Michigan Health Informatics
Health Information Technology, or Health Informatics, is the exciting career that combines information technology, computer science, healthcare, and business management. In an uncertain economy, the Health Informatics field has a projected growth rate of 20% from 2008-2018, far faster than the national average. Workers in the field collect, code, analyze, and model both confidential patient data and administrative data. Most entry level positions in Michigan require Coding Certification that may be earned in less than two years, while Associate’s Degree programs offer a wide variety of career choices.
Michigan Health Informatics Links – MI
CAHIIM Certification in Michigan
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics & Information Management, or CAHIIM , accredits the best programs in the country. Graduates of CAHIIM approved programs pass examinations for national certification as Registered Health Information Technicians at the Associate’s Degree level, and for certification as Registered Health Information Administrators at the Bachelor’s Degree level. Employers value these national certifications above academic degrees in the field. CAHIIM-certified professionals may join the Michigan chapter of AHIMA, the American Health Information Management Association, a national organization that connects the top professionals in the field. AHIMA provides forums for professionals to share updates on laws and technology, as well as job opportunities. For further information, see the Michigan AHIMA website, www.mhima.org.
Health Information Technology Degrees in Michigan
Michigan has a large number of Health Information Technology programs to choose from. CAHIIM accredited Associate’s Degree programs are offered by Baker College of Allen Park, Davenport University—Livonia Campus, Ferris State University, Macomb Community College—Center Campus, Mid Michigan Community College, Schoolcraft College, and Southwestern Michigan College. Each of these programs introduces students to the field through coursework in biology, coding, medical terminology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, legal practices in the field, processing patient claims, reimbursement, and information management. As per CAHIIM requirement, all students complete an internship prior to graduation. These internships often segue into jobs with some of Michigan’s largest healthcare providers, such as William Beaumont Hospital, Traverse City State Hospital, St. John Providence Health System, and the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Other job settings include government agencies, rehabilitation centers, education, legal counsel for corporations, research, and HMO positions.
At the health informatics Bachelor’s Degree level, Michigan students may choose between programs at Davenport University—Grand Rapids, Davenport University—Livonia, and Ferris State University. For those already employed in the field, an entirely online program is also offered by Davenport University. In these programs, the focus is on advanced topics in the field, such as human resource management, business management, and advanced data analysis.
Michigan RHIT and RHIA Salary Information
In Michigan, RHIT’s earn an average $16.49 per hour, or $34,000 annually. The professionals with years of experience in the field earn up to $24.47 hourly, or $50,000 a year. An RHIA in Michigan can expect to earn $40.831 an hour, or about $85,000 a year. The professionals with years of experience earn up to $62.32 an hour, or about $130,000 annually.
*Salary Data: Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Earnings Statistics
The schools mentioned above are just a few of your options if you are looking to start or advance your career in health informatics. In addition, there are a number of other non-CAHIIM accredited programs also available at various campuses across Michigan as well as an abundance of options for online health informatics programs at all levels of study. Take some time to explore your programs options below and request information from the schools to learn more about those programs that peak your interest.