2021-2022 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Health Information Management
Health Information Management Major with a Minor in Health Care Information Systems
Faculty: Julie Alles, DHA, RHIA, FAHIMA; Janna Pacey, DHA, RHIA
Website: gvsu.edu/ahs/health-information-management-36.htm
Health information management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. HIM organizes and manages health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security. Health information managers regularly communicate with physicians and other health care professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information.
The increasing use of electronic health records (EHR) will continue to broaden and alter the job responsibilities of HIM. HIM administrators must be familiar with EHR computer software, maintaining EHR security, and analyzing electronic data to improve health care information. HIM uses EHR software to maintain data on patient safety and disease treatment and outcome. Administrators also may assist with improving EHR software usability and contribute to the development and maintenance of health information networks.
Students pursuing the health information management program will also complete the minor in health care information systems through the Computer Information Systems (CIS) department (cis.gvsu.edu).
Program Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree in health information management at Grand Valley State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Secondary Admissions Criteria for the Health Information Management (HIM) Program:
The HIM program is a secondary admission. The health information management courses and the minor in health care information systems courses will be delivered in a completely online format. The admissions process will take place winter semester and will require an HIM application be completed and submitted, prior to the fall entry of the same year. The minimum criteria for admission:
- Completion of the HIM application form
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.5
- Completion of 45 semester hours, which includes current enrollment, verified by transcript(s)
- Grade of C or better in BMS 250, BMS 251, and AHS 100
- Completion of prerequisite and general education coursework prior to the practicum phase of the program
Students are strongly encouraged to meet periodically with their academic advisor in the College of Health Professions (CHP) to determine progress toward and eligibility for admission into the health information management program. Refer to gvsu.edu/chpss for advisor appointments. Upon admission into the program, students are assigned to an HIM faculty advisor.
Program Requirements
The following program is available: