Health Information Management - How I Got Started in HIM

[@sheritawalker7553]

I was in Law enforcement for 10 years. While in that career I began my degree in health care. I received my associates degree in Medical billing and coding. Couldn't get a job for 2 years bc no experience. I end up getting a unit clerk position, then switched to Medical Office Specialist. Now I finally got a job as a Health information Specialist. I am almost finished with my BS in Health Information Management.. so I finally get to get my experience in the HIM career.. so yes don't give up

[@chinecheremfavour2884]

Please where did you get you bsc

[@73cidalia]

@@chinecheremfavour2884Google it. Bachelor of Science, Health Information Management. With all due respect: If you can’t do an online search for courses of study and university degrees, this is not the right career for you.

[@candie_cole]

@sheritawalker7553 that is awesome. A lot of times, it takes getting a foot in the door in any position at a hospital (or any organization). Once that food is in the door, you make connections, find a mentor, show interest, and the rest is history.

[@popup2567]

I have gotten my HND certificate in HIM,I need a Job I have experience working in the hospital

[@popup2567]

I would like to know the link you Used to apply for the job on LinkedIn?

[@EMC1986Hobi]

I'm 37 and i have been in the HIM associate degree program for over 10 years bc of breaks and life happening but i will be graduating April 2024. I have a medical coder certificate and revenue cycle management certificate from the same school. I hope to get all my credentials by summer 2024.

[@candie_cole]

@EMC1986Hobi you WILL get all of your credentials by this summer - speak it into existence!

[@elizaleke8373]

Hey congratulations in advance. What school did you attend? TIA

[@CookieCutter-ck8bf]

😂😂😂😂 I’m sorry but why not a Bachelors at that point as of 3rd year I would hv switched

[@Sparkle-ey7iw]

@@CookieCutter-ck8bfyou really don’t need it to make good money in this field especially with her combined coding certification. I’ve seen lots of coding/auditing jobs offering $37-$40 an hour

[@JasmineNaquay]

I truly appreciate your transparency! I'm about to start school for health information specialist!! I was a CNA when I first got out of high-school way back in the days 🙅🏽‍♀️🙅🏽‍♀️ NOT FOR ME!

[@himinfluencers]

Hi, Jasmine all the best on your health information specialist program. it not going to be easy but keep going and do give up.

[@candie_cole]

Hi Jasmine, I wish you luck as well in your program! I'd love to hear about your progress in the course over time.

[@amorebella_]

Thank you for sharing your journey! I am currently a health information specialist😊😊 I plan on continuing my journey in HIM 🤞🏼🙏🏼

[@aqrishawilliams466]

Hey love, can I reach out to you in regards to your Health Info Specialist position? I’m looking for jobs & want to make sure I am the strongest candidate

[@mahgimay2490]

I just got into a Health Information Technology program at my local community College! I'm 37 and making a change - I was doing a lot of face to face patient care (started as A CNA at age 16) and recently quit my patient care job because I got way too burnt out AND I was in nursing school at the same time. Not my jam anymore but I love the human body and have experience being a Breast Imaging Coordinator. I hope I'm making the right decision!!!!!

[@toriortega128]

Yes! I do not want to be in patient care! lol my first choice was nursing too! But working in call centers made me not want to deal with people and their attitude, i just started my BS in HIM so i am excited! thanks for the info!

[@candie_cole]

Thank you for watching! Yes it's already enough dealing with people and multiple personalities at work! I really salute those that are patient facing whether it's clinical or administrative because it is tough!

[@angelicavlogs7724]

It toke me the same amount to receive my associates don't ever be ashamed! I learn differently takes me a moment to process what I'm learning but it won't discourage my goals. I'm pursing My BAS in Healthcare Management!

[@himinfluencers]

Hi, Candie, thank you for sharing, I think is great for others to understand and be able to see the path we as HIM professionals go through to get to where we are today.

[@candie_cole]

Absolutely!! More to come!

