Illinois / Health information management programs

Best CAHIIM-accredited health information management programs in Illinois, ranked (2026)

Illinois has 22 CAHIIM-accredited HIM and health informatics programs, including UIC's unique three-program offering (BSHIM + MS HIM + MS Health Informatics) at one school. We score every program on our seven-factor methodology. Top program: University of Illinois at Chicago's MS, scoring 90/100.

Taylor Rupe, founder of healthinformationmanagementprograms.com

by , founder & editor

updated

Illinois state capitol in Springfield
22

Programs ranked

90

Top score

$56K

IL median HIM wage

5,740

HIM jobs in IL

Key Takeaways

  • University of Illinois at Chicago ranks #1 in Illinois (90/100). Best MS in Health Informatics in Illinois (UIC AHIMS).
  • UIC offers three CAHIIM-accredited HIM/HI programs at one school: BS in HIM, MS in HIM, and MS in Health Informatics. The most complete BS-to-MS pathway institution in Illinois.
  • Illinois has 22 active CAHIIM-accredited programs: 15 AAS, 4 bachelor's (UIC, Chicago State, DeVry, Illinois State), 3 master's (UIC HIM, UIC Health Informatics, SIU Edwardsville).
  • Median HIM salary in Illinois is 56,440 per BLS OEWS May 2025. 90th percentile 77,520. 5,740 working in this occupation.
  • Chicago's hospital landscape is dominated by Epic: Northwