Healthcare Administration – University of the Potomac

Health Information Management: All You Need to Know

UOTP Marketing — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 09:17:04 +0000

Are you eager to contribute to the medical field through the use of technology? If yes, a health information management degree is the perfect idea for you! Health information management is where the world of medicine and technology collide to serve a big purpose; safeguarding the data and privacy of patients in every medical setting.

A career in the health information and management field will allow you to apply your skills and knowledge to ensure that the data in a medical setting runs smoothly, is successfully managed, and protected from any potential hazard.

Stay tuned, as this guide will help you understand more about this interesting collision of two important worlds and answer the question, “What is health information management”?

What Is Health Information Management?

Health information management (HIM) applies to health and health care information management. It is also the activity of evaluating and safeguarding digital and traditional medical information, essential for providing high-quality patient care. Traditional (paper-based) records are being replaced by electronic health records as health records become more computerized (EHRs). Therefore, the need for health information management professionals is constantly increasing.

Professionals in this field plan information systems, establish health policy, and evaluate existing and future information needs. Furthermore, they use their knowledge and skills in informatics science to collect, store, analyze, use, and transfer information to safeguard sensitive information.

Investing in your degree in HIM

Thanks to an advanced degree and enough years of expertise, health care workers in the information management industry can earn a good living. They can advance in the field of health information and potentially gain greater benefits. Therefore, investing in your degree in HIM will definitely pay off.

An associate degree in health information is the first step toward a bachelor’s degree in health information. People holding an associate degree in HIM can work as medical coders, health information analysts, reimbursement specialists, health information supervisors, and other entry-level positions.

However, if you want to work in management and administration, a bachelor’s degree in health information would be better. Bachelor’s degree holders work as health information directors, privacy officers, compliance officers, coding managers, and other mid-level positions.

The next step leading to a health information leadership position would be to pursue a master’s degree. Master’s degree holders serve as chief compliance officers, vice presidents of privacy and security, HIM systems directors, privacy officers, HIM consultants, and other senior leadership positions.

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Healthcare and Health Information Management

At this point, you are probably asking, “What does health information management do for me?” And we are here to tell you that after obtaining a degree in HIM, you will be able to take on more advanced roles and with more advanced functions come greater responsibilities. While working as a health information manager, you will be responsible for protecting data in the healthcare system, which is one of the main challenges in this profession.

Health information manager: role & responsibility

Health information managers, shortly known as HIMs, organize, supervise, and preserve patient health information data, including symptoms, diagnoses, medical histories, test findings, and procedures. These administrative professionals ensure that traditional and digital medical data are of high quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security.

HIMs are educated in information technology programs and serve as a solid link between clinical, operational, and administrative responsibilities. These experts can work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, pharmaceutical, and insurance companies, software firms, home health agencies, nursing homes, and consulting firms.

Healthcare data security

Data security is critical in the healthcare field for preserving personal patient information. Previously, it was relatively simple to protect and secure patient data because it was recorded on paper and stored in filing cabinets.

Due to technological improvements and the digital age, patient records are now saved electronically on computers, servers, and storage devices. However, electronic records are accompanied by increased dangers of data breaches, malware, viruses, and other harmful attacks. This is the case when health information managers use their skills and knowledge to protect such sensitive information and make sure that it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.

Health Information Management & Technology: Implementation

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Health Information Management and Technology solutions are constantly increasing in order to improve the efficiency of information management in the health care sector. HIM is commonly implemented through hospital information systems and Human Resource for Health Information Systems (HRHISs).

Hospital information system

A hospital information system (HIS) is a subset of health information management technology that focuses on hospital administration. A HIS is a complete, integrated information system meant to manage all hospital business areas, including medical, administrative, financial, and legal issues.

Hospital information systems are ab advanced source of information about a patient’s medical history, and doctors use them to plan appointments. These systems improve health care workers’ ability to coordinate care by delivering a patient’s health information and visit history when and when needed. The system must keep data secure and control who has access to the data under specified conditions.

Human Resource for Health Information Systems (HRHISs)

Another aspect where health information management and technology can be implemented is the human resource for health information systems (HRHISs). A human resources information is a software solution that keeps, manages, and processes detailed personnel information as well as human resources regulations and procedures. The HRIS, as an interactive information management system, standardizes human resources (HR) duties and processes while allowing for reliable record-keeping and reporting.

An HRIS is essentially a “two-way street” in which information about employees is provided to the company and, conversely, information about employees is delivered back out to employees. An HRIS eliminates paper-based and manual HR-related activities, allowing for more seamless, streamlined, and efficient interactions between employees and the firms for which they work while also freeing up HR professionals to pursue more strategic and high-value work.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, suppose you have always been interested in pursuing a career where you can put your passion for the medical and technology field to use together. In that case, you should probably get a degree in health information management. Due to the increased use of technology systems in the healthcare setting, the demand for HIM professionals is constantly increasing; therefore, earning a degree in this field will also give you a secure job and excellent earning potential.