[@candypietravels]

It also took me 5 years to get my degree from nursing but it was so hard to get into the nursing program I just graduated with my general science a.s degree so I'm a definitely try the "HIM"

[@islandgirlforever2868]

Thank you for sharing your path. It was so detailed. I’m transitioning from medical Laboratory technician to health information management. I’m in my first year of a bridge ATD program for health information management & I’m starting my first medical coding outpatient position in 2weeks. I can’t wait for your to share in detail the different roles. 😍

[@candie_cole]

Thank you for watching and congratulations on your new position!

[@himinfluencers]

Yes I could not agree with you more it great for other to see how other evolved into there roles, all the best on your medical coding outpatient position in 2weeks

[@merry5059]

What school did you attend? Was it online?

[@darthvictus1680]

@islandgirlforever hey how was medical laboratory technician as that's what I'm interested

[@lamusiquefanatique]

Did you not like the Medical Lab Tech job? Why are you transitioning to HIM? I wanna know because I've considered both jobs but don't know enough.

[@TheScottieShowTV]

Love that you said it took you 5 years to get. 2 year degree 😭 in in the same boat I’m in entry level him and getting my associates in health information technology and I want to get my masters as well I hope all of us can achieve our goals

[@candie_cole]

You most certainly will! Everything happens in God's timing, and people should not be ashamed of the number of years it takes to get a degree.

[@frankiedee3122]

I am currently in my Medical Billing and Coding program. After I complete the education, I will pursue an associate degree in Health information technology, then continue onto a Bachelor degree in heath information management.

[@candie_cole]

@frankiedee3122 how is the medical billing and coding program going so far? And are you currently working in the field?

[@syriahudson4331]

Thank you for sharing your story! It truly inspired me. What God has for you is for you !

[@candie_cole]

Thank you so much!

[@itsjussms825]

love this honesty!! 👏🏽

[@Abidjan-weekly]

I wish I did this. I started studying HIM in community college and was doing great and then heard of nursing just like everywhere. People kept saying it’s the career to have…..lots of money and never being laid off….I started nursing and realized I do not like it, but stayed with it and now I am a nurse and really hate it. I wish I did my HIM as I wanted before. I wonder if it’s too late for me? Can you do a video about salary and also which is better, community college or university????

[@tuezmoi]

Have you thought about nursing informatics? Bedside experience is often a requirement.

[@PettyIsMyMiddleName]

You can still get out of bedside nursing. Apply to positions such as clinical documentation, quality, risk management, etc. Or , you can take a coding certification course preferably through AAPC or AHIMA and then you can enter into the behind the scenes of healthcare. I have my RHIA which is a bachelor degree certification and in my various careers I’ve worked along side nurses who got tired of bed side nursing, we made the same salaries and didn’t have to deal with patients.

[@NurseandEngineer]

Wow you are perfect for the role. Keep trying.

[@iamjuhnia]

Hi Candie, I have been binge watching your videos all day and I'm glad we have people like you in the field to give out information o their career, I am currently enrolled in HIM for my associate degree, I am still new to the field. Do you offer mentorships ?

[@candie_cole]

Hi. Thank you for watching and for your support. Please feel free to email me [e-mail]

[@himinfluencers]

Wow, Junnia how is your current HIM associate degree program going all the best, hang in there is one of the best decisions I made.

[@tammymclaughlin2045]

I enjoyed your video. I am currently a respiratory therapist but going to school for my bachelor in HIM. I am 57 so I worry about my future. I don’t want to be a coder. I really would like auditing or compliance so something like that. I have been so worried if I am in the right track on this school thing. And worried I won’t have time once I get out of school to work my way ok the ladder. Thanks so much.

[@AshKayBerry]

Hi Candie, thank you for sharing your journey. I have a bachelors degree in a totally different field and I'm looking to transition into healthcare. I've been looking into masters programs in HIM and Healthcare Administration but I was wondering, since I don't have any experience in healthcare do you think it would be a good idea to go directly into the Masters or should I start at a lower level then work my way up?

[@candie_cole]

Hi thank you for watching! I suggest talking with an academic advisor to see what credits can transfer. In the courses that I teach for the bachelors program in healthcare administration, I have several people who are starting over in there careers. Depending on your degree and the courses you have taken previously, it may be an easy transition. I would love to hear the outcome of this. Keep me posted!

