of upper-division study at the KU Medical Center campus in Kansas City, Kansas.

The health information management bachelor degree also emphasizes ethical stewardship of patient data, preparing graduates to navigate evolving federal and state regulations, accreditation standards, and healthcare privacy requirements. Students develop technical and analytical competencies that position them for leadership roles within hospitals, clinics, public health organizations, insurance providers, and health technology companies.

In addition to preparing students for immediate employment, the health information management degree builds a foundation for professional certification and career advancement. In addition to preparing students for immediate employment, the health information management degree builds a foundation for professional certification and career advancement. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification examination, an industry-recognized credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Graduates may also continue their education in programs focused on health informatics, public health, business administration, or healthcare leadership.