Health Administration vs. Health Information Management

Clinical health care providers diagnose, treat, and care for patients. However, health care organizations rely on nonclinical administrators and managers to operate smoothly.

The business and operations functions that health organizations rely on fall under health administration, a broad field that includes specializations such as health information management. A degree in health administration can prepare graduates for these in-demand health care careers. However, what is the difference between health administration vs. health information management?

What Is Health Administration?

Health administration oversees daily operations and long-term planning for health care organizations. Administrators specialize in areas such as finance, human relations, compliance, and facility management. Health administrators also analyze data to improve efficiency and develop quality improvement plans.

Within health administration, professionals hold titles such as health services manager , medical office manager, patient care manager, long-term care administrator, and clinical manager.

Health Administration Job Duties

Health administrators need foundational business skills plus knowledge of the health care system. The core responsibilities in health administration include:

Fiscal management and budgeting
Regulatory compliance
Health care recruitment and scheduling
Facilities management

Health Administration Skills

Health administration professionals need many of the same skills as professionals in other business sectors, including interpersonal skills, teamwork, and adaptability. Other key skills for health administrators include:

Analytical thinking: Evaluating metrics such as readmission rates, patient wait times, and length of stay (LOS) to implement more efficient procedures and improve patient outcomes
Communication: Coordinating with health care providers, staff, and other stakeholders to publicize policy updates and measure employee satisfaction
Leadership: Managing teams, hiring and training personnel, and motivating staff
Problem-solving: Addressing issues in staffing, budgeting, and operations, from cost overruns to conflict resolution

What Is Health Information Management?

Health care organizations manage large amounts of sensitive data, including medical histories, clinical information, and test results. The field of health information management (HIM) stores and protects this private health care data, known as electronic health records (EHRs). Professionals in this field also analyze health records to understand population-wide trends.

HIM specialists ensure that health information is accurate, protected, and accessible to medical professionals. They manage the health information exchanges that allow health care providers to access and share medical records.

HIM careers include medical records analyst, EHR implementation specialist, health information data analyst, and HIM manager.

Health Information Management Job Duties

HIM careers require business and technology skills. Depending on the job title, the job responsibilities in the field can include:

Maintaining accurate patient records
Implementing data security systems
Training staff on privacy regulations
Analyzing clinical data

Health Information Management Skills

The skills needed to work in health administration vs. health information management overlap. However, HIM requires additional technical skills, including:

Health care technology: Proficiency with health information and EHR systems
Data privacy: Securing private health data in compliance with regulations
Attention to detail: Identifying errors and problems in data and systems
Data analysis: Inspecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to extract information

Comparing Health Administration vs. Health Information Management

What are the similarities and differences between health administration vs. health information management? HIM is part of health administration, so the two career tracks overlap. However, they have key differences.

Education Requirements

Both health administrators and health information managers typically need a bachelor’s degree. Some employers, including large hospital systems, may prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

Majoring in health administration or a closely related field develops the health care knowledge and skills to work in both fields. These programs typically include coursework in health care finance, quality management, risk management, and health policy.

Coursework in health informatics, health information technology, and health data management benefit those interested in HIM careers.

Professional Certifications

Certification demonstrates expertise in an area of health administration or HIM. Professionals who earn certification can increase their job opportunities and earning potential.

Professional health administration certifications include:

Certified Medical Manager (CMM)
Certification in Healthcare Quality Management (CHCQM)
Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM)
Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC)
Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)

Professional HIM certifications include:

Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)
Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)
Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)

Job Outlook

Health administrators and health information managers benefit from a strong job outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects positions for medical and health services managers, which includes both career tracks, to increase by 23% from 2024 to 2034 — approximately 62,000 new job openings each year.

According to Payscale, health care administrators earned a median annual salary of around $83,000 as of May 2026, with the top 10% earning more than $132,000. Health information managers earned a median annual salary of around $70,000 in April 2026, with the top 10% earning more than $103,000. Earning potential varies by job title, experience, and location.

Earn a Health Administration Degree From NCCU Online

Studying health administration can prepare you for a career as a health administrator or health information manager. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Administration program at NCCU Online educates community-focused leaders in health care administration.

NCCU Online students learn the management, finance, technology, and health policy skills that employers value. The program also develops in-demand analytical and communication skills. Courses in health informatics, health data management, and health information technology build the technical expertise to succeed in HIM.

Find out how NCCU Online can help you begin a rewarding career in health care administration.

Recommended Readings

What Can You Do With a Health Care Administration Degree?

What Is Health Care Management?

HR in Health Care: Purpose, Careers, and More

Sources:

AHIMA, What Is Health Information?

Indeed, 8 Careers You Can Consider With a Health Administration Degree

Indeed, 8 Healthcare Management Certifications

Indeed, What Does a Health Administrator Do? (With Salary Info)

Indian Health Service, HIM Certifications

KPG Healthcare, Exploring Career Paths With a Healthcare Administration Degree