[@tebogosshadreck2993]

Hi Candie, thank you for shedding some light on this topic. I am a citizen of Botswana graduated in 2020 with a degree in health information management looking to work overseas, wanted to ask if perhaps you know any recruitment agency that can work with me to help me achieve this goal? looking forward to your response. Thank you😍

[@candie_cole]

Hi Tebogo thank you for watching. Unfortunately, I am not well-versed in this area. If you haven't done so yet, I would sign up for an account on this site: lp.experteer.com/us-headhunters/?kw=International%20Headhunters&lv=001ex&g_adid=490328750793&g_nt=g&g_qw=%2Binternational%20%2Bheadhunters&g_mt=b&affiliate=US_Head_Search&gclid=CjwKCAiAkfucBhBBEiwAFjbkrwJFnMjqNGIwWvAp3pgvxzYkf_Z6MzJKWGUZnzR29NOjP7jiHR8WDRoCQFsQAvD_BwE

[@shanislifestyle6324]

Try HCA

[@AntTame]

Thank for sharing

[@candie_cole]

Thank you for watching!

[@Stoic_Sisterhood]

I graduated from nursing school LPN and realized to late that its was not me not I am trying to get BSHIM from WGU to start again. and even though I really enjoyed listening to your story I cannot help to feel very scared

[@candie_cole]

The job market is very tough right now. But having your LPN with the clinical experience is going to work in your favor. Having the clinical background along with HIM is a plus!

[@PettyIsMyMiddleName]

Yes , I agree with the comment above mine. I am a WGU him graduate , but I was already in the field with my associates degree and Rhit for about 15 years . The lpn will work in your favor when paired with the RHIA. Also , i used to tell my students (i was medical coding and billing part time instructor) to make upward career moves if they are able to do so. I’ve worked in just about all of the essential revenue pathways and it has given me many opportunities and excellent 100k plus a year salaries. For example , let’s say you start as HIM clerk at hospital A , but hospital B has HIM clerk and let’s say it pays $3 more. I’d say do not accept that position, but try to move up to a higher position at current hospital or a higher position at different hospitals. And if possible, move up in essential positions such as revenue integrity , charge master, coding and work yourself up to inpatient coding vs physician coding and so forth. I can assure you that you will receive calls the next day after submitting applications lol. I had a ton of overtime during the pandemic . So, stick to it and blessings to you. ❤

[@Esmeb89547]

HIM is more relaxed you will like it

[@mizzcoko28]

Do you think having a bachelors in healthcare management and healthcare administration is the same? I’m looking into going the route of healthcare management but have not seen many videos on that degree.

[@candie_cole]

Yes healthcare management and healthcare administration is the same. It’s health information management that’s slightly different.

[@dashiaprimas2986]

How much can you start as a new grad from getting a bachelors degree in HIM ? I’m thinking of doing that instead of ultrasound school , I have been in the program and it’s very hard and stressful with having kids.

[@christopherreed3019]

yeah, those degrees are pretty much the same!

[@cindylopez2032]

I really appreciate this thank you ❤

[@candie_cole]

You're welcome thank you so much for watching!

[@paulaneary7877]

Jeez, I also took the medical coding test and missed it by only a few points. I had worked so hard and was so disappointed that I did not go back and do it again. I also felt like maybe it would be a bit too much pressure for my brain having to do a quota of files each hour. I can learn things very well, but may not have been quite as quick as they might have wanted. IDK.

[@emilysolis]

Hello I was wondering if I can interview you since I am doing an essay on this major and wanted to ask 10 questions about the work field ? It would be helpful!

[@candie_cole]

Hi. Please feel free to email [e-mail]

[@KaeRobin]

Thank you so much for sharing! I just recently became interested in revenue cycle management and I am lost on where to start. I have a bachelors in Accounting and I have a MBA. I have worked in governmental accounting for over 9 years so I do not have any healthcare experience. Do you think this is a good path for someone with my experience? If so, do you have any recommendations on where I should start?

