Health Information Management: Career information
Career overview
Scope of practice
The HIM program provides graduates with the fundamental skills necessary to begin a career performing responsibilities such as:
- Manage medical records and health information systems
- Enhance the quality and uses of data within the healthcare industry
- Summarize data into useful information
- Comply with standards and regulations regarding health information
- Protect the privacy and security of patient health information
- Ensure health information is complete and available to legitimate users
- Code health information for reimbursement and research
Certification and licensure
Students who successfully complete the HIM program are eligible to take the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT®) exam given by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The program director will provide the necessary information prior to the time applications should be submitted. It is recommended that graduates take the RHIT exam as soon as possible following completion of the program. AHIMA has historical data that demonstrates that the sooner students take the exam after graduation, the higher their score on the exam.
Professional associations
- AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association)
- ORHIMA (Oregon Health Information Management Association)
- AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders)
Professional association for students
Students enrolled in the Health Information Management program are eligible for student membership in the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Benefits of membership include receipt of the official newsletters of the organization, attendance at professional meetings, and involvement in the association prior to job entry.
Students are eligible to join during the first term of the program. Application forms are available at: ahima.org. The EPC number of the Portland Community College program is 423.