Last updated: October 8, 2026 · Program details checked against the CAHIIM Program Directory and each school’s official page
Disclosure: Medical Career Central may earn a commission if you request information from or enroll in some programs mentioned on this page. That never affects which programs we include: every school below is listed because it appears as an active, CAHIIM-accredited online or hybrid program. We do not promise any salary, job placement, or exam result. Check costs, accreditation, and admission rules with each school before you apply.
Health information management (HIM) is the work of collecting, protecting, coding, and analyzing patient health data. HIM professionals make sure medical records are accurate, complete, private, and usable for billing, quality reporting, and research. It is a healthcare career with no hands-on patient care, and much of the coursework (and many jobs) can be done online.
If you want an HIM career, one detail matters more than any other: CAHIIM accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits HIM degree programs. AHIMA, the group that awards the two main HIM credentials, requires a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program to qualify for its exams:
- RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician): requires the associate-level academic requirements of a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program (AHIMA RHIT eligibility).
- RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator): requires the bachelor’s-level (or master’s or approved post-baccalaureate certificate) academic requirements of a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program (AHIMA RHIA eligibility).
A degree that isn’t CAHIIM-accredited may still teach useful skills, but it won’t make you eligible for the RHIT or RHIA exam through the standard degree route.
Who this guide is for: career changers, medical coders and billers who want to move up, healthcare workers who want a role away from the bedside, and anyone comparing online HIM programs who wants verified facts instead of a recycled “top schools” list.
How we built this list
We replaced our old 2023 list with a new one built from primary sources:
- CAHIIM Program Directory. We filtered the CAHIIM directory by Health Information Management, degree level (associate or baccalaureate), and Online delivery. On October 8, 2026 it listed 52 active baccalaureate HIM programs with online delivery (30 fully online, 22 “Campus Based, Online”) and 191 active associate HIM programs with online delivery (127 fully online, 64 “Campus Based, Online”).
- CAHIIM program detail pages. For each school in our table, we checked the current accreditation award (Initial or Continuing) and the next review cycle.
- School pages. We took format, length, credits, and tuition only from each school’s official program or tuition page. When a school doesn’t publish a clear program price, we say “check school” instead of guessing.
This isn’t a ranking, and the order doesn’t mean one program is better than another. It’s a verified shortlist to start from. Since there are more than 240 accredited online options, also check the directory for programs in your own state, where in-state public tuition may be lower.
Associate vs. bachelor’s in HIM: RHIT path vs. RHIA path
| Associate degree (HIT/HIM) | Bachelor’s degree (HIM) | |
|---|---|---|
| Credential it prepares you for | RHIT exam | RHIA exam |
| Typical length | About 60–70 semester credits; often about 2 years full-time | About 120 semester credits; less if you transfer in an associate degree |
| Focus | Technical work: coding and classification, record review, data quality, privacy rules, EHR use | Management and analysis: HIM department operations, data governance, compliance, finance, leadership |
| Common roles (examples) | Health information technician, medical records specialist, coding or release-of-information roles, data quality roles | HIM supervisor or manager, data analyst, compliance or privacy roles, health IT and EHR roles |
| Closest BLS category | Medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072); some roles fall under health information technologists (29-9021) | Health information technologists and medical registrars (29-9021); medical and health services managers with experience |
| Exam fee (AHIMA) | $229 for members / $299 for non-members | $229 for members / $299 for non-members |
Exam fees are from AHIMA’s RHIT and RHIA pages. Role examples are illustrative, and job requirements vary by employer.
A common path is associate → RHIT → bachelor’s → RHIA. Many bachelor’s programs give credit for a CAHIIM-accredited associate degree. For example:
- Indiana University says it can grant 60 credit hours of credit-by-credential for a CAHIIM-accredited associate degree in health information technology earned within the last 5 years (IU Luddy).
- Purdue Global says a CAHIIM-approved HIT associate degree can be used to fast-track its bachelor’s (Purdue Global).
- UC’s online associate in Health Information Systems advertises guaranteed acceptance into UC’s online bachelor’s for its graduates (UC Online).
Which should you start with?
– Choose an associate degree if you want the fastest route into an entry-level HIM job, want to test the field before committing to four years, or plan to have an employer help pay for a bachelor’s later.
– Choose a bachelor’s degree if you already have college credits or an associate degree, want management or analytics roles, or want to qualify for the RHIA directly.
Planning your credential path? See our upcoming guide: RHIT vs. RHIA: Which HIM Credential Fits You?
How to choose an online HIM program
1. Confirm CAHIIM accreditation yourself. Search the school in the CAHIIM Program Directory. Check four things:
– the subject area is Health Information Management, not Health Informatics;
– the degree level matches what you want;
– the Enrollment Status is Active;
– the program isn’t marked “Inactive.”
AHIMA notes that it currently accepts only HIM programs, not health informatics programs, for RHIT eligibility.
2. Know the difference between “Initial” and “Continuing” accreditation. Both are CAHIIM accreditation. Initial usually means the program is in its first accreditation cycle. Continuing means it has been reaccredited. Each program’s detail page shows its current award and next review cycle.
3. Compare total cost, not just the per-credit rate. Schools price programs in different ways:
– per semester credit (SNHU, APUS, Charter Oak);
– per quarter credit (Purdue Global: 180 quarter credits = 120 semester credits);
– flat rate per term (WGU).
Add fees, books or e-resources, and the exam fee. Then estimate how many credits will transfer in.
4. Check the format. In the CAHIIM directory, “Online” means fully online coursework. “Campus Based, Online” means the school offers both, and some programs may need limited on-site activity. Almost every accredited program includes a professional practice experience (PPE). Some programs place you at a healthcare site, and others use virtual or simulated experiences. Ask how PPE works where you live.
5. Ask about transfer credit and credit for credentials. Ask whether the school accepts your associate degree, CCA/CCS/RHIT credentials, or prior coursework. Some schools state limits clearly. For example, SNHU accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward its bachelor’s.
6. Check state authorization if you’re out of state. Online programs must be authorized to enroll students in your state, and some publish licensure or certification disclosures. HIM credentials are national (AHIMA), not state licenses. Even so, confirm the school can enroll you where you live and that PPE sites are available nearby.
7. Read the outcomes data. CAHIIM requires accredited programs to publish student achievement data, and many schools post it on the program page. Look for graduation rates, employment rates, and survey response counts. Small response counts can make percentages misleading.
2026 comparison: CAHIIM-accredited online and hybrid HIM programs
Every program below appeared as Active in the CAHIIM Program Directory on October 8, 2026. Tuition figures are copied from school pages on that date. They exclude most fees and can change at any time, so always confirm with the school.
Bachelor’s degrees (RHIA path)
| School | Degree | Format (CAHIIM listing) | Length / credits (as published) | Published tuition | CAHIIM award (next review) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University | BS Health Information Management | Online | 36 courses; WGU reports 61% of HIM grads finish within 36 months | $4,425 per 6-month term, plus a $200 e-books/resources fee per term | Continuing (2033–2034) | Competency-based and self-paced. Starts on the 1st of each month. |
| Southern New Hampshire University | BS Health Information Management | Online | 40 courses / 120 credits; 8-week terms | $354 per credit ($42,480 for 120 credits before transfer) | Initial (2029–2030) | Accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Includes a PPE of at least 40 hours. |
| Purdue University Global | Bachelor’s in Health Information Management | Online | 180 quarter credits (= 120 semester credits) | $371 per quarter credit | Initial (2028–2029) | Offers a 3-week trial. Fast track for CAHIIM-accredited HIT associate grads. |
| American Public University (APUS) | BS Health Information Management | Online | 120 credits; courses 8–16 weeks; monthly starts | $360 per credit ($250 military rate) | Initial (2027–2028) | Transfer up to 90 credits. APUS combined with Rasmussen University in Aug. 2026. |
| Charter Oak State College | BS Health Information Management | Online | 120 credits (21 major credits must be earned at Charter Oak or through approved prior learning) | $329 per credit, 2026–27 (tuition page), plus semester fees | Continuing (2032–2033) | Same rate for in-state and out-of-state students. |
| University of Cincinnati Online (Clermont) | Bachelor of Health Information Management | Online | 120 semester credits; associate credits can apply | $454 per credit hour (Ohio residents) / $469 (non-residents) (UC Online fees) | Listed as Initial; June 2026 action text says Continuing (2033–2034) | “100% online, no campus visits required.” |
| Western Kentucky University | BS Health Information Management | Online | Check school | Check school | Continuing (2032–2033) | School says the degree can be completed online or in a hybrid format. |
| Rutgers University (School of Health Professions) | BS Health Information Management | Online | 61 credits at Rutgers after 59+ general-education credits; 2 years full-time / 3 years part-time; fall start | Check school | Continuing (2029–2030) | Degree-completion format. Online except a 75-hour PPE in the final semester. |
| University of Illinois Chicago | BS Health Information Management | Campus Based, Online | 123 credits | Check school | Continuing (2027–2028) | Offered on campus or entirely online. Passing the RHIA exam is a graduation requirement. |
| Indiana University (Luddy School, Indianapolis) | BS Health Information Management | Campus Based, Online | Check school | Check school | Continuing (2029–2030) | Up to 60 credit hours by credential for recent CAHIIM-accredited HIT associate grads. |
| Louisiana Tech University | BS Health Informatics and Information Management | Campus Based, Online | Check school | Check school | Continuing (2033–2034) | Reaccredited June 2026. Online or on-campus study. |
