Certifications
Health information management credentials and the roles they open up.
AHIMA issues the two primary health information management credentials. Each requires graduating from a CAHIIM-accredited program at the matching degree level. These guides cover what the exam is, who should take it, and what graduates earn.
AHIMA credentials
The three certifications worth pursuing first.
-
RHIA Certification
Registered Health Information Administrator. The bachelor's-level credential issued by AHIMA. -
RHIT Certification
Registered Health Information Technician. The associate-level credential issued by AHIMA. -
CCS Certification
Certified Coding Specialist. AHIMA's advanced coding credential.
Career profiles
Roles in health information management.
Job titles in health information management range from entry-level records specialists to clinical documentation improvement leads and HIM directors. The median wage column blends BLS OEWS data (where the role has a published SOC code) with the professional society salary surveys that cover roles BLS does not break out separately.
| Role | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Medical Records Specialist | $51,140 |
| Medical Coder | $59,605 |
| Clinical Documentation Specialist | $100K-$120K |
| Cancer Registrar | $67,310 |
| Health Data Analyst | $107,162 |
| HIM Director | $123,860 |
BLS national medians published May 2025. AAPC Medical Coding Salary Survey covers AAPC credential holders. ACDIS 2025 CDI Salary Survey covers CDI specialists. Glassdoor averages reflect industry-wide self-reported data for 2025.