What Is Healthcare Administration: Everything You Need to Know

UOTP Marketing — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 17:45:31 +0000

When we think of healthcare, we usually tend to think of doctors, nurses, or other specialists. We often forget that there are individuals behind the scenes who make sure that the facility runs smoothly. If you are here, you are probably having questions related to these professionals, what they do, and whether healthcare administration is a promising career path. We will answer those questions and much more. So, keep on reading!

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What Is Healthcare Administration?

Healthcare administration is a behind-the-scenes kind of work that allows frontline health workers to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. Even though many people don’t really think much or give credit to this side of healthcare, it is responsible for creating an environment in which all facets of healthcare such as services, facilities, budget, staff, and programming function smoothly and ensures that patients get the best possible healthcare.

What does a healthcare administrator do?

As our nation’s healthcare systems grow, healthcare administration becomes ever more essential. And so do healthcare administrators and managers. The responsibilities that these professionals have often involve:

Financial management
Human resource management
Accounting and budgeting
Data collection and analysis
Marketing
Strategic planning
Dispute arbitration
Patient advocacy

How to Join the Healthcare Administration Field?

Due to the continuously increasing demand for health facilities (from hospitals to nursing homes) healthcare administration is becoming more and more important every day. The global health market is rapidly growing, meaning that healthcare administration is a vital, stable job for those interested in shaping policy, making needed changes, and leading the nation’s health organizations in a way that serves patients and improves the health system. Below are some steps that you can take to join the healthcare administration field:

Obtain a healthcare administration degree

Almost all employees will require a healthcare administrator to have at least a bachelor’s degree. If you want to get into one of the highest paying jobs in healthcare administration, consider getting a master’s degree too—more specifically, a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).

If you choose to pursue an MHA degree, you will gain valuable knowledge that will help you launch your healthcare administration career. A healthcare administration degree will teach you the essentials of the healthcare industry and help you build an in-depth understanding of government regulations, insurance-based reimbursement systems, medical ethics, health informatics, and so on.

Gain work experience in healthcare management

Before you pursue a higher-level education, it is a smart idea to gain some work experience first. You can get experience by completing an internship, applying for an entry-level job, or even working a part-time job while pursuing your bachelor’s degree.

Direct healthcare administration experience would be ideal, but you also could get valuable experience in other related roles. Although not all healthcare administration master’s programs require work experience, having some will help you stand out in this competitive field.

Get essential healthcare administration skills

Healthcare administrators have to complete a variety of tasks. These professionals need to have certain skills in order to succeed at this role, including:

Business expertise
Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations
Technological proficiency
Leadership skills
Problem-solving abilities
Good communication skills
Adaptability

Earn industry certifications

Even though professional certification is not a requirement for most healthcare administration positions, it can give you a significant advantage over your competition and improve your job prospects. There are many certifications available such as:

Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP) certification from the
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification from the
Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CFHP) certification from the
Executive Certification (CRCE) and Professional Certification (CRCP) certification from the

Most industry certifications require you to pass an exam. Other requirements may include education, relevant work experience, and membership in the certifying organization.

According to AAHAM, earning an industry certification can increase your salary, provide more opportunities for promotion, grant you recognition, as well as broaden your skills and expertise through continuing education.

Healthcare Administration Salary and Job Outlook

Healthcare administrators fall under the category of medical and health services managers. And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for these professionals is a year, which equals $50.13 an hour.

Healthcare administration is a stable healthcare position with a significant job outlook. BLS foresees a tremendous growth rate (28%) in employment for the next ten years for this profession. This growth is due to U.S. population aging. The increase in elderly individuals means that healthcare staff and services are in high demand and will continue to increase over the next decade.

Why Get a Degree in Healthcare Administration at UOTP?

The University of the Potomac will help you develop the skills needed to join this constantly growing career field. Our university prepares students for a meaningful and fulfilling career in different healthcare-related settings.

The healthcare administration program at the University of the ̽��ѡincorporates a blend of theory and practical application of that theory, thus preparing students for professional success. As a graduate of this UOTP degree program, you will acquire the skills needed to plan, direct, and coordinate health services, and you will be competent in various areas of Management of Health Care Systems, Healthcare Policy, Law and Ethics, Financial Management, Public Health, and Global Health Systems.

Pursuing a healthcare administration degree puts you on a rewarding and high-demand career path. Build a foundation for professional success by learning healthcare administration from the University of the ̽��ѡand developing the skills you need to become a health administrator.

