CAHIIM is the acronym for the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. An independent accrediting organization, that entity strives to serve the general public by establishing suitable accreditation standards for various educational programs intended to prepare individuals for careers in the health informatics and health information management fields.
What is Health Informatics?
Whenever a patient visits a health care professional, data is generated regarding the patient, his medical history, his condition, his insurance, his treatment and more. The science of capturing, using and transmitting that health information, health informatics integrates informatics principles, current information technology and information systems and applies those disciplines to health care delivery. Individuals who study health informatics work to make health care more effective and more efficient by using technology to provide doctors with the information they need to help them make better decisions. Their work may call for the analysis of data or the design and development of better programs or procedures.
What is Health Information Management?
Health information management professionals are responsible for gathering, analyzing and protecting medical information in both digital and hard copy formats. The position demands proficiency with computers, fluency in medical terminology and a comprehension of laws regarding privacy and confidentiality. Health information management professionals use their knowledge of information management technology and their understanding of health care workflow to ensure that accurate, complete health information is accessible to those who need it when they need it, yet securely protected from those who might misuse it.
What Types of Degrees Does CAHIIM Consider for Accreditation?
Health informatics and health information management are rapidly evolving fields. With the growing demand for professionals trained in these areas, colleges and universities are continually expanding their degree program offerings. The commission offers standard requirements for health information programs resulting in associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It also provides requirements for master’s degree programs in health informatics.
How Can Someone Find an Accredited Degree Program?
For students seeking reassurance that their chosen degree program will actually provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the real-world workplace, accreditation offers peace of mind. Individuals looking for accredited health informatics or health information degree programs can visit the commission’s website. This searchable database allows people considering their options to identify accredited programs by the state they are located in or the name of the college or university.
Why is Accreditation Important?
Accreditation offers both students and potential employers some assurance that a degree program provides its graduates with the necessary training. It is particularly important for individuals who wish to seek professional accreditation from the American Health Information Management Association. Both its Registered Health Information Administrator and Registered Health Information Technician credentials are only available to graduates of programs accredited by the Commission for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. While these credentials are not strictly necessary to begin a career in health information management, many employers prefer them. Having one of these credentials on their resume expands health information management professionals’ career opportunities.
With the growing demand for health care services creating abundant employment opportunities in the field, many people are seeking training and degree programs in health informatics and health information. Choosing a program accredited by the Commission for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, or CAHIIM, can be the first step to launching an exciting new career in these hot fields.
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