| Weber State University | BS Health Information Management | Campus Based, Online | Check school | Check school | Continuing (2028–2029) | School says all HIM classes are available online. |
Associate degrees (RHIT path)
| School | Degree | Format (CAHIIM listing) | Length / credits (as published) | Published tuition | CAHIIM award (next review) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herzing University Online | AS Health Information Technology | Online | 60 semester credits; school-reported average of 20 months | $530 per credit | Continuing (2030–2031) | 100% online coursework with an HIT capstone experience. |
| Davenport University | AAS Health Information Technology | Online | 69 credits; described as a two-year degree | Check school | Continuing (2029–2030) | 100% online through Davenport’s Global Campus. Credit for RHIT, CCA, CCS, and CCS-P. |
| University of Cincinnati Online (Clermont) | Associate in Health Information Systems | Online | 63 credit hours | Check school (UC Online fees) | Continuing (2032–2033) | Guaranteed path into UC’s online bachelor’s. CAHIIM FEM demonstration program. |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Fort Wayne) | AAS Health Information Technology | Online | 60 credit hours; 4 semesters | $10,703 estimated (in-state, full-time tuition per Ivy Tech) | Continuing (2032–2033) | 100% online option. Indiana residents get in-state pricing. Program availability varies by location. |
Sources: CAHIIM Program Directory and individual CAHIIM program pages (accessed Oct. 8, 2026); linked school pages (accessed Oct. 8, 2026). Not listed doesn’t mean not accredited. Use the directory to see every option, including community colleges in your state.
A note on our old list: Our 2023 version of this page listed seven schools that did not appear in the CAHIIM directory’s online HIM bachelor’s listing when we checked on October 8, 2026. Some of those schools may offer campus-based or other programs. We removed them rather than repeat claims we couldn’t verify.
HIM salary and job outlook (BLS, 2026 update)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t have one “HIM” job category. The two closest Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) profiles are below. Both were last updated August 27, 2026 and use May 2025 wage data and 2025–35 projections.
| BLS occupation (SOC) | Median pay (May 2025) | Lowest 10% / highest 10% | Jobs (2025) | Projected growth 2025–35 | Openings per year | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health information technologists and medical registrars (29-9021) | $68,020 ($32.70/hr) | under $39,830 / over $117,420 | 42,000 | 16% (much faster than average) | about 3,000 | Associate’s degree |
| Medical records specialists (29-2072) | $51,140 ($24.59/hr) | under $37,000 / over $81,150 | 200,700 | 8% (much faster than average) | about 14,000 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
For context, BLS lists the median for medical and health services managers at $123,860 (2025) with a bachelor’s degree as typical entry education (BLS OOH). HIM graduates may move toward these roles after gaining experience. A degree alone doesn’t qualify you for them.
What the BLS data says in plain English:
– Where they work: Hospitals are the largest employer of health information technologists and medical registrars (46%). They’re also the largest employer of medical records specialists (28%).
– Why demand is growing: BLS points to the growing volume of electronic health data and more demand for clinical registries. For medical records specialists, BLS cites an aging population and more chronic conditions.
– A caution: BLS also notes that AI tools that make medical coding more efficient “may affect the demand” for medical records specialists. That’s one more reason many people aim for the analytical and management skills taught in RHIA-path programs.
– Pay varies widely by region, employer, experience, and credentials. These figures are national medians, not a prediction of what any graduate will earn. For local numbers, use the BLS OEWS and CareerOneStop tools linked from each OOH page.
Want a deeper breakdown by state and credential? See our upcoming guide: Health Information Management Salary Guide
Frequently asked questions
What is CAHIIM accreditation, and why does it matter for an HIM degree?
CAHIIM (the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education) accredits health information management degree programs. It matters because AHIMA requires graduates to complete a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program before they can sit for the RHIT (associate level) or RHIA (bachelor’s level or higher) exam through the standard degree route.
Can I earn a CAHIIM-accredited HIM degree completely online?
Yes. On October 8, 2026, the CAHIIM directory listed 30 active baccalaureate and 127 active associate HIM programs with fully online delivery. Many more offer a hybrid option. Most programs still include a professional practice experience, which may be completed at an approved site or through virtual or simulated activities, depending on the school.
What’s the difference between the RHIT and RHIA?
The RHIT is AHIMA’s technician-level credential and requires an associate-level CAHIIM-accredited HIM program. The RHIA is the administrator-level credential and requires a bachelor’s-level (or master’s or approved post-baccalaureate) CAHIIM-accredited HIM program. Both exams cost $229 for AHIMA members and $299 for non-members.
