Bachelor of Health Informatics and Information Management at West Virginia University

Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) integrates business, science, and information technology. The Bachelor of Science (BS) program is designed for students who are hands-on learners interested in having a direct and valuable impact on patients without being in the physical clinic. The program strives to graduate students who understand current and emerging healthcare industry trends and issues; who can develop, communicate and manage resources and solutions to address healthcare industry challenges; and who have the skills and experience to improve overall quality and outcomes of the healthcare system.  

Students gain valuable experience with advanced healthcare applications currently in use through the internet-based V-Lab, developed by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and through three required professional practice experiences (PPE). Typically, students are required to complete 400 hours of PPE to fulfill program requirements and be eligible to graduate. However, non-traditional students holding a significant level of work experience and/or certification relevant to HIIM may be eligible to create a professional portfolio to reduce the total amount of PPE hours needed. Qualifying experiences will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  

The program - which is the first and only baccalaureate degree of its kind in West Virginia - is offered via the HyFlex format, with all HIIM classes offered face-to-face and online during the class time and also recorded for viewing later. HyFlex is a student-directed, multi-option approach to learning which allows each student to decide on a day-to-day basis how to participate in each class and activity.  

Students graduating with this degree are prepared for leadership roles in a wide variety of job settings, or for graduate study in fields related to healthcare management, data analytics and informatics, or business. Career opportunities are available in the areas of compliance and risk management; medical and health services management; healthcare privacy and security; health informatics and data analytics; clinical documentation improvement; information governance; operations and administration; and revenue cycle management (clinical coding and billing).

Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM)

Students completing the degree will be able to:

Data Structure, Content, and Information Governance

• Ensure data integrity, privacy, and security of health record content

Information Protection: Access, Disclosure, Archival, Privacy and Security

• Recommend privacy and security strategies for health information.

Informatics, Analytics, and Data use

• Conduct research and perform data analysis on healthcare issues.

• Present findings using data visualization for decision-making.

Revenue Cycle Management

• Code health records using ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT classifications in accordance with official guidelines and policies.

• Verify that documentation in the health record supports the diagnosis and reflects the patient's prognosis, clinical findings, and discharge status.

• Evaluate revenue cycle processes and reimbursement methodologies.

Health Law and Compliance

• Comply with healthcare legal processes, policy, and compliance, using an ethical perspective.

• Analyze components of risk management, quality improvement, and health policy.

Organizational Management and Leadership

• Oversee fundamental and change leadership activities, such as performance improvement, financial processes, training needs, and project management.

Professional Preparedness

• Engage in 400 hours of unique, customized, professional practice experience.

• Create a professional portfolio.