Turn Your HIM Associate Degree Into a Medical Records Career
The health information management (HIM) associate in applied science (AAS) degree at STLCC teaches you how to manage electronic health records and health care data with accuracy and care.
If you like working with information, solving problems and keeping records organized, the HIM specialist program could be a good fit. You’ll learn how to use technology to manage medical records, review and organize health data, and follow rules that protect patient privacy. These skills are important in health care settings and can prepare you for medical records jobs and other health information roles.
What is Health Information Management at St. Louis Community College?
The HIM program at STLCC focuses on medical records and health care data. You’ll learn how health care information is handled from start to finish, including health care laws and privacy rules, how electronic health records work and how data supports both patient care and administrative tasks.
In this program, you’ll build skills in:
- Medical records management
- Health data organization and analysis
- Electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Health care privacy and compliance
- Billing and revenue cycle processes
Students choose from two focused tracks to match their interests. The data management track builds skills in reviewing, organizing and validating data to meet compliance standards. The revenue management track prepares students to work with billing systems and improve revenue cycle processes that keep health care organizations running smoothly.
What Can You Do With a HIM Associate Degree?
An AAS degree in this field prepares you for jobs that organize and protect patient health records. Graduates often work as health information technicians, medical records specialists or medical coding and billing specialists. These jobs are found in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, insurance companies and public health agencies. HIM professionals help make sure patient information is accurate, secure and easy for health care teams to use.
HIM careers are in demand because health care depends on electronic health records and clear patient data. With an associate degree, you can qualify for entry-level jobs right away or continue your education with a clinical coding certificate or degree to gain specialized skills in medical coding.
AAS in Health Information Management
- Degree offered: Associate in applied science
- Locations: Forest Park
- Hours to complete: 60
- Program contact name: Patricia Sherman
- Program contact email: psherman@stlcc.edu
Tuition for district residents is $122 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Accreditation
The health information management accreditor of St. Louis Community College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for associate degree in health information management has been reaffirmed through 2022-2023.
All inquiries about the program's accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601. You may make inquiries by phone at 312-235-3255 or by email at info@cahiim.org.
In addition, this program adheres to the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) Framework for HIT education.
Program Outcomes
Below are the statistics of student achievement and outcomes for the health information management AAS program at STLCC.
- Graduation Rate – 76%
- Employment Rate – 92%
- Other Outcome Rates
- Retention Rate – 72% (2021-2022)
- Student Satisfaction Rate – 88% (2021-2022)
- Certification Exam Pass Rate – 75% (8/1/2021 to 7/31/2022)
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Health Information Management Program
Flexible Schedule for Working Students
Because this program is designed for working students, evening and online classes are available. Classroom-based courses provide intensive, hands-on skill development.
Graduate With Little or No Debt
We believe cost should never be a barrier to achieving your potential. Save over $4,700 per year with tuition that's one-third lower than other local institutions. Plus, we'll help you navigate scholarship options and financial aid.
Caring for Students
STLCC goes beyond academics with support services, ranging from stress and anxiety management to grants for childcare, emergency crisis support, clothing and free meals through Archers' Market and Brown Bag Café food pantry.
Ramp Up High-Wage Skills
STLCC offers career-focused programs for high-wage, high-skill and in-demand jobs. STLCC provides opportunities for college transfers, career development and workforce training.
STLCC. What's your reason?