Health Information Management at Dakota State University is made up of two undergraduate degree majors:  Health Information Administration and Health Information Technology. These programs are designed utilizing a 2+2 progression format. Students completing the courses for the associate degree in Health Information Technology may chose to graduate with that degree, or may apply for admission into the Health Information Administration program and, if accepted, complete the requirements of the bachelor of science degree. 

The Health Information Management degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).   Both programs received approval on the last accreditation review and were awarded continuing accreditation.  In addition, our computer environment has noted as being a model for other programs, and faculty have been asked to present to other educators several times.

The American Health Information Management Association does have a certification examination for professionals in this field.  Only graduates from accredited programs are eligible to receive the certification to become registered health information technicians (RHIT's) or registered health information administrators (RHIA's).  Our students have traditionally done well on the exam, including having had the top scorer in the nation.

The HIM Program at DSU also offers a 34-credit healthcare coding certificate program.  This is designed to be completed in one year.  These courses will also fit into the HIT and HIA degree programs, allowing the students to easily progress into additional educational opportunities if desired.

The healthcare coding certificate program has been approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).  The next review is scheduled for 2008-2009.