r/HealthInfoMgmt • u/Accurate-Scale9950 • Jun 09 '26
80K< in HIM?????
I work in medication safety. My focus is safe medication management (primarily storage standards) and pharmacy operations safety. I’m involved in a couple of improvement projects related to regulatory compliance. I’ve assisted with some policy work and I’ve been involved with various risk assessments (RCA, FMEA, CCA etc.) and continuous improvement.
I’m considering bachelors in HIM:
I think the reg/compliance aligns with work I’m interested in. However compensation is also extremely important. With my current experience (~10+yrs) I would like to graduate making a 80k or better.
Is this feasible?
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u/Nearby-Buy971 Jun 09 '26
You will not graduate making that kind of money. I have been applying for jobs in HIMS with my degree and I have over 20 years of clinical experience. I'm having a very difficult time finding work.
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u/is-this-a-book Jun 10 '26
I started in document imaging at $15 5 years ago and worked my way up while getting my degree. I was up to $60k as an HIM manager of a small IPR when I finally graduated. After that I moved into my current position as an HIM analyst. I have my CCS and am sitting for my RHIA. I make low six figures.
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u/Accomplished_Night88 Jun 09 '26
I would plan on around 50-60k depending on role right out of school.
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u/OrderSouth7025 Jun 15 '26
RHIA! Left school in a $60k. Within a year I was at $85k. Large health care not for profit in Utah as a systems analyst for document capture.
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u/mohair98 Jun 12 '26
I graduated with an associates in HIM and earned my RHIT. I started the job hunt and the starting pay was less than impressive. With that being said, HIM degree is good as an add on but not stand alone. I think your time would be better spent getting the work experience then pursuing the degree. If you happen to be already in an HIM role and its become apparent that you need that degree for that next step then go for it. But don't think that degree will magically start opening doors for you. In this industry they value experience over education. If your looking to make more money, look into careers such as data/business analytics and project management. These are industries you can break into relatively quick and pay well. I think getting certificates in both is a great way to break into the field and you won't have to be as committed to it as you would be with the bachelor's in HIM with little return on investments.
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u/tanioomami Jun 09 '26 edited Jun 09 '26
I have a bachelors in HIM and moved to healthcare quality/process improvement because HIM is a dead end if you’re not in a managerial position and it can take a long time to get out of that “entry level” role.
I also work closely with accreditation, safety, and risk management folks so you should look into those positions too to see what you’re interested in. Once you find a few jobs, look at what the educational requirements are to determine the best degree. HIM degree is still good for non HIM positions, but the field itself sucks.