Online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Become a Sought-After Electronic Health Records Expert
Online
2-4 Years
122 Credit Hours
$467 per Credit
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Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.
Learn How To Manage and Protect Sensitive Data
- Apply By: 05/21/26
- Start Class: 06/04/26
Earn the USC Upstate degree in health information management online to thrive as a health information administrator who understands medical coding and data integrity. Develop foundational health care record knowledge and high-level health information management expertise through flexible online courses and an immersive practicum.
As the only bachelor’s in South Carolina accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), completing this program helps you gain an edge in the job market. Plus, you will be prepared to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exams after graduation.
Program Details
- Prepare to sit for the RHIA and RHIT certification exams
- CAHIIM accreditation that employers seek
- Up to 90 hours of transfer credit can be accepted
- No. 2 Top Public School in the South1
- Advance in an expanding field with high job growth2
More Information About This Program
Click on each tab below to learn additional details regarding the program requirements and features.
Curriculum
Develop the Skills Health Care Employers Require
122 Total Credits
40 Courses
Whether you already work in health care or are kickstarting your career, our multidisciplinary curriculum will increase your understanding of today’s electronic health information management practices. Twice a year, local health care professionals review USC Upstate course materials to ensure all learning objectives align with current industry standards.
Upon graduation, you will be ready to sit for two certification exams: the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
Benefits of Our HIM Coursework
One-of-a-Kind, CAHIIM-Accredited Program
This accreditation assures employers that USC Upstate graduates are well-prepared for health information management careers.
Use New Skills in a Hands-On Practicum Experience
Test your knowledge in a supportive environment during your on-site practicum with a local health care company or organization.
Online Learning Doesn’t Mean Learning Alone
Receive free tutoring, supplemental instruction, study group help and academic consultation through the Student Success Center.
Admissions Requirements
Here’s What You Need To Apply
Application Deadline 05/21/26
Start Date 06/04/26
USC Upstate prides itself on providing streamlined support for students, from application to graduation. You will meet with an advisor each semester, and if you need more resources, our Student Success Center is eager to help. Don’t wait — with multiple start dates and no entrance exams, it’s easy to start your application today.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Degree and Minimum GPA | High School Diploma or GED |
| Transcripts |
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| Transfer Credits | Up to 90 hours of transfer credits can be accepted |
International Students
All international students must demonstrate English language proficiency for admission. If you do not meet the English proficiency requirement, you may be admitted conditionally.
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| Additional Requirements |
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Admission Requirements for USC Upstate Online Programs
Applying to one of the online degree programs in South Carolina offered by USC Upstate is simple, flexible, and designed to fit your life. Start anytime, save your progress and return when it works best for you. With multiple start dates throughout the year, your journey begins whenever you’re ready. For guidance or personalized support, visit the Admissions Hub or speak with a student engagement specialist at 833-814-8322.
AdmissionsTuition & Aid
Affordable Bachelor’s Designed To Fit Your Budget
Calculate your cost for attending USC Upstate Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
Maximize your return on investment when you enroll in this pay-by-the-course health information management degree. Qualifying students may be considered for financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $467 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 122 |
| Total Estimated Tuition | $56,974 The tuition estimate reflects a first-time college student. Use the tuition calculator to see your actual cost after transferring prior credits. |
| Additional Fees | $45 Non-Refundable Application Fee $12 Technology Fee Per Credit $10.50 Health Fee Per Credit $50 Security Fee Per Semester |
| Other Costs to Budget For | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors like textbooks or other expenses |
Spartan Support for Military Students
USC Upstate is nationally recognized for its support of veterans, active-duty military and their families. Our Veterans Affairs Office guides you through benefits, career planning and academic credit, including military training, certifications and programs such as the Montgomery GI Bill®, Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon Program, REAP, and Dependents’ Educational Assistance. Tuition advantages include active-duty tuition discounts, DoD military tuition assistance and in-state tuition for veterans and their dependents. With these resources and dedicated support, we help those who have served turn their dedication into success and rise to new heights through education.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend USC Upstate Online?
USC Upstate offers a wide range of financial aid options to help students from all backgrounds reach their goals. Scholarships, grants, loans and employer tuition assistance make a quality education more accessible, so you can focus on learning, growing and reaching greater heights. We encourage you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to unlock federal and state support.
Tuition Details
What Is the Career Outlook for Health Information Management?
Equipped with this online health information management degree, you will be ready to protect private information for hospitals, insurance companies, government agencies and other organizations. Alumni have put their USC Upstate health information degrees to work at top companies such as Prisma Health, Spartanburg Medical Center, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare and Companion Life Insurance.
What Can You Do With a Health Information Degree?
Health Information Manager $117,960 per year3
Compliance Officer $78,420 per year4
What Will I Learn in the Online Health Information Management Program?
Knowledgeable instructors will help you master in-demand skills in the following areas:
- Health data management
- Medical coding and classification
- Electronic health records
- Health care informatics
- Legal and ethical compliance
Program Outcomes
- Gain an understanding of the concepts and skills needed in the health informatics field of study, health information management and information systems pertaining to health care organizations, as well as their impact on the population and health care environment
- Demonstrate effective communication skills on subject matter relevant to health care technology
- Analyze the impact of current policies, external forces, legal influences and compliance strategies relevant to health care and information management
Personalized Guidance in Every Classroom
At USC Upstate, our faculty are more than instructors — they’re mentors invested in your success. With real-world experience, advanced credentials and a commitment to personal attention, they guide you through practical learning that prepares you for a meaningful career. Small classes and low student-to-faculty ratios ensure you have the support you need to grow and thrive.
Dr. Nick Rouse, Instructor
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Nick Rouse
For more than a decade, Dr. Rouse has led health information management programs, mentored students and integrated real-world HIM practices into academic instruction. His publications include Effective Academic Advisory Committee Relationships, published in Contemporary Issues in Education Research (2014) and Employing Kirkpatrick’s Evaluation Framework to Determine the Effectiveness of Health Information Management Courses and Programs, published in Perspectives in Health Information Management (2011).
Related Programs
Sources
- U.S. News & World Report. “University of South Carolina Upstate Rankings.” Retrieved Sept. 15, 2025, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-south-carolina-upstate-6951.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Healthcare Occupations.” Retrieved Sept. 16, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Medical and Health Services Managers.” Retrieved Sept. 23, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Compliance Officers.” Retrieved Sept. 16, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/compliance-officers.htm.