How long does an online HIM degree take?
Associate programs are usually about 60–70 credits. Ivy Tech lists 4 semesters, and Herzing reports an average of 20 months. Bachelor’s programs are about 120 semester credits, but transfer credit can shorten that a lot. Degree-completion programs like Rutgers’ list 2 years full-time after general education.
How much does an online HIM degree cost?
It depends on the school. Among the programs we verified:
– WGU charges a flat $4,425 per 6-month term.
– Charter Oak charges $329 per credit.
– SNHU charges $354 per credit.
– APUS charges $360 per credit.
– Purdue Global charges $371 per quarter credit.
Fees, books, transfer credit, and residency also change the total. Always get a written cost estimate from the school.
Is health informatics the same as health information management?
No. They overlap, but CAHIIM accredits them as separate subject areas. AHIMA states that it currently accepts only HIM programs, not health informatics programs, for RHIT eligibility. If an AHIMA credential is your goal, choose a program listed under Health Information Management.
What is the salary for health information management jobs?
BLS reports a May 2025 median of $68,020 for health information technologists and medical registrars and $51,140 for medical records specialists. Pay varies by location, employer, experience, and credentials, and no degree guarantees a specific salary.
Do I need an associate degree before a bachelor’s in HIM?
No. You can enroll directly in a bachelor’s program. But many students start with an associate degree, earn the RHIT, and then transfer into a bachelor’s. Several schools give extra credit for a CAHIIM-accredited associate degree or the RHIT credential.
Keep exploring
These guides are coming soon to Medical Career Central:
- RHIT vs. RHIA: Which HIM Credential Fits You?
- CPC vs. CCS: Choosing a Medical Coding Certification
- Remote Health Information Management Jobs: Roles and Requirements
- Health Information Management Salary Guide
Sources
- CAHIIM Program Directory (HIM, associate and baccalaureate, online delivery): https://www.cahiim.org/programs/program-directory/
- CAHIIM, Health Information Management Accreditation: https://www.cahiim.org/accreditation/health-information-management/
- AHIMA, RHIT certification and eligibility: https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certifications-overview/rhit/
- AHIMA, RHIA certification and eligibility: https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certifications-overview/rhia/
- BLS OOH, Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/health-information-technologists-and-medical-registrars.htm
- BLS OOH, Medical Records Specialists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
- BLS OOH, Medical and Health Services Managers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
- Western Governors University, BS Health Information Management: https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-health-degrees/health-information-management-bachelors-program.html
- Southern New Hampshire University, BS Health Information Management: https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/bachelors/bs-in-health-information-management
- Purdue University Global, Bachelor’s in HIM: https://www.purdueglobal.edu/degree-programs/health-sciences/bachelor-health-information-management/
- American Public University, BS HIM: https://www.apu.apus.edu/academic/schools/health-sciences/bachelors/health-information-management.html
- Charter Oak State College, BS HIM: https://www.charteroak.edu/health-information-management/ and tuition: https://www.charteroak.edu/prospective/tuition/
- University of Cincinnati Online, Bachelor of HIM: https://online.uc.edu/undergraduate-degrees/bachelors-in-health-information-management/ and program fees: https://www.online.uc.edu/tuition-finances/program-fees.html
- University of Cincinnati Online, Associate in Health Information Systems: https://online.uc.edu/associate-programs/aas-health-information-systems/
- Western Kentucky University, HIM: https://www.wku.edu/healthinformationmanagement/
- Rutgers School of Health Professions, BS HIM: https://shp.rutgers.edu/health-informatics/bachelor-of-science-health-information-management/
- University of Illinois Chicago, BS HIM: https://ahs.uic.edu/biomedical-health-information-sciences/admissions-and-programs/bs-in-health-information-management/
- Indiana University Luddy School, BS HIM: https://luddy.indianapolis.iu.edu/degrees/undergraduate/him/
- Louisiana Tech University, HIIM: https://ans.latech.edu/health-informatics-information-management/undergraduate-programs/
- Weber State University, HIM: https://www.weber.edu/Majors/health-information-management.html
- Herzing University, AS Health Information Technology: https://www.herzing.edu/healthcare/health-information-management/associate-degree
- Davenport University, AAS Health Information Technology: https://www.davenport.edu/college-health-professions/programs-and-degrees/health-information-technology
- Ivy Tech Community College, Health Information Technology: https://www.ivytech.edu/health-information-tech/index.html
Information current as of October 8, 2026. Program details, tuition, and accreditation status can change, so confirm everything with the school and the CAHIIM directory before you enroll. This page is for education and career planning only.