About this Program
Modern health care is heavily reliant on information — huge volumes of patient data that must be tracked, managed and analyzed using complex systems and technologies. This has created a large and growing demand for trained experts who can administer these systems effectively and produce better health outcomes.
In this certificate program, you’ll gain the specialized skills to manage health information and electronic records in a variety of health care settings. We’ll explore the major tools, technologies and processes used for the secure collection, organization and evaluation of personal health information. You’ll also investigate legal, regulatory and compliance issues; delve into financial management and quality assurance methods; and hone your leadership abilities.
DESIGNED FOR
Individuals with a bachelor’s or higher degree in any discipline, especially allied health sciences, nursing, business or information technology, who want to enter the field of health informatics and health information management.
See Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, you must have:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university*
- A minimum 2.5 GPA for all academic work (though demonstrated professional competence and previous coursework needed to complete the certificate program may be used to satisfy the GPA requirement)
- Completed the following courses by the start of the program with at least a 2.5 GPA or have the equivalent knowledge or skills:
*Students who have not completed a bachelor’s degree may seek admission to the Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics & Health Information Management program.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Background Check
A nationwide criminal background search is mandatory for all accepted applicants. Names of accepted students will be submitted for a background check.
Required Immunizations
All applicants accepted to the Certificate in Health Informatics & Information Management are required to show documentation of protection against a number of vaccine-preventable diseases. This must be completed by the end of the first quarter of the certificate. This fee will separately appear in your student “Tuition Account Balance” section of MyUW.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Credit Programs.
International Students
To enroll, international students must have a visa that permits study in the United States. This program does not enable students to obtain or maintain F-1 visa status. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS AND COMPUTER PROFICIENCY
You'll need a laptop computer to bring to class with:
- Recent Windows or Mac operating system (Windows 7 or macOS X or later)
- Current web browser (Chrome or Firefox)
- Built-in Wi-Fi
See full HIHIM Program Technology and Computer Proficiency Requirements for more information.
Earning the Certificate
You earn the certificate by adhering to the program's attendance policy and successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate.
What you'll learn
- Major health information systems and the technology infrastructure and standards that affect them
- Tools to lead information management efforts in the delivery of high-quality health care
- The organization of health care services across the spectrum of governmental and private sector delivery systems
- Legal principles and policies connected to health information management
- Core functions involved with health information governance and data management
Get Hands-On Experience
You will complete a project in health informatics or information management for a health industry partner.
Prepare for Certification
By completing this program, you’ll be eligible to take the exam to become a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), a nationally recognized credential that affirms your expertise in health informatics and health information management. The exam is administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA),
CUSTOMIZE YOUR PLAN OF STUDY
Depending on your background, you can complete the certificate program in one or two years of part-time study. After you’re accepted, program faculty will design a custom study plan that factors in your previous academic coursework, certifications and professional experience. Custom study plans generally range from 43 to 78 credits. Contact the program office to discuss your potential study plan.
ACCREDITATION
The Health Informatics and Health Information Management accreditor of the University of Washington is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the baccalaureate degree in Health Informatics and Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2022. 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.
Bachelors in Health Informatics and Health Information Management Program Outcomes (2019-2020):
- Enrollment: 95 students
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 100%