The world of healthcare runs on information. From a patient’s medical history to the complex billing codes that ensure doctors and hospitals are paid, managing this data is a huge and important job. If you’re interested in a healthcare career that’s not hands-on with patients but is still vital to the system, health information management (HIM) might be for you.
A certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a key step to starting and growing in this field. It shows employers you have the right skills and knowledge. But with a few different options, how do you know which one is right for you?
This guide will break down three core AHIMA certifications: the Certified Coding Associate (CCA), the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
What is Health Information Management?
Health information management is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. It’s a combination of business, science, and information technology.
Professionals in this field are responsible for the quality, integrity, and security of patient data. This includes everything from making sure a patient’s record is accurate and complete to using data to track public health trends. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for medical records and health information specialists will grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The Entry-Level Step: Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
If you’re new to the field, the CCA is a great place to start. It’s an entry-level certification for medical coders. Coders are like translators; they take a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment notes and turn them into a set of universal codes used for billing and insurance.
Who is it for? The CCA is ideal for those just starting their careers in healthcare. To sit for the exam, you only need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, AHIMA recommends either six months of coding experience or completing an AHIMA-approved coding program.
What you’ll do: As a CCA, you’ll be ready for basic coding, billing, and abstracting tasks in places like hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices. You’ll work with patient records to assign the correct codes for diagnoses and procedures.
Pro Tip
Gaining your CCA can be a stepping stone. Many professionals earn their CCA, gain experience, and then move on to a more advanced certification like the CCS.
The Specialist Level: Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
The CCS certification is for professionals who are ready to take their coding skills to the next level. It demonstrates a deeper level of knowledge and expertise, particularly in hospital settings. CCS professionals are considered masters of coding.
Who is it for? This certification is a natural next step for experienced coders or those who already have a CCA. The eligibility requirements are more rigorous and can be met in a few ways:
- Hold a CCA and have at least one year of coding experience.
- Have at least two years of direct coding experience.
- Complete specific coursework and have one year of coding experience.
- Hold another credential like an RHIT or RHIA.
What you’ll do: A CCS does more than just assign codes. They often handle more complex inpatient and outpatient records and may be involved in ensuring the quality and accuracy of medical data. They might also help train other coders or work on compliance efforts within their organization. Certified Coding Specialists can expect to earn an average salary of around $56,000, with the potential for that to increase with experience.
The Leadership Track: Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
The RHIA certification is for those who want to move beyond coding and into management and leadership roles within health information. RHIAs are experts in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems, and ensuring the privacy and security of data.
Who is it for? To be eligible for the RHIA exam, you must complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in Health Information Management that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). This certification is designed for professionals who aim to manage people and operational units.
What you’ll do: RHIAs are a critical link between healthcare providers, payers, and patients. They work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to insurance companies to government agencies. Job titles could include Health Information Manager, Data Analyst, or Compliance Officer. RHIAs often interact with all levels of an organization and play a key role in making decisions based on patient data. The average salary for an RHIA is around $91,450, reflecting the high level of responsibility.
| Certification | Focus | Education/Experience | Career Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCA | Foundational medical coding | High school diploma + recommended experience/training | Entry-Level |
| CCS | Advanced coding for inpatient and outpatient settings | Experience and/or other certifications required | Specialist/Advanced |
| RHIA | Health information administration, data governance, and leadership | Bachelor’s or Master’s from a CAHIIM-accredited program | Management/Leadership |
Education and Training Paths
No matter which certification you choose, education is the first step. There are many different types of programs available, from short-term online certificates to full bachelor’s degrees.
On-Campus Programs:
- Western Iowa Tech Community College offers a Medical Coding Specialist program for around $9,064.
- Linn-Benton Community College has a Coding and Reimbursement Specialist program costing about $10,759.
- Remington College-Mobile Campus provides a Medical Billing & Coding Certification for approximately $25,567.
Online Programs:
- AAPC offers CPC Medical Coding Training for about $2,295.
- Penn Foster Career School has a Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma for roughly $1,499.
- Rasmussen University provides a Medical Coding Certificate for around $11,520.
Which Certification is Right for You?
Choosing the right certification depends entirely on your career goals.
- Choose the CCA if: You are new to healthcare and want to get your foot in the door as a medical coder. It’s a great way to start your journey in health information.
- Choose the CCS if: You have some coding experience and want to demonstrate a higher level of expertise to advance your career and potentially increase your earning power.
- Choose the RHIA if: Your goal is to be a leader in the field. If you enjoy managing projects, people, and data, and want to have a broader impact on healthcare, the RHIA is the path for you.
No matter which path you choose, a certification from AHIMA is a valuable credential that can open doors to a rewarding and stable career in the ever-growing field of health information management.
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