Illinois Health Informatics Degree Programs – IL
Discover the Illinois Health Informatics Career Path
Health Information Technology, or Health Informatics, is one of the most rapid-growing fields in the country today. This is no exception in the state of Illinois. A health informatics or information systems career combines healthcare, computer science, and information technology. Technicians collect medical data, model data, maintain the dignity of hospital records, and protect patient privacy. More advanced technicians and managers also develop algorithms for data management. This career has a projected growth rate of 20% from 2008-2018, far greater than the national rate. Professionals work in a wide variety of settings, from traditional emergency clinics and hospitals to mental health facilities, prisons, government jobs, legal counsel, and education.
Illinois Health Informatics Links
RHIT and RHIA Certification in Illinois
The Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics & Information Management, or CAHIIM , sets the industry standards and lends their certification to the most thorough programs in the country. CAHIIM administers the national certifications by examination for Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrators, or RHIA. Professionals with CAHIIM certification may join the Illinois chapter of the American Health Information Management Association, or AHIMA . AHIMA members benefit from a connection to the top professionals in the field, updates on the latest technology and procedures, and access to AHIMA-exclusive job listings. For additional information, visit the Illinois AHIMA website, http://www.ilhima.org/links/links.html.
Health Informatics Degree Options – IL
In Illinois, there are approved Associate Degree programs in Health Information Technology at College of DuPage, College of Lake County, Danville Area Community College, DeVry University—Chicago, Joliet Junior College, Midstate College, Moraine Valley Community College, Northwestern College, Oakton Community College, Rasmussen College—Rockford, and Southwestern Illinois College. An additional program is offered by DeVry University Online. These programs introduce students to the field, with significant coursework in communication, biology, human anatomy & physiology, legal aspects of healthcare, pharmacology, medical terminology, medical coding, reimbursement procedures, and human resource management. Students must complete an internship prior to graduation.
At the Bachelor’s Degree level, Illinois professionals can choose between CAHIIM-approved programs at Chicago State University, Illinois State University (Bloomington-Normal), and the University of Illinois at Chicago. An additional program is offered online by DeVry University. These programs are more in-depth than the Associate’s level programs, with emphasis on data modeling and management. Illinois schools offer two Master’s programs for those wishing to continue beyond the Bachelor’s level. University of Illinois at Chicago offers a Master’s in Health Information Management, or a Master’s in Health Informatics. The Health Information Management program prepares students for the RHIA examination. The Health Informatics program does not automatically prepare a student for the exam, but a student may elect to take additional coursework and then take the exam. Below you will find an abundance of online and campus based health informatics programs to choose from. Request information from the schools that fit your needs and interests to learn more.
Illinois Health Informatics Salary Ranges
At the RHIT level, health information technicians earn an average $16.33 an hour, or about $34,000 a year. In the top 10%, experienced professionals earn as much as $24.60 hourly, or $51,000 yearly. Registered Health Information Administrators earn an average $45.794 hourly, or $95,000 a year. An experienced professional at the top of the pay scale earns up to $76.15 an hour, or $158,000 .
*Salary Data: Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Earnings Statistics