Careers in Health Information Management

Why is health information management (HIM) one of the fastest-growing fields in health care? As health systems become more digitized and data driven, managing patient information accurately and securely is more important than ever. From electronic health records (EHRs) to regulatory compliance, professionals skilled in health information management play a vital role in ensuring that health care systems run smoothly and deliver high-quality patient care.

Those interested in health care leadership and management need to understand the complexities of health care operations, health policies, organizational leadership, and the nuances of information management to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

These key HIM careers offer a range of options in which professionals with the right educational foundation can succeed in this dynamic and impactful field.

What Is Health Information Management?

HIM is the practice of collecting, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to delivering quality patient care. At its core, HIM ensures that accurate, complete, and secure health records are available whenever and wherever they’re needed.

HIM professionals manage a wide range of tasks, including maintaining patient records, implementing health care technologies, ensuring regulatory compliance with privacy laws, and supporting data-driven decision-making. They often act as a bridge among clinical, administrative, and information technology (IT) teams, ensuring that sensitive information flows smoothly and securely across the health care system.

As health care becomes increasingly digitized, the demand for trained health information management experts continues to rise. EHRs, telemedicine, and stricter privacy regulations have made data management more complex and more essential. Skilled HIM professionals are now indispensable in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and beyond, helping to improve care delivery while safeguarding patient privacy.

What Are Some Career Paths?

The field offers a wide range of professional opportunities, from overseeing patient data systems to managing clinical operations. Below are some prominent career paths, including their responsibilities, essential skills, salaries, job outlook, and additional required qualifications.

Patient Care Manager

Patient care managers ensure that care delivery runs smoothly in hospitals or clinics. They bridge the gap among patients, health providers, and administrative staff, maintaining both quality of care and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities: Overseeing staff scheduling, allocating resources, monitoring patient satisfaction, and safeguarding compliance with health care regulations
Skills Needed: Strong leadership, effective communication, critical problem-solving, and a working knowledge of health care policy and procedures
Salary: Median annual salary of approximately $76,030 as of February 2025, according to Payscale
Additional Requirements: Certifications such as Certified Medical Manager (CMM) to boost job prospects (not always mandatory)

Health Care Manager

Health care managers focus on the big picture, including running entire health care facilities or departments with an emphasis on strategy, finances, and staff coordination.

Key Responsibilities: Developing budgets, implementing policies, leading teams, and ensuring compliance with health care laws and organizational goals
Skills Needed: Strong organization and analysis, interpersonal communication, and financial management
Salary: Median annual salary of $117,960 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Additional Requirements: Certification such as Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) for senior roles (not always mandatory)

Clinical Manager

Clinical managers focus on supervising clinical teams and certifying that day-to-day operations meet quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities: Managing clinical staff, creating and introducing care protocols, organizing clinical programs, and guaranteeing compliance with health care regulations
Skills Needed: Clinical knowledge, team leadership, detail orientation, and clear communication
Salary: Median annual salary of approximately $77,470 in May 2025, according to Payscale
Additional Requirements: A clinical background or licensure in nursing or a related field

Why Choose a Career in Health Information Management?

Health information management is among the most rapidly expanding fields in health care. The BLS projects a 29% increase for medical and health services managers between 2023 and 2033, much higher than the 4% average for all occupations. HIM careers offer the chance to make a meaningful impact, improving care quality, reducing medical errors, and supporting efficient operations behind the scenes. Flexibility is a major plus, with opportunities in a range of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, insurance firms, government agencies, and technology companies.

With competitive salaries, clear pathways for advancement, and increasing demand for expertise, HIM is a future-ready career choice for those who enjoy problem-solving, technology, and health care.

Begin a Rewarding Career With NCCU Online

The online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Administration at NCCU Online provides a solid foundation for students pursuing roles in health information management. The curriculum blends core business and leadership training with specialized instruction in health care systems, data management, compliance, and informatics.

Courses emphasize real-world applications of health care law, ethics, strategic planning, and technology, all essential for success in HIM roles. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a working professional, or a career changer, the program is designed to be flexible and accessible.

Graduates emerge ready to step into leadership and administrative positions in which they can manage data, systems, and teams with confidence and purpose.

The health care industry needs skilled professionals who can manage and protect its most valuable resource: information. Health information management offers a rewarding path where your work can directly impact patient outcomes and system-wide efficiency.

If you’re ready to step into a dynamic career with strong growth potential, find out how the online BS in Health Administration at NCCU Online can help you take control of your future.

Recommended Readings

Public Health vs. Health Administration: Exploring the Impact

What Is Health Care Management?

What Does a Health Care Manager Do?

Sources:

AxisCare, The Importance of Health Information Management

Indeed, “6 Health Information Management Careers (Including Salaries)”

Payscale, Average Clinical Manager Salary

Payscale, Average Patient Care Manager Salary

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers