Guide / Comparison

RHIA vs RHIT

The two foundational AHIMA credentials in health information management. They serve different career stages and pay differently. This guide compares them side by side and gives you a clear decision framework.

By Taylor Rupe, Founder & Editor Last updated ~6 min read

Key takeaways

  • 01RHIT = associate degree level, technician track, Medical Records Specialist median wage $51,140.
  • 02RHIA = bachelor's degree level, manager track, Medical and Health Services Manager median wage $123,860.
  • 03Both require graduation from a CAHIIM-accredited program at the corresponding degree level. There is no work-experience-only path to either.
  • 04You can hold both credentials. A common path: earn RHIT after associate degree, complete a CAHIIM-accredited bachelor's, then earn RHIA.
  • 05Choose RHIT if you want to enter the workforce in two years. Choose RHIA if your goal is the management track from the start.

The RHIA and the RHIT are not competing credentials. They serve different career stages, require different degrees, and lead to different wage outcomes. The right one for you is the one that matches your career goal and your appetite for time in school.

Side-by-side comparison

RHIT

Registered Health Information Technician

The associate-level credential for entry into health information management.

Required degree
CAHIIM-accredited associate
Programs that qualify
216
Time to credential
~2 years
Scored exam questions
130
Test time
3.5 hours
Typical role
Medical Records Specialist
BLS occupation
SOC 29-2072
Median annual wage
$51,140
90th percentile
$81,150

RHIA

Registered Health Information Administrator

The bachelor's-level credential for the manager track.

Required degree
CAHIIM-accredited bachelor's or master's
Programs that qualify
68+
Time to credential
~4 years
Scored exam questions
180
Test time
4 hours
Typical role
HIM Director, CDI Manager
BLS occupation
SOC 11-9111
Median annual wage
$123,860
90th percentile
$224,340

Wage difference, visualized

The credential you choose has a real and lasting impact on wages. Here is the wage gap across the percentile distribution:

Figure 1

Annual wage by credential, BLS percentile distribution

May 2025 OEWS data.

10th percentile

RHIT
$37,000
RHIA
$73,390

Median

RHIT
$51,140
RHIA
$123,860

90th percentile

RHIT
$81,150
RHIA
$224,340

Source: BLS OEWS. SOC 29-2072 (RHIT-track) and SOC 11-9111 (RHIA-track) wage data.

The RHIA-track 90th percentile ($224,340) is more than 2.5x the RHIT-track 90th percentile ($81,150). The wage difference is not subtle.

Decision framework

Use this to narrow down quickly.

Choose the RHIT if

  • You want to enter the workforce in two years rather than four
  • You're cost-sensitive and a community college is your most accessible option
  • You're drawn to the technical and coding side rather than management
  • You'd rather earn while you decide whether to pursue the bachelor's later
  • You're already mid-career and need a faster path

Choose the RHIA if

  • You know you want the management track
  • You're comfortable with a four-year bachelor's commitment
  • You're drawn to the leadership, governance, and analytics side
  • You're aiming at a specific role (HIM director, privacy officer, clinical documentation manager) that explicitly requires it
  • You already have a bachelor's in another field and can do a CAHIIM-accredited master's path

Do both if

  • You want to enter the workforce quickly with the RHIT, then add the RHIA later for advancement
  • You want both credentials on your resume (some employers value the dual credential)

Other AHIMA credentials to consider

The RHIA and RHIT are foundational. AHIMA issues several specialty credentials that build on them or stand alongside:

  • CCS (Certified Coding Specialist): the advanced inpatient/outpatient coding credential
  • CCS-P (Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-based): outpatient/physician-office coding focus
  • CHPS (Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security): for HIM professionals specializing in privacy and security
  • CDIP (Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner): for clinical documentation improvement specialists

Frequently asked

Should I get the RHIT or the RHIA?

The RHIT if you want to enter health information management in two years and your career goal is the technician or coding side. The RHIA if you want the management track and are willing to commit to a four-year bachelor's degree. Many people start with the RHIT and add the RHIA later by completing a bachelor's degree.

Is RHIA harder than RHIT?

The RHIA covers more content (180 scored questions vs 130) and tests at a more strategic and managerial level: information governance, revenue cycle management, compliance leadership. The RHIT tests at the operational level: coding accuracy, data analysis, regulatory compliance in practice. Different scope, not strictly harder.

Can you have both RHIT and RHIA?

Yes. Many professionals earn the RHIT after their associate degree, then complete a bachelor's degree and add the RHIA later. Holding both is common in the field. AHIMA does not require you to surrender one when earning the other.

What's the salary difference between RHIA and RHIT?

RHIT-holders typically work as Medical Records Specialists with a BLS median annual wage of $51,140. RHIA-holders typically progress into Medical and Health Services Manager roles with a BLS median of $123,860. That's a $72,720 median difference, sustained over a career.

Next steps

Sources

Written by

Taylor Rupe, Founder & Editor

Taylor Rupe is the founder and editor of healthinformationmanagementprograms.com. With degrees in psychology from the University of Washington and computer science from Oregon State University, Taylor focuses on translating workforce data and program accreditation records into something prospective students can actually use.