[@christopherreed3019]

you can work in healthcare finance.....with an MBA , it should be easy for you to get a job in healthcare finance. Goodluck

[@candie_cole]

Hi Kae, I agree with Christopher. In fact, my peer also has her CPA, and an MBA. Previously she worked for different companies in consulting. Later, she transferred to healthcare. In my opinion, finance is finance, the accounting principles do not change. The hardest part that I would say by working alongside my peer is learning the terminology. We work in completely different worlds. She does not know what wRVUs are, CPTs and ICD-10 codes, or about payer mix. But she knows all about revenue and expenses from a finance perspective.

[@nahianchowdhury9282]

Hlw!!!! I actually have some confusing!!! Do you think Health Information Management a good choice?? It pays good ??? I just plan to change my major to this department??

[@candie_cole]

Hi Nahian. I think HIM is a good choice. It depends on what you eventually want to do. There are many career choices that you can have with a degree in HIM. I encourage you to visit the bureau of labor and statistics and glassdoor to check out salary ranges.

[@olamide1272]

How do I get scholarship to study HIM in abroad for my Bsc?

[@candie_cole]

Hi @olamide1272 unfortunately, I am not familiar with programs that are abroad, an encourage you to speak with an academic advisor about the scholarship

[@radhamurali7652]

I have BS in Public Health & currently majoring Masters in Health Information Management. But, I have no experience at all. I am doing substitute teaching for living & trying to land on a entry level Him position. Can you advise which is the best option? Thank you

[@candie_cole]

Having those two degrees under your belt is going to make you very marketable. I believe obtaining a position in medical coding or billing, or as an health information tech, even roles in patient access would be good entry level positions.

[@radhamurali7652]

@@candie_cole Thank you

[@cindylopez2032]

Were u going to school online n working full time as well ? I am scared I won’t be able to do both and family life but I really want to finish my HIT degree I am a cpc coder now.

[@candie_cole]

Hi @cindylopez2023, I started off part-time going to school on campus. Once I became full-time, I switched to online classes. You can absolutely do it! Time management and establishing a routine are key. Keep in mind, I did not go to school full time initially. I got my associate's degree within 5 years.

[@cindylopez2032]

Seriously thank you ❤. I watched your video about how it took u time to finish ur A.A.S. n it was very inspiring to me bc I have a similar story. I have 6 yrs of Med Billing n 2 yrs ophthalmology coding / cpc but been to scared to finish my Associates in HIT but hearing u went all the way ! While working full time!!! It gave me hope . Also I really enjoy ur videos ❤

[@p.ganoop9613]

Iam a post graduate in medical records management from india... Is there any possibility to get a job in foreign countries... Iam also a medical coder..... Can anyone guide me plz

[@candie_cole]

Unfortunately, I am not familiar with HIM jobs overseas. However, when searching health information management jobs in India, a lot of results come back. I wish you look in finding a coding role!

[@TiaoniaMichelle]

Did you do healthcare information technology or healthcare manangement technology?

[@candie_cole]

HIM

[@lonimarcell7940]

Did you get your Masters in informatics and analytics? If not, what degree did you attain?

[@candie_cole]

Hi Loni I received masters in healthcare administration

[@MorineDanquah]

Do you think doing DHA is worth it or should I switch to DHA in health policy?

[@candie_cole]

I think it depends on what your bachelor's and master's degree is in. I'm not familiar with doctorate programs. Is it possible to have a DHA with a concentration is health policy?

[@patrickkorankye3011]

Hi, please I am patrick Korankye from Ghana, I am a health information officer and I would like to come and work in USA, please what are the necessary steps to follow and are there any exams I have to write ? Thank you

[@gingocampo925]

I think you have to have certificate related to health information. In order to get the certification exam, you have to have a degree related to it. You also have to go to a school that is accredited by AHIMA.

[@patrickkorankye3011]

@@gingocampo925 Please I have a degree in health information management

[@candie_cole]

Hello. Agree with @gingocampo425. You have to receive a degree from an AHIMA accredited program in order to test for an AHIMA approved certification. There may be some jobs that don't require a certification. However, that may be rare. It is possible to find an organization that would give tuition reimbursement towards a degree. Best of luck!

[@enechukwuamaka6586]

Pls ma’am is there a link to contact u personally?

[@candie_cole]

Hi. Feel free to contact me at [e-mail]

[@larissaaboh1679]

I need you to give your reply Miss .this is very important to me .

[@candie_cole]

How can I help you?