Health Information Management
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Professional Studies
>> FULLY ONLINE ASYNCHRONOUS PROGRAM
Online, Asynchronous Program Format
SUNY Poly is committed to providing students with a high quality online learning experience that combines flexibility with academic rigor. Online students enjoy many of the same benefits as their peers on campus, including exclusive student discounts at many local and national businesses. Brightspace, our online learning platform, fosters collaboration and community.
The HIM program’s online format offers students access to the courses, faculty, and department resources from any location. The asynchronous online format allows learners the flexibility to engage in coursework on a schedule that accommodates employment duties and personal responsibilities. General education, liberal arts, and human resource management courses can be completed online or on-campus. Out-of-state students who complete the program online enjoy reduced tuition.
Hands-On Learning
Professional Practice Experiences (PPEs) provide students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning in realworld healthcare environments. These structured, supervised experiences may take place in settings such as hospitals, physician practices, insurance companies, government agencies, long-term care facilities, or health IT organizations. PPEs are designed to help students build practical, job-ready skills in key areas like health data management, medical coding, healthcare compliance, and informatics—ensuring a strong foundation for career advancement upon graduation.
PPEs at SUNY Poly
Each HIM student is required to complete two Professional Practice Experiences (PPEs):
• First PPE: Typically completed during the summer between the junior and senior years, this experience involves working full-time for three weeks in a hospital’s health information department. Note: Graduates of accredited HIT programs receive credit for the equivalent of the first PPE.
• Second PPE: Completed during the final semester of senior year, students spend three weeks in the health information department of a healthcare facility or health-related organization, with a focus on management and leadership.
Faculty Spotlight
Andriana Semko
MBA, RHIA, CCS, CPC, CCS-P
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator
Professor Andriana Semko brings a wealth of practical experience to her teaching role, having served as the Director of Health Information Management and Director of Medical Records at Sitrin Health Care Center (Utica, NY), in addition to working remotely as a medical coder for a large hospital system in Missouri. She also has local experience as an outpatient medical coder, where she applied her early career expertise in release of information.
In addition to her hands-on experience, Professor Semko holds several esteemed certifications in her field, including the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Coding Specialist-Physicianbased (CCS-P), and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentials through AHIMA. She also holds the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential from AAPC, reflecting her ongoing commitment to excellence in health information management.
An alumna of SUNY Poly’s Health Information Management (BS) and Technology Management with a concentration in Health Informatics (MBA) programs, Professor Semko is deeply invested in her students’ success as Program Coordinator for the bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. Recently, she was invited to present at the CNYHIMA annual conference, where she shared strategies for leveraging LinkedIn to advocate for HIM professionals and foster a thriving online community. Senior HIM student Nulifere Veliu Nela joined Professor Semko at the conference.
The Program
Health Information Management (HIM) is a rapidly growing field where healthcare and technology intersect. HIM professionals are responsible for managing and securing vital health data, ensuring its accuracy, accessibility, and protection. With the increasing use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the need for datadriven decision-making, HIM professionals play a crucial role in modern healthcare. HIM professionals help improve healthcare efficiency, ensure privacy and security, and contribute to public health policies. This field offers a wide range of career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, government agencies, and health IT firms. With a growing demand for skilled professionals, HIM is an excellent choice for a stable and rewarding career.
SUNY Poly’s comprehensive Health Information Management program blends business, information technology, and clinical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience and a strong academic foundation—preparing students to lead in diverse healthcare settings. The HIM program teaches students how to analyze and manage health information systems, navigate healthcare regulations (such as HIPAA), and use cutting-edge technology to improve patient care. With robust industry connections and a commitment to student success, the program equips graduates to thrive in the rapidly evolving HIM field.
SUNY Poly offers two distinct degree options in Health Information Management:
• Bachelor of Science (BS): Designed for students seeking a comprehensive, academic-focused education, with a stronger emphasis on research, theory, and advanced healthcare practices.
• Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS): Tailored for working professionals or those with previous experience in healthcare who want to expand their knowledge and skills with a more flexible, career-oriented curriculum. The BPS offers a more applied approach, focusing on practical, real-world knowledge. (Transfer students only)
Accelerated BS/MS Option
The accelerated BS/MS in Health Information Management (BS or BPS) and Health Informatics (MS) is an exciting opportunity for highachieving students to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a shorter amount of time with a reduced number of required credits. Ultimately, the students in our accelerated program save both time and money, setting them up for postgraduation success.
Students accepted into the BS/MS program follow the same path to receiving their bachelor’s degree as their BS-only peers; they follow the same undergraduate degree requirements and receive their degree once these required courses are completed. Students enrolled in the BS(BPS)/MS accelerated program enjoy exclusive benefits including:
• Significant Cost Savings
• Faster Path to Graduation
• Increased Earning Potential
• Stronger Resume for Jobs and Internships
Students enrolled in the accelerated program have the opportunity to take select graduate-level courses that count toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, accelerating their path to an advanced credential. Specifically, students will take:
• HI 501 in place of HIM 440
• HI 509 in place of HIM 309
• HI 610 in place of HIM 330
Comprehensive, personalized academic advising helps students stay on track and complete both degrees in an accelerated timeframe— ensuring a smooth and supported path from start to finish.
