Health Information Management and Systems

Admission to the health information management and systems program is based on a holistic review of each candidate, including academic achievement in prerequisites and the student’s overall cumulative grade-point average. Competitive applicants will be invited for a personal interview. The interview focuses on the applicant’s knowledge of the profession, career goals and communication skills.

It is highly recommended that applicants interview or shadow a professional of their choice before applying. All applicants must successfully complete prerequisite courses (with a C- or higher) by the end of the summer term prior to beginning professional course work.

Applicants must apply electronically by January 31 of each year. 

Applying as a freshman: Students are encouraged to apply as freshmen after completing either the required first-year prerequisites or a similar number of first and second-year prerequisite courses, demonstrating they are on track toward completing all prerequisites prior to beginning the curriculum.  If admitted, these students complete their remaining prerequisites during their sophomore year and are guaranteed placement in the junior cohort if successful academic standing is maintained.

Applying as a sophomore: Students may apply for the first time, or reapply, as a sophomore or above while completing their remaining prerequisites. Subject to successful academic standing, admitted students will begin the program as a member of the junior cohort autumn term of the calendar year in which they apply.

Prospective students interested in meeting with an HRS advisor may call 614-292-1706 to arrange an appointment.

Students in the health information management and systems program are part of a cohort of students that take courses together and receive individualized attention from faculty.

The major requires students to complete two years of prerequisite courses work, as well as an additional two years of professional curriculum. The suggested scheduling plan demonstrates how students may complete the major in eight semesters, beginning with their first year. It is assumed that admitted students following this suggested plan begin professional course work in their third year.

For more details about the curriculum, visit our website. 

Students in the health information management and systems major are encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs to find study abroad experiences related to health care that can strengthen their applications to majors and graduate study programs.

The health information management and systems program includes didactic course work and professional practice experience. Students complete a culminating professional practice experience in their final semester of enrollment.  This experience is in a health-related organization, either on or off-campus. 

The Honors Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences enhances the student experience in many ways, all of which further prepare students for the next step in their academic or professional careers. Activities eligible for Honors designation include service projects, study abroad, leadership in student organizations and research. For additional information regarding eligibility and requirements, please visit our website.

The Health Sciences Scholars Program and the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars Program may be of particular interest to students interested in the major because they bring together students with interests in the many health programs offered at Ohio State.

Learn more about the Honors and Scholars Programs at honors-scholars.osu.edu.

Students are encouraged to investigate research opportunities. Interested students can graduate with research distinction by completing an undergraduate research thesis. Additional information regarding eligibility and requirements can be found on our website.

Students in the health and information management program can live in the Future Health Professionals Learning Community or become members of the Health Information Management Student Association. Students may also apply to participate in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Ambassadors program.

Various organizations also offer student membership opportunities, including the American Health Information Management Association, the Ohio Health Information Management Association, and the Central and Southern Ohio Healthcare Information Management Systems Society.

Graduates of the health information management and systems program are eligible for professional certification through the Registered Health Information Administrator exam and for additional certifications in specialty areas such as clinical coding, health care privacy and security, and quality improvements.

As a member of the management team, the registered health information administrator works with other health care professionals — physicians, nurses, administrators — and may work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, consulting firms and many others.

A registered health information administrator may manage others, but they may also work in specialty areas such as information systems, quality improvement, cancer registry, corporate compliance, vendor companies and consulting firms. In addition, a registered health information administrator may be responsible for the privacy and confidentiality of patient information.

Average starting salaries for Health Information Management and Systems graduates with a bachelor's degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences range from $40,000 to $60,000. Depending on the student's expertise and area of employment, earnings could be substantially higher with advancement.