Colleges and Universities voluntarily seek CAHIIM accreditation for associate, baccalaureate and graduate programs. According to CAHIIM, accredited institutions of higher learning must also have Title IV eligibility and institutional accreditation from a provider recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutions with multiple campuses must seek accreditation for each campus separately.
In 2008, more than 200 colleges and universities had CAHIIM accreditation. Programs exist in all regions of the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Many programs also offer online education. CAHIIM provides a database with searches by state.
Students attending accredited technician and baccalaureate programs can apply for financial aid, have credits transferred to another accredited school, and qualify to meet the criteria for admission to graduate school. Students who aspire to earn certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) must have a degree from an accredited school before taking a certification examination.
As of early 2011, the American Medical Association cites unlimited job opportunities for health information technicians in settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, correctional facilities, veterans' facilities, managed care companies, insurance companies and public health agencies. The health information technology field should grow by 20 percent, faster than the average for other occupations, through 2018.
Health information technologists at general medical and surgical hospitals earn a median wage of $32,600, compared to the overall median annual wage of $36,610 for all health information technologists. In 2008, wages ranged from $20,440 to $50,060, based on experience, type of practice setting and location. Physician practices provided the lowest compensation.
Tuition varies by type of degree, region of the country, residency status, and whether study takes place at a public or private institution. Students investigating various colleges and universities should obtain tuition information from institutions where they plan to apply.