Careers in health information management include roles like health services manager, health information technologist and medical records specialist. Professionals ensure accurate records, protect patient data and improve system efficiency.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions on July 10, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
The education requirements for roles in health information management vary depending on the specific employer and position. Relevant majors for working in HIM include healthcare and business-related degrees.
Degrees in health information management often cover topics such as:
Management roles may require additional education, such as a master’s degree combined with relevant work experience.9 Some states may require a license to work in specific roles, such as a nursing home administrator. Be sure to check your state’s requirements for HIM licensure. In addition to a degree, earning additional certificates in healthcare competencies can be a great way to boost your knowledge and add a new credential to your resume.
Health information management (HIM) is an area of healthcare that combines information technology, data management, coding and ethics. HIM plays a vital, though often behind-the-scenes, role in healthcare. Working in health information management involves handling, tracking and storing patient health data. Careers in health information management can be an excellent choice for anyone interested in the healthcare industry but not wanting to work in direct patient care.
There are multiple roles within the health information management industry. Each role is related to providing accurate and reliable recordkeeping to keep medical offices running smoothly, although they may have different focuses. A bachelor's degree in health information management can teach you the skills to become a:
Medical and health services managers, or healthcare administrators, oversee healthcare facilities or specific departments. They manage staff and ensure their department doesn’t go over budget. These managers are often responsible for compliance, policy changes and the implementation and training of staff on new record-keeping technologies.
Work environment: Hospitals, group medical practices, nursing homes, healthcare facilities
Career and Salary Outlook:
Medical records specialists are responsible for maintaining patient files. They use coding to enter and classify information into computer systems and ensure the confidentiality of patient data. Insurance agencies work with medical records specialists to request records related to claims and reimbursement.
Work environment: Office environment
Career and Salary Outlook:
A health information technologist uses data analysis to understand clinical data and advises medical facilities on the best healthcare technology systems. They help healthcare facilities to implement healthcare technology and evaluate its use to streamline processes.
Work environment: Office environment
Career and Salary Outlook:
A medical registrar creates and maintains databases of national health information to track diseases such as cancer or diabetes. They analyze data related to these conditions to determine the prevalence of diseases among different regions and age groups, as well as the survival and recovery rate.
Work environment: Office environment
Career and Salary Outlook:
A career in health information management can be a suitable choice for people with great attention to detail and who enjoy working with data. The sensitive nature of patient health data requires HIM professionals to be diligent in everything they do, which can be a fun challenge for people who strive for perfection and precision. Many advantages exist for those who choose to work in health information management, such as remote work options and industry growth.
There are opportunities for remote work within health information management.7 Working remotely can be a great choice for many professionals, as they save commuting time and are able to work from the comfort of their home office, providing a greater work-life balance.
The health information management industry is growing, so right now is a great time to start a career in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for medical and health services managers has the sixth highest job growth rate of any occupation between 2023 to 2033, at 29% projected growth.8 This creates an exciting opportunity for new professionals entering the field.
Working in health information management can be a rewarding career and is a great way to make a difference in the health outcomes of patients. No matter what role you pursue, working in HIM means you will play an important part in ensuring patients’ personal information is secure while accessing care.
If you are interested in careers in health information management, a degree from Grand Canyon University can teach you valuable skills to help you prepare to enter the healthcare industry with confidence. We offer a BS in Health Information Management that can provide a solid foundation in managing, protecting and analyzing patient data.
Shape the Future of Healthcare Data
Learn more about GCU’s health information management degree and begin your journey of improving patient outcomes.
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Careers in health information management involve using technology, such as healthcare recordkeeping software and electronic health records, to improve patient experience and support the safe operation of healthcare facilities. HIM professionals typically work in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, medical offices or from home.
The key responsibilities in health information management include:
