Bachelor of Science (BS) - Health Information Management
What Is a Bachelor's in Health Information Management Degree?
A bachelor's in health information management degree provides the knowledge, resources and tools needed to advance professional standards in healthcare and support delivery across many settings. The health information management degree program at Grand Canyon University (GCU) prepares students to understand the importance of information accuracy, information confidentiality and up to date analytics in providing first-rate healthcare.
The program focuses on five domains:
- Information Governance: Gain awareness of the policies, procedures and processes for managing information, evaluate health information systems, determine accuracy of diagnostic and procedural coding.
- Information Protection: Protect health information and confidentiality, learn security measures and data quality monitoring.
- Informatics, Analytics and Data Use: Learn to design, implement and test health information technologies, oversee data quality and recommend organizational action.
- Compliance: Become equipped to apply ethical, legal and regulatory standards for all data storage, form policies and procedures to monitor abuse of data.
- Health Care Business and Leadership: Become proficient in healthcare reimbursement, capital and project budgets, learn to foster an environment of growth and diversity.
Students learn to adapt new methods of capturing and storing healthcare information and accessing it electronically. Health information professionals connect clinical, operational and administrative functions in healthcare settings. This is an important and expanding role in healthcare, especially as new technologies and systems are developed.
BS in Health Information Management Vision and Mission Statements
Health Information Management Accreditation
The Health Information Management accreditor of Grand Canyon 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 2030-2031. 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.
Loading Form
What Can You Do With a Health Information Management Degree?
The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management degree program at GCU prepares students to assume positions in health data management, data analytics, information policy, information systems integration, quality improvement, medical record processing, healthcare reimbursement and coding, clinical documentation improvement and operations management.
Graduates of the program ensure healthcare data is stored, accessed and utilized correctly to facilitate information exchange and support organizational decision-making by healthcare professionals. This level of technology support ensures accurate clinical documentation and quality patient care.
Why Earn Your Bachelor’s in Health Information Management at Grand Canyon University?
Graduates of GCU’s bachelor's in health information management degree are uniquely equipped with a Christian worldview. This allows graduates to articulate their professional obligation to ensure access to quality and humane healthcare. This Christian perspective provides additional reason for moral and ethical standards of care to be preserved.
GCU offers a Christian outlook as well as comprehensive lessons, proficient professors and valuable classwork. This includes utilizing technology for data collection, performing quality assessments, and making organizational structures for safe and accurate data. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to maintain ethical and effective standards in data management upon graduating.
What’s the Difference Between a Health Information Management Degree and Health Care Administration Degree?
Healthcare administrators manage health departments and supervise aspects of healthcare delivery including operations, services, ancillary support, billing and reconciliation and human resources. If you’re interested in a management and supervisory role, GCU offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration.
Health information managers work with data management systems such as patient health records and perform data analytics functions to ensure effective and efficient healthcare delivery. Health information management professionals also manage health data and clinical record integrity, healthcare reimbursement and electronic health record operations at all levels of leadership in healthcare organizations. They manage healthcare reimbursement, coding and billing operations as well as ensure the privacy and security of clinical information to comply with HIPPA and other government regulations.
What Are Health Information Management Program Qualifications?
Prior experience in the healthcare industry is not required to apply to the health information management degree program. Earn your degree in health information management at GCU’s traditional campus setting or online.
The Baccalaureate Degree Health Information Management Program is in Candidacy Status, pending accreditation review by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course examines the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms of homeostasis. This portion includes the study of cells; tissues; genetics; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Co-Requisite: BIO-191L.
Course Description
This laboratory course examines the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms of homeostasis, complementing the lecture portion with a focus on anatomy. This portion includes the study of cells; tissues; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Co-Requisite: BIO-191.
Course Description
This course provides a foundation for programming and problem solving using computer programming, as well as an introduction to the academic discipline of IT. Topics include variables, expressions, functions, control structures, and pervasive IT themes: IT history, organizational issues, and relationship of IT to other computing disciplines. The course prepares students for advanced concepts and techniques in programming and information technology, including object-oriented design, data structures, computer systems, and networks. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in lecture and on gaining initial exposure to common operating systems, enterprise architectures, and tools commonly used by IT professionals. Prerequisite: MAT-154 or MAT-261.
Course Description
This course surveys the field of health information management. Students investigate potential career paths and learn the fundamental medical, legal, ethical, and professional issues and standards affecting the field. The course also includes an overview of the health care industry, hospital operations, and electronic health records and documentation standards and practices.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the study of basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, and decision making. Emphasis is placed on measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation, regression, discrete and continuous probability distributions, quality control population parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-134, MAT-144 or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course examines the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms of homeostasis. This portion includes the study of metabolism; energetics; fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance; and the endocrine, hematologic, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Prerequisite: BIO-191. Co-Requisite: BIO-192L.
