The health information management program (HIM) provides a broad professional education that is based on the baccalaureate competencies developed by the American Health
Information Management Association (AHIMA). The curriculum prepares the graduate
to successfully achieve the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), a
nationally recognized credential in the HIM and health care field.
General education requirements for the HIM program include 59 credits of courses
in the humanities, social sciences, science and mathematics, health, concentration courses, and free electives. These courses are completed through an affiliate or at a
regionally accredited college or university prior to admission.
Students holding an associate of science or arts (A.S./A.A.) or higher degree and students who have completed
all or most of the required general elective credits may apply directly to Rutgers School of Health Professions (SHP). The
undergraduate must have completed the core and breadth courses prior to continuing
into the professional phase of the degree at Rutgers. The HIM program is also a joint-degree program between Rutgers School of Health Professions and several affiliate
colleges/universities. Entering first-time freshman may select any affiliate to complete
two years of preprofessional coursework. Transfer students with some of their general education courses completed may apply to any affiliates for completion of their general
education requirement who generally will transfer in up to half of their required courses.
The professional component includes didactic, laboratory, and professional practice
experiences. Major course requirements include 61 credits in HIM courses to be completed online at Rutgers. No more than one-half of
the major courses may be transferred into the HIM program.
HIM courses at Rutgers are taught online. The
professional practice experience (PPE) is required for graduation and must be
scheduled during the daytime hours to allow adequate supervision at the PPE site. This Management Affiliation consists of 75 hours of practice on site at a contracted facility as
well as 75 hours of online modular education.
Joint-degree students will complete 120 credits at Rutgers and the partner
institution in order to be awarded the degree. Solo-degree students, second-degree
students, and postbaccalaureate certificate students will have met the requirements to be
admitted directly to SHP.
Whether in hospitals, ambulatory care, or alternate settings where health information
is developed, maintained, and applied, the HIM graduate will be able to manage health
information systems consistent with the medical, administrative, ethical, and legal
requirements of the health care delivery system.
At the conclusion of the educational experience, the graduates will demonstrate high
ethical standards regarding the personal and aggregate use of health information.
Health Informatics 
