Health Informatics and Information Management Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

University Questions

How do I start?

Your first step is to apply to Boise State University. For questions concerning admissions, please visit the Admissions site.

How much does it cost?

For questions concerning confidentiality and privacy, academic honesty, deadlines, grades, tuition and fees, university core requirements, credit for prior learning, and other university policies, please refer to the appropriate university catalog.

Is financial aid available?

For questions concerning financial aid, please visit the Financial Aid site.

How do I register?

For questions concerning registration, adding/dropping courses, withdrawals, transfers, and other related questions, please visit the Registrar’s site.

How do I declare my major?

In accordance with University Policy, a student seeking a baccalaureate degree must declare a major field of study by the time he/she is classified as a junior (58 credits have been earned).

If you are an undergraduate student pursuing an academic degree, you can view and change your major or minor on BroncoWeb by accessing the 'View/Change My Major/Minor Plans' link in the My Academics section. If you have applied for graduation, however, you cannot change your major or minor on BroncoWeb. You must contact bweb@boisestate.edu.

The Health Informatics and Information Management program is part of the Department of Community and Environmental Health. To declare the associate of science degree, select “Health Information Technology”. To declare the bachelor of science degree, select “Health Information Management”. If you are currently working on both degrees, you may declare both.

Does the university offer tutoring?

For questions concerning the career center, international programs, tutoring, orientation, the writing center, and other student services, please visit the Current Students site.

Career Questions

What kind of job can I do with this degree and where would I work?

Traditionally, HIIM graduates work in the health information departments of facilities doing such things as coding, record assembly, abstracting, chart auditing, release of information, deficiency monitoring and analysis, etc. Some traditional job titles include coder or coding supervisor, auditor, billing specialist, abstractor, trauma registrar, tumor registrar, utilization review and/or quality management staff, medical staff employee, compliance officer, privacy officer, consultant, educator and HIM Director. Some other, more nontraditional roles may include consumer advocate, software developer, vendor representative, risk manager, system manager, surveyor, inspector, data analyst, researcher, medical paralegal, systems designer, project coordinator, benefits coordinator, and many more!

Although most initially think of hospitals, graduates go on to many other healthcare settings including office-based physician practices, other ambulatory care settings, long-term care, home health agencies, hospice, mental health facilities, and public health agencies. In fact, HIIM graduates may be employed in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors.

Learn more about HIIM careers here.

What is an RHIT? Why would I want a certification?

"Professionals holding the RHIT credential are health information technicians who:

• Ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems.
• Use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs.
• Often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. An additional role for RHITs is cancer registrars—compiling and maintaining data on cancer patients.

With experience, the RHIT credential holds solid potential for advancement to management positions, especially when combined with a bachelor’s degree." (AHIMA’s website)

"... AHIMA certification in HIM ... is your guide to career enhancement, increased salary, and greater success in your chosen profession. AHIMA credentials are earned through a challenging program of examinations, education, and experience, and maintained through continuous review and education. This is why AHIMA certification has industry-wide respect as the gold standard of HIM professional excellence.

A recent AHIMA survey showed that employers in the healthcare field place high value on certification. In hiring, 68 percent of employers report choosing a credentialed candidate over one who is not, and 53 percent consider credentials when promoting employees over equally skilled and experienced workers. Credentialed employees are rewarded financially too, with 67 percent of respondents reporting they earn more than their noncredentialed peers." (AHIMA’s website)

How much money does an HIIM professional make?

You can find more information about salaries in AHIMA’s 2006 Salary Study and ADVANCE’s 2008 Salary Survey.

Program Questions

How many students are accepted to the HIIM program each year?

Approximately 24.

Can I start the program in the Spring (January)?

Pre-requisite courses can be taken any semester, but the second year of the program begins on a Fall (August) basis only.

Can I enroll in the HIIM program part-time?

Absolutely! If you would like to enroll part-time, please discuss this with a program advisor.

When are courses offered?

University core courses and other non-HLTHINFO courses are offered during a variety of times, in a variety of locations, and in various modalities. Many of these courses are also offered in the summer. Program courses, those designated as HLTHINFO, are offered in-person on the main campus during the day. HLTHINFO 120 is the only program course offered in the summer.

Do I need a background check?

Although the Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) program does not currently require background checks for program acceptance, certain facilities do require background checks and students may have to obtain one during the second year of the program. Certain items appearing on a background check may prevent a student from being placed at a facility. If you have concerns about this, please discuss it with a program advisor.

Is the program offered online?

Many of the university core courses and other non-HLTHINFO courses are offered online. However, program courses, those designated as HLTHINFO, are only offered in-person. HLTHINFO 120 is the only program course offered entirely online.

Is this the only HIIM program offered in Idaho?

No, similar programs are offered at Idaho State University and ITT Technical Institute.

What is the math requirement?

Both the A.S. and B.S. degrees require a core math class. These can be found in the university catalog. Most often students take MATH 124, but some take MATH 130 or MATH 143. Any area III math class works.

Can I get a minor with my B.S. in HIIM?

Definitely! The area II and III electives, as well as the upper division electives, make it relatively easy to get a minor in a number of fields, including Human Resource Management, Psychology, and Paralegal Studies. If you are interested in pursuing a minor, please mention it to your advisor.