Course Description
This laboratory course examines the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms of homeostasis, complementing the lecture portion with a focus on anatomy. This portion includes the study of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems. Prerequisite: BIO-191L. Co-Requisite: BIO-192.
Course Description
This course covers the language of medicine that will be used as a foundation for understanding upper level undergraduate and graduate level courses to follow. It will include pronunciation, definition, usage and origins of medical terms. Medical terms presented will be used to identify signs, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options for selected pathologies. With these skills the student will be able to effectively interpret and communicate in a healthcare setting. Prerequisite: BIO-192 or BIO-202 or BIO-211 or BIO-364.
Course Description
This course introduces the etiology, pathogenesis, morphology, and clinical manifestations associated with various altered health states and diseases. Students also learn basic principles of pharmacotherapeutics and major classes of drugs used to treat disease. Emphasis is on clinically relevant terminology required to support accurate and effective communication in the health information management field. Prerequisites: BIO-192 and BIO-192L, or BIO-202 and BIO-202L, or BIO-211 and BIO-211L.
Course Description
This course introduces the functions and relationships between health care classification systems, vocabularies, terminologies, and standards required for the privacy, security, storage, utilization, and standardization of clinical data. Students differentiate systems for clinical classification and coding as well as for various health information exchange models. Prerequisites: BIO-192, BIO-192L, and HIM-200.
Course Description
This course introduces the principles of and industry guidelines for diagnostic classification systems in health care settings. Focus is on the application of classification systems in health care facilities. Students examine types of diagnostic classification systems and coding guidelines as well as practice coding. Prerequisites: BIO-330 and HIM-310.
Course Description
This course introduces the principles and industry guidelines for procedural classification systems in health care settings. Focus is on the application of classification systems in health care facilities. Students examine types of procedural classification systems and coding guidelines as well as practice coding. Prerequisites: BIO-330 and HIM-310.
Course Description
In this course students evaluate health information systems architecture and data storage design and apply concepts of the systems design life cycle in order to facilitate the use of information assets to meet strategic goals and objectives within health care organizations. Students also assess information systems to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and examine information security measures including performing risks assessments, data protection, and recovery procedures. Prerequisite: HIM-310.
Course Description
This course examines the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of relational database structures. Emphasis is on appropriate application and implementation. Prerequisite: BIT-200 or BIT-205 or CST-110, or CST-111 or CST-105 or ITT-111.
Course Description
This writing intensive course discusses the principles and processes of research and common communication techniques utilized in health care and science. This course allows students to begin the research and preliminary background process necessary to complete a research-based capstone project. Students conduct a literature review, investigate appropriate research design, explore data collection techniques, apply statistical analysis, and practice professional writing skills. Prerequisite: BIO-365 or MAT-274.
Course Description
This course focuses on the management and integration of health care data within health care organizations for ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of data used for reimbursement and in the revenue cycle. Students examine health care informatics standards and apply processes and techniques for collecting and reporting data to meet enterprise needs and for supporting clinical documentation and quality improvement initiatives. Prerequisites: HIM-350, HIM-355, and HIM-370.
Course Description
This course examines basic business analytics concepts with specific emphasis on descriptive analytics. Students are introduced to techniques and selected industry tools relevant for describing data behavior. Prerequisites: BIT-200, BIT-205, or CST-111; and MAT-274 or BUS-352.
Course Description
In this course students apply quality assessment techniques, quality management tools, and performance improvement processes to recommend measures to improve quality and patient care and safety. Students participate in clinical information analysis through mining, exploring, and analyzing clinical data to recognize trends that demonstrate quality, safety, and effectiveness and identify best practices for the management of health care information, systems, and quality to support organizational decision making. Prerequisite: HIM-415.
Course Description
This course focuses on principles related to management and administration of health information services with emphasis on organizational culture, effective leadership and communication, and financial management. Students assess organizational and departmental needs, propose appropriate solutions, and apply project management techniques to foster efficient use of resources within health care organizations. Prerequisite: HIM-200.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a study of legal, ethical, and regulatory principles and frameworks that guide data governance within health care organizations. Students examine policy issues and current laws related to uses of health information and determine processes and organizational policies to effectively and ethically manage data and personal health information. Prerequisites: HIM-310 and HIM-370.
Course Description
This course is a study of the human resource management function in organizations, including detailed coverage of staffing, organizational development, compensation and benefits administration, and employee relations. Emphasis is placed on how human resource management as a whole enhances organizational performance and success. Prerequisite: HIM-425, MGT-420, or MGT-422HN. Equivalent to AMP-434.
Course Description
The capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework in the health information management program. Students complete an applied project that demonstrates critical thinking and attainment of professional health information management competencies. Practicum/field experience hours: 80. Prerequisites: HLT-364, HIM-425, and HIM-452.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.