So, if you’re looking to advance your career, contact us to let us know that you’re interested in finding out more!

How to Become a Healthcare Administrator

UOTP Marketing — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 16:15:39 +0000

Landing a career that ticks all the boxes that are important to you as an individual can be arduous but perhaps not impossible. People generally want a steady job and will still be around after a few years that pays well and is fulfilling. If those are all the boxes you want to tick, you might want to consider a career as a healthcare administrator.

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What Is a Healthcare Administrator?

For you to decide if you want to become a healthcare administrator and learn how to become one, you must first understand what a healthcare administrator is. In general terms, a healthcare administrator is someone that oversees everyday operations in a healthcare facility, i.e., hospital, private practice clinic, etc.

What Does a Healthcare Administrator Do?

Now that you have learned about what a healthcare administrator is, you might be wondering about a healthcare administrator’s job description and responsibilities. Although the exact job description might vary depending on the role and type of healthcare administrator, they usually:

Assign staff schedule.
Deal with hiring and salaries.
Maintain medical records.
Manage finances.
Deal with quality assurance, etc.

How to Become a Healthcare Administrator?

If what you have read so far has you convinced that a career in healthcare administration is something you would like to pursue, but you don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. Below is a shortlist that explains in detail the steps you need to take to become a healthcare administrator:

Get a degree

The first step you need to take in order to become a healthcare administrator is obtaining an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s) in healthcare administration or a similar field. Due to the nature of this field, your coursework should be focused on healthcare as well as business administration.

Earn certifications

Getting certified in a field related to their profession is one of the common ways through which people try to advance their careers. While not commonly found on the list of requirements for a job, a certificate translates to extra knowledge and expertise that you have obtained in addition to your major. An additional certificate in the field can be what makes the difference between you and other candidates in the job market. There are numerous healthcare administration-related certifications you can choose from. Here are some of them:

Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP) from the
Executive Certification (CRCE) and Professional Certification from the
Certified Healthcare Financial Professional from the
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality from the

Gain work experience in the field

Gaining relevant work experience is a must if you are planning on continuing to higher levels of education beyond the undergraduate level. Whether you have obtained your bachelor’s degree or are currently a student in an undergraduate program, you qualify for entry-level jobs or internships in healthcare administration. Up to three years of relevant work experience are now a requirement for some MHA (Master of Healthcare Administration) programs.

Consider getting an additional degree

Like most professions, a bachelor’s degree can only get you so far, so if you are aiming for higher positions in healthcare administration, you must pursue a master’s degree too. The University of the ̽��ѡoffers an excellent graduate program in healthcare administration. At UOTP, you have the opportunity to obtain your master’s in healthcare administration online or on our campuses in Washington, D.C., or Virginia. An online program can be advantageous if you are looking for a certain flexibility and ability to choose what fits you best without being constrained by factors such as geography. Our university has created the ideal learning environment through a perfect blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, giving our students a great learning experience and preparing them for the job market.

Acquire the necessary skills

Becoming a healthcare administrator requires special skills in more than one area of expertise. Generally speaking, an administrator is a manager of sorts. A good administrator is a good leader, communicator, negotiator, problem solver, and decision-maker. A healthcare administrator must have a thorough knowledge of laws and regulations, great adaptability, and technological proficiency. You can develop such skills through theoretical knowledge during your studies as well as by putting them into practice in your job.

Healthcare Administrator Career Path

Not all healthcare administration graduates end up with the same job or take the same career path. Healthcare administration as a field offers a variety of choices in regards to career options. Students in an undergraduate program usually choose a particular field or area of study they want to specialize in while taking into consideration their preferred career path. The domain you choose to specialize in can lay the foundation for the position you are aiming for in your future in healthcare administration.

Healthcare Administrator Salary

Due to the rapid growth of the older population in the U.S., healthcare has become a field that is constantly in high demand. This is no different for healthcare administrators, and a high-demand career usually pays well. According to the, managers in healthcare make, on average, $115,000 annually. This number varies depending on the level of education, years of experience, location, and job position. Healthcare administration is a growing industry, and according to the BLS, it is expected to grow by 2028.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Healthcare Administrator?

The period of time it takes to become a healthcare administrator can vary and depends on several factors. Calculating the minimum number of years it will take to complete all the steps we have listed in this article, it takes roughly six to eight years to become a healthcare administrator. The first step was obtaining a bachelor’s degree, which is a four-year program. And if you decide to pursue a master’s as well, that adds an extra two to four years, depending on the program.

As a takeaway, it won’t be easy to find a career similar to one in healthcare administration. This field is in high demand, offers excellent pay, is fulfilling and diverse enough for you to find exactly what area you want to work in.