The UW Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Health Information Management (HIHIM) program is designed for students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to govern and manage data and administer information technology systems in health care settings. With its expert-designed curriculum and professional emphasis, the program prepares graduates to launch careers in this cutting-edge field.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, and are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in health informatics and health information management, please visit our master’s program website.
HIHIM at a Glance
| Duration | 2 years (6 quarters) |
| Format | In-person classroom (early evenings) |
| Location | UW Seattle |
| Credit and Courses | 78 credits (21 courses) |
Program Outcomes
98%
graduation rate
86%
employed within one year of graduation
100%
student satisfaction rate
2021-2022 outcomes
Competency-Based Curriculum
Because our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), our curriculum is continually evaluated to make sure it meets or exceeds the commission’s rigorous standards. Accreditation also ensures that the curriculum addresses the fundamental competencies needed to become a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
Each course in the HIHIM program maps to specific RHIA entry-level competencies, as well as to competencies of the UW School of Public Health. The program incorporates the disciplines of management, informatics, information technology, finance, law, medicine, and health sciences. Students acquire a versatile, yet focused, set of clinical, IT, research, analytical, teamwork, and management skills. Further, they learn how to support a health care organization and have an understanding of health care protocols, legal requirements, and ethical considerations.
Team-Based Learning Approach
The Bachelor of Science in HIHIM program employs a team-based approach to learning where many activities are completed with assigned teammates, improving working relationship skills and learning from teammates. Health care employers prefer workers who develop effective working relationships with others and the program emphasizes these skills.
Capstone Project
The Bachelor of Science in HIHIM program places a strong emphasis on practical experience to prepare students for their professional careers. Capstone projects provide the opportunity to partner with a Seattle-area health care organization.
Capstone
Program and Course Format
The Bachelor of Science in HIHIM degree is delivered in an in-person format with hybrid format components, with students attending classes in the early evening on the Seattle campus for two days each week. The program takes two years to complete.
Courses
Professional Mentorship
The Bachelor of Science in HIHIM program emphasizes professional and leadership development. In the last quarter of their second year, students are assigned mentors who are working health information management professionals. The mentorship program is designed to provide opportunities for networking and obtaining practical career and job-seeking advice from experienced health information management professionals.
RHIA Exam Qualification
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, and are interested only in taking the RHIA exam, we offer a set of accredited courses that will qualify students to take the RHIA exam. Please reach out via email for more information.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, and are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in health informatics and health information management, please visit our master’s program website.