Dakota State University students walking around campus

Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

Majors & Degrees

Health Informatics and Information Management (BS)

Impact clinical data quality with technology expertise

Health Informatics and Information Management professionals (HIIM) are experts in managing electronic health records and working with clinicians to improve healthcare documentation for better patient care and reimbursement.

With a degree from DSU you are prepared to work in any healthcare or related business or government setting in a leadership role as a Consultant, Director, Manager, Analyst, or a Specialist. You will be trained to code diagnoses and procedures; analyze revenue for accurate reimbursement; influence clinical data quality for patient care and organization operations; support the use of information technology by streamlining clinical workflows, improving documentation methods; and providing training and ongoing support of the electronic health record; utilize information technology to analyze healthcare data to improve outcomes of care; and protect patient data from breaches.

Our program will prepare you to lead an interprofessional team, a critical capability in today’s workplace. Courses include innovative healthcare, technology, and business-related topics.  

Students are required to show proof of membership as a student or active member of the American Health Information Management while completing the program. This membership provides critical access to discounts for textbooks, virtual lab access for student hands-on practice, and access to professional journals, association information, and collaboration opportunities.

Students are required to complete all HIIM courses with a grade of “C” or above and will complete supervised professional practice experiences at a healthcare or healthcare-related facility.

Students are required to provide proof of immunizations and professional liability insurance coverage prior to registering for practical experiences, which can be purchased through DSU. Background checks may be required depending on site requirements, a cost incurred by the student.

This degree is also a part of our 4+1 program, which means you can complete your Bachelors degree in HIIM and Masters in HIIM in just five years.

Producing professionals of the highest quality

Upon program completion, you will plan and develop a health information management system that is appropriate for varying health care facilities, organizations, and agencies. You’ll also implement policies and procedures for information handling and dissemination, in accordance with ethics and in conformity with applicable federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.

The health care industry requires ethical leaders who can protect a patient's private health care information while managing health data quality and integrity processes, to ensure documentation accuracy. 

It is our goal to produce professionals of the highest quality. All of our students complete supervised professional practices. These practices are completed at a health care facility and provide hands-on training and networking.

HIM student climbing stairs on campus

Advance your skills, increase your salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts above-average growth for this occupation. As an HIIM professional, you know just how important it is to stay up to date on emerging technologies and medical practices. Professionals who seek higher education and gain essential skills and credentials can open up many doors to advance their career – and their salary.

AHIMA Salary Survey

100%

Student satisfaction rates 2021-22

50%

Six Year Graduation Rate Fall 2015 Cohort

100%

Employment Rate 2021-22

Accreditation where it matters most

The Health Informatics and Information Management accreditor of Dakota State University is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Administration has been reaffirmed through 2029-30. 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.

CAHIM Accredited Program Logog

The AS HIIM, BS HIIM, MSHIIM programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information
Management Education (CAHIIM).

Successfully completing DSU's online or hybrid HIIM program, you are eligible to take the national exam, which is sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). You can also earn a Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA) credential.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the BS degree in Health Informatics and Information Management, students will:

  • Be able to plan for the implementation of a health information management system appropriate for varying sizes and types of health care facilities, organizations,  and agencies
  • Be able to manage the staff working in a health information management department
  • Be able to perform the following management functions as they relate to a health information management system: facility design, financial planning, budgetary control, selection of equipment and supplies, systems analyses, and evaluation of the effectiveness of departmental services
  • Be able to develop and implement policies and procedures for information handling and dissemination in accordance with professional ethics and in conformity with applicable federal, state, and local statutes and regulations
  • Be able to design a system to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of health information
  • Be able to select and analyze patient and institutional data for health care and health-related programs
  • Be able to assist in research and statistical analysis to provide administrative and clinical information for institutional management and to evaluate patient care
  • Be able to develop in-service education materials and conduct and evaluate instructional programs for health information management staff

Faculty

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