Virtual Labs
The program uses internet-based laboratories to expose students to a variety of software applications. This allows students to practice with a wide variety of current software applications used in the health information management field. The virtual lab environments include:
• V-Lab (American Health Information Management Association)
• EHRGo (Archetype Innovations, LLC)
Career Opportunities
A degree in Health Information Management opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare sector. Here are some career paths you can pursue with an HIM degree:
• Health Information Manager: Oversees the management of health data and medical records in healthcare facilities.
• Health IT Specialist: Manages and implements electronic health record (EHR) systems and other healthcare technologies.
• Compliance Officer: Ensures that healthcare organizations follow privacy laws and regulatory standards like HIPAA.
• Data Analyst: Analyzes health data to improve patient care, financial performance, and organizational efficiency.
• Clinical Documentation Specialist: Ensures medical records are accurately documented and compliant with regulatory standards.
• Health Informatics Specialist: Integrates IT and healthcare to improve the management of health information and the delivery of care.
• Revenue Cycle Manager: Manages the financial processes within healthcare settings, from patient intake to final billing.
• Health Services Administrator: Manages healthcare facilities or departments, ensuring efficient operation and adherence to regulations.
Become an AHIMA Member
Students in the HIM program are encouraged to become members of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Annual dues are $49 and include access to:
• the Journal of AHIMA
• an online library with full-text articles
• discounts on textbooks
• discounted Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) national certification examination fee
Job Growth Outlook
Health Information Management (HIM) professionals with a bachelor’s degree are in high demand, reflecting the increasing complexity and digitization of healthcare systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 29% from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the average for all occupations. Driven by the expansion of electronic health records and the need for data analysis in patient care, graduates of the HIM program will enjoy a robust job market, offering diverse opportunities across hospitals, outpatient care centers, insurance companies, and government agencies.
Student & Employer Satisfaction
Graduates of SUNY Poly’s Health Information Management program leave confident and career-ready—reflected in our 100% student satisfaction rate at graduation. Employers agree, with 100% reporting satisfaction with the preparation and performance of our graduates in the workplace.
Alumni Careers
Graduates of the HIM program have the opportunity to pursue diverse, well-paying careers, and our alumni say they gained many valuable skills through their academic preparation at SUNY Poly. Find more information about alumni employers and alumni job titles online. ALUMNI CAREERS
Seamlessly Transfer to SUNY Poly
At SUNY Poly, we’re dedicated to making your transfer experience as smooth and straightforward as possible. Our Health Information Management program has established articulation agreements with select associate degree programs, ensuring a seamless pathway to completing your bachelor’s degree. These partnerships help maximize your previously earned credits and minimize duplication, so you can stay on track and focus on your future.
• Borough of Manhattan Community College - Health Information Technology (AAS)
• Fulton Montgomery Community College - Health Information Records Management (AAS)
• Hudson Valley Community College - Health Information Management & Technology (AAS)
• Mohawk Valley Community College - Health Information Technology (AAS)
• Nassau Community College - Health Information Technology (AAS)
• Onondaga Community College - Health Information Technology/Medical Records (AAS)
• Pierpont Community College - Health Information Technology (AAS)
• SUNY Broome Community College - Health Information Technology (AAS)
• Westchester Community College - Health Information Technology (AAS)
Accreditation
The Health Information Management program at SUNY Poly is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Why does this matter? CAHIIM accreditation:
• Confirms your HIM degree meets high academic and industry standards
• Boosts job opportunities in healthcare settings across the U.S.
• Qualifies you to take the RHIA certification exam
• Aligns your education with current healthcare tech and data practices
• Expands eligibility for internships and career advancement
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, New York’s premier public polytechnic, provides an innovative and affordable higher education for students interested in science, engineering, technology, business, healthcare, and other liberal arts offerings for a well-rounded approach to experiential learning. Our commitment to a handson education situates students with both the academic structure customary of undergraduate study and unique opportunities for training and cutting-edge research, ultimately providing learners an unmatched education targeted for success in our fast-changing world. SUNY Poly students enjoy public school tuition with benefits that many small, private institutions boast, including small class sizes, individualized learning experiences, and a tight-knit community.
Our Campus
Located in Utica, NY, on hundreds of wooded and landscaped acres, SUNY Poly’s campus is a beautiful living and learning environment. Students live in our modern, spacious residential complexes, including the new Hilltop Hall, SUNY’s first zero-net carbon residence hall, and enjoy an expanding array of studentfocused facilities that include our state-of-the-art Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing, Student Center, and Wildcat Field House. Life on campus is enriched by a wide variety of events and activities, including the Wildcats’ championship-winning intercollegiate athletics program, our Wildcat Esports team, and a weekly agenda of intramurals, concerts, comedians, and more. Students can join one of the dozens of clubs and organizations or start one with a group of friends who share an interest.
Contact us:
Office of Admissions
State University of New York Polytechnic Institute 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 792-7500 admissions@sunypoly.edu sunypoly.edu
