To become an RHIA, you must complete an HIM (Health Information Management) program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. There are many programs that have already been accredited. Universities that provide the necessary accredited baccalaureate program include Alabama State, Arkansas Tech, Chicago State, Coppin State, Dakota State, Davenport, DeVry, East Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, Ferris State, Florida A&M, Herzing, Illinois State, Indiana, Loma Linda, Long Island, Louisiana Tech, Macon State, Ohio State, Oregon Health and Science, Regis, Saint Louis, Southwestern Oklahoma State, SUNY, Temple, Tennesse State, Texas Southern, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Puerto Rico, South Carolina Upstate, Washington, Weber State, Western Carolina and Western Governors.
In place of an accredited HIM program you can complete a program from a foreign university that has foreign association with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). AHIMA will determine which certification you are eligible for, based on your academic level at the foreign institute. You can have the foreign program you participated in assessed for the type of qualification you are permitted within AHIMA. Documents needed include evidence of graduation from the reciprocal program, details of the curriculum studies authenticated by the educational institution, references, HIM certification if applicable and an assessment fee. This portfolio of documents will be reviewed by AHIMA to determine your eligibility.
It is possible to take the RHIA and RHIT exam early if you are enrolled in an accredited program and in the last semester of your study. You must have completed all of your coursework but have yet to graduate or received your degree. This includes individuals who may yet have received an official transcript. In order to take the certification exam early, you will need to submit the early testing verification form; otherwise, your application will be rejected because it is incomplete.
First-time applicants for RHIA or RHIT certification must include an official transcript in their application packages. An official transcript is one that is provided in a sealed envelope with the university's seal over the closed flap. If the flap is open, then there is a chance that the transcript has been tampered with. Obtain an official transcript from your university's registrar office. Be aware that it can take several days to obtain an official transcript.