When it comes to a career in the health care industry, there are many roles beyond those who work directly with patients. Administrative roles are just as important to patient care. Health care facilities require these administrative roles to function smoothly and efficiently.
Health care administrative roles often fall under the umbrella of health information management (HIM) or health care administration (HCA). These two categories of departments sound similar, but are responsible for different facets of health care operations. In this article, you’ll learn the differences between health information management (HIM), health care administration (HCA), and possible roles and career outcomes for each.
What is Health Information Management (HIM)?
According to CAHIIM, health information management (HIM) is how health care organizations acquire, analyze, and protect important patient medical information. This involves developing systems for managing health care data, ensuring compliance, implementing necessary data security, and supporting the decision-making process regarding patient medical information.
What is a Degree in Health Information Management (HIM)?
A Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM) is typically a four-year degree program (or 120 credits) that focuses on a variety of topics related to the industry, including health, business, technology, data analysis, and finance. The program prepares students to manage patient health data, ensure regulatory compliance, and support administrative decision-making.
What Skills Do You Gain in a HIM Degree Program?
In a HIM degree program, students will learn a mix of technical, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills that help manage health care data in administrative settings. According to CAHIIM, some required courses for an accredited HIM program might include:
- Medical terminology
- Pathology pharmacology
- Medical coding
In addition to these technical skills, students will often learn soft skills such as:
- Communication
- Empathy
- Problem-solving
What Can I Do with a Degree in HIM?
There are a variety of roles and opportunities available within the health and information management (HIM) field for individuals with and without certification. Some possible career opportunities with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Information Management include:
With Certification
- Health Information Administrator
- Clinical Data Specialist
- Credentialing Specialist
Without Certification
- Clinical Data Manager
- Medical Records Coordinator
- Clinical Coordinator
Some of the key responsibilities of those working in a Health Information Management (HIM) role include:
- Managing electronic medical records (EMR) systems: The process of establishing a unified system throughout a hospital or office to ensure medical records are correctly stored and organized.
- Ensuring data privacy and compliance: There are regulations in place to protect private patient information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). It’s the responsibility of those with HIM careers to maintain compliance with these regulations.
- Data analytics: Well-managed health care organizations regularly monitor data to help identify trends within their practice to maintain efficiency and overall quality for patient care.
- Overseeing medical coding and billing practices: Medical coding and billing practices help bridge the communication between medical documentation and insurance billing processes.
Do I Need a Certification to Enter the Health Information Management (HIM) Field?
Certifications for health information management careers may be able to help open doors to more opportunities and roles. Whether or not certification is required depends on the specific job role, regulations within the area, and the organization listing the role. For more information regarding certifications in the HIM field, learn more at the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
What is Health Care Administration (HCA)?
The health care administration (HCA) sector oversees the administrative and operational aspects of a health care organization to ensure efficiency, compliance, and the quality of care for patients. If you look at a hospital as a business, there still needs to be individuals managing behind-the-scenes administrative work such as payroll, IT support, and finance.
What is a Degree in Health Care Administration?
A degree in health care administration proves that a student completed an academic program that prepares students for the administrative tasks required for the health care industry. Coursework and other educational opportunities often include traditional lectures, internships, and clinical experience.
What Skills Do You Gain in the Health Care Administration Degree Program?
A bachelor’s degree in health care administration is usually a four-year program (or 120 credits) with curriculum that focuses on the management and operations of a medical facility. In a typical HCA degree program, students will have a variety of opportunities to learn different skills such as specific knowledge of health care laws and regulations or industry-specific technological skills. According to the BLS, some of the required courses will often include:
- Medical terminology
- Hospital organization
- Accounting and budgeting
In addition to the more technical skills, students will often learn soft skills like:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Detail-orientation
What Can I Do with a Health Care Administration Degree?
There are many potential career opportunities within the health care management space. Though this is not an exhaustive list, some of the types of roles you might find within this industry include:
- Hospital and health care facilities management
- Medical and health services manager
- Health information specialist
- Health policy analyst
- Patient experience manager
Some of the key responsibilities of those working in health care administration (HCA) roles include:
- Policy development and regulatory compliance: Ensuring the facility complies with health care laws, standards, and regulations like OSHA for workers and HIPAA for patients.
- Financial management and budgeting: Health care facilities require budgets, billing processes, and financial planning just like any other business. Finance roles within the health care space work to ensure profitability and cost-efficiency.
- Human resources and staff coordination: This encompasses hiring, training, and supervising administrative and medical staff. It also ensures that staff schedules are managed properly, and performance standards are met.
Do I Need a Certification or Degree to Enter the Health Care Administration (HCA) Field?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical entry-level education needed for a Medical and Health Services Manager is at least a bachelor’s degree.
Some roles require a specific certification depending on the location and the job. How to qualify for those certifications can also vary drastically, and completing a bachelor’s degree may not make you qualified for certification.
If you are looking to receive a specific certification for a role, be sure to research the qualifications thoroughly and identify which organizations offer certifications. A few sample certifications include the Certified Professional in Healthcare Management (CPHMG) from the American Institute for Healthcare Management, Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), and Certified Medical Manager (CMM) from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM).
Key Differences Between Health Information Management (HIM) and Health Care Administration (HCA)
Health Information Management (HIM) and Health Care Administration (HCA) are both essential aspects within the health care industry and cover very different segments. The list below details the key features of both HIM and HCA.
Health Information Management (HIM) Roles:
- Essential focus on security and data protection
- Opportunities may require more skills in technical and IT support
- Compliance knowledge is essential
Health Care Administration (HCA) Roles:
- Focuses on health care operations and the day-to-day flow of a health care organization
- More strategic roles that require leadership and communication skills
- Could be considered the “business” operation side of health care—requires more people and resource management skills
Overview: Health Information Management (HIM) Vs. Health Care Administration (HCA)
Health information management (HIM) and health care administration (HCA) each play a crucial role in the operation of the health care industry. While HIM professionals focus on managing patient data and information systems, HCA professionals are responsible for managing the broader administrative functions.
Understanding these differences is important when considering your next career step. If you have an interest in data and technology, or administration and leadership, you can decide if a career in the administrative side of health care is an option for you.