WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
CAHIIM Accreditation
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Get started on a bachelor's degree in health information management from WGU.
As the healthcare industry changes minute by minute, it’s crucial for aspiring health information management (HIM) professionals to enter the job market with the most relevant and high-quality education. Completing a CAHIIM-accredited HIM degree program is one way to ensure this.
WGU’s CAHIIM-accredited HIM degree offers a robust curriculum that gives you a glimpse into real-world health information management operations and functions. You'll learn about the business and technology side of healthcare and how HIM impacts patients, providers, and payers. All of this prepares you to work in the ever-changing field of health informatics and become a vital member of the healthcare community.
WGU's Health Information Management program is a CAHIIM-certified program.
What is CAHIIM?
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, also known as CAHIIM, is a nonprofit organization that accredits associate degrees, as well as bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in health informatics and HIM professions. CAHIIM's goal is to provide a set of standards for health informatics and HIM programs and to accredit programs that comply with their guidelines.
CAHIIM is nationally known for its excellence in reviewing and approving higher education institutions and programs that follow its strict code of ethics and core competency areas. For this reason, many employers seek candidates who have completed degree programs from institutions that are CAHIIM accredited.
What is CAHIIM Accreditation?
Schools commonly seek accreditation both from the institutional accreditation bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and from professional bodies within the industry to which the degree applies. For example, WGU’s institutional accreditation is through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities while our B.S. in Health Information Management program is accredited by CAHIIM. This accreditation ensures that students receive the highest quality education and the best chance of long-term career success. It also provides the public with effective and consistent monitoring of HIM programs. CAHIIM continuously monitors accredited schools and their programs to make sure the quality of the education meets healthcare workforce needs. To maintain accreditation status, schools must provide CAHIIM with an Annual Program Assessment Report (APAR).
Who Can Become CAHIIM Accredited?
To receive CAHIIM’s seal of approval, schools that offer health information or health information management must pass an accreditation process, which includes a review of coursework, professor qualifications, research capabilities, and job placement rates.
An independent board of experts within CAHIIM evaluate four major areas, including:
- Sponsorship: Schools must be accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Planning: A program must provide measurable outcomes that evaluate program effectiveness.
- Autonomy and Governance: Program leaders and faculty must meet specific qualifications and performance standards.
- Curriculum: The program curriculum must support CAHIIM’s mission and incorporate up-to-date information on health informatics issues and technology.
- CAHIIM also verifies whether or not a program stands up to the professional standards and skills required of those who graduate from a health information or HIM degree program.
Health & Nursing
Health Information Management – B.S.
A program designed for future leaders in HIM....
A program designed for future leaders in HIM.
- Time: 61% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare System Applications
- Health Information Law and Regulations
- Healthcare Project Management
- Data Analytics and Information Governance
This CAHIIM-accredited program makes you eligible for the RHIA exam.
What is the Difference Between CAHIIM and AHIMA?
While both deal with HIM, CAHIIM and AHIMA serve two different purposes:
AHIMA is an association for HIM professionals. It’s committed to advancing the HIM profession through advocacy, education, and certification. AHIMA ensures the quality of a HIM degree and provides networking opportunities among HIM professionals in the workplace.
CAHIIM was created by AHIMA and is an accrediting organization for degree-granting programs in health informatics and HIM. CAHIIM’s leadership consists of a 12-member board that enforces educational standards and reviews academic programs. The majority of this board is made up of AHIMA members, who back the CAHIIM and provide its blueprint for accreditation best practices.
Why Does CAHIIM Accreditation Matter?
Accredited programs such as CAHIIM carry a lot of weight with both students and employers.
For employers, a CAHIIM-accredited program signals that a candidate has a solid HIM education and a firm grasp of current management strategies, information management implementations, and information technology concepts.
For students, CAHIIM accreditation provides assurance that they’re getting the most relevant and high-quality education in health information and management. Given this, many students find they have a competitive advantage in the workforce and more job opportunities after graduation. Plus, with a CAHIIM-accredited HIM degree, students are automatically eligible to apply for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exams. These credentials can prepare HIM professionals for leadership or information technology roles in healthcare.
Ready to enter the exciting field of health information management? Explore WGU’s CAHIIM-accredited online degree program now.
