The global healthcare industry is undergoing a digital revolution, driven by Electronic Health Records (EHRs), telemedicine, and AI-powered diagnostics. These innovations are generating vast amounts of data at an unprecedented pace, transforming how institutions involved in our physical, mental, and social well-being are managed worldwide.
In response to this shift, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is leading a major digital overhaul. The nation is enhancing grassroots healthcare services through infrastructure upgrades and intensive training for medical staff to serve its citizens better.
Over in Kenya and Uzbekistan, digital health is booming as well. The Digital 2024 Report by Datareportal reveals that 7.49 million people in Kenya sought digital health treatments by the end of 2023. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan introduced the E-Health–2025 plan to accelerate the digitalization of its healthcare system over the next few years.
In Uzbekistan, outdated habits like copying and pasting patient information are causing errors and duplicate records, creating additional hurdles. Source: AFP
Health Information Management is an in-demand skill in the digital era
Of course, the path to digitizing all clinics and hospitals isn’t without its challenges. In Uzbekistan, worries about data security and a lack of computer literacy among medical staff are slowing the transition to EHRs. Mexico faces a similar struggle, with its healthcare system burdened by a shortage of medicines, healthcare professionals, and outdated infrastructure.
Despite the hurdles faced by countries like Uzbekistan and Mexico, the global shift toward digital healthcare continues to gain momentum. And behind the scenes, health information management professionals are leading the charge, ensuring patient data is well-organized, secure, and easy to access.
If you’re ready to be part of the solution, earning a health information management degree is a great way to get started.
Health information refers to all the details about someone’s medical history, like their symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and results. Source: AFP
What is a Health Information Management degree?
A Health Information Management degree combines medicine, finance, information technology, and law to prepare students to manage healthcare data with precision and care. With training in advanced information systems, you’ll learn how to handle health data at every stage, from collection and storage to retrieval and protection.
Compliance with healthcare laws and regulations is another critical focus as students train to manage patient information ethically. On the financial side, you’ll explore revenue cycle management, learning to keep healthcare organizations running efficiently. Together, these elements make a health information management degree a comprehensive pathway to careers that blend healthcare, technology, and leadership.
There’s a treasure trove of data in every corner of a hospital or clinic to derive useful insights from, something a health information management master’s degree equips you to do. Source: Lewis University
4 reasons why you should join Health Information Management programs
1. Growing demand for professionals
The growing reliance on EHRs and the rapid development of telemedicine, combined with an aging global population, have fueled a growing demand for health information management professionals. Healthcare IT markets around the world are expanding because of this.
In Vietnam, the healthcare IT market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.60% from 2024 to 2032, underscoring the country’s increasing reliance on digital health solutions. Meanwhile, Ghana’s and Kenya’s Digital Health market is expected to expand by 8.73% and 3.73% respectively from 2025 to 2029. Mexico and Uzbekistan are expected to see even greater expansion, with a 7.54% and 11.33% growth by 2029.
Health Information Management master’s graduates understand how healthcare organizations run and are key to managing the explosion of data in hospitals and doctor’s offices in recent decades. Source: AFP
2. Diverse career opportunities
Health Information Management programs prepare you for a variety of roles within the growing healthcare industry – and even beyond. From becoming a health information manager to a clinical data analyst, medical records director, or compliance officer, the possibilities are more vast than you think.
These programs set you up for various roles because of their focus on practical, transferable skills. You’ll learn how to manage data, ensure healthcare compliance, and oversee information systems — skills that aren’t just valuable in healthcare settings but are also in demand in tech companies and government organizations.
Health Information Management master’s graduates navigate healthcare laws and regulations, including those related to gurneys and beds. Source: AFP
3. Job security and competitive salaries
Health Information Management professionals are indispensable to ensuring the smooth delivery of healthcare services. This makes the profession an attractive option for anyone seeking a stable job and a steady income.
For instance, a health information manager in Vietnam can expect to earn around US$10,633 per year, whereas professionals in Ghana, Kenya, and Uzbekistan make US$5,117, US$19,758, and US$779, respectively. Mexico, on the other hand, offers a significantly higher average salary at US$24,196.
With a Health Information Management degree, you’ll be ready for a leadership role in various sectors. Source: AFP
4. Pathway to senior roles and further study
A successful career in healthcare management begins with a strong background in Health Information Management. With a bachelor’s degree, you can gain the foundational knowledge needed for roles in mid-level management, such as Health Information Director, Privacy Officer, or Coding Manager.
However, for those aiming for leadership positions, pursuing a master’s degree is a strategic and necessary next step. With this advanced degree, you’ll sharpen your skills in compliance, governance, and health data management, setting you up for senior positions like Chief Compliance Officer, HIM Systems Director, or Chief Information Governance Officer.
How can you prepare for a career in Health Information Management?
Ready to advance your career in Health Information Management? The MS in Health Information Management at Lewis University prepares graduates to excel in the fast-evolving healthcare landscape. Designed for flexibility, this 36-credit-hour program comes in online and face-to-face formats, with accelerated eight-week courses enabling full-time students to complete the degree in 16 to 18 months.
With a curriculum that bridges technical know-how and practical application, you’ll gain the skills to lead in this field. The program’s culminating experience has two pathways: a faculty-supervised research project or a hands-on practicum guided by healthcare professionals. Both options provide opportunities to engage and test your knowledge in real-world challenges, enhancing your career readiness.
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