Which of the Following Accredits Academic Programs in Health Information Management?
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits institutions that grant associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Similarly, pre-degree coding programs seek approval from the American Health Information Management Association.
AHS – Associate Degrees in Health Informatics / Healthcare Administration
The Medical Education Campus at Northern Virginia Community College, commonly called MEC, is a specialized campus dedicated to preparing students for the healthcare workforce by providing a technology-sophisticated learning environment. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs in nursing, medical laboratory technology, dental hygiene, emergency medical services, diagnostic medical sonography, respiratory therapy, clinical coding, and health information management.
CAHIIM accredited schools are required to submit an annual program assessment report to CAHIIM for review. The report reflects the quality of the curriculum and the skills students will need to succeed in a career in HIM.
AHIMA Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM)
CCHIIM, a commission of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), is responsible for certifying professionals in HI. It establishes, implements, and enforces standards for professional certification and recertification of HI professionals.
AHIMA is a professional association for health information managers, and it aims to advance the HIM profession through advocacy, education, and certification. It also supports members by providing resources and networking opportunities.
Students who earn a health information management degree from a CAHIIM-accredited school are automatically eligible for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exams offered by AHIMA. These credentials are sought after by employers in the field and can prepare graduates for leadership or information technology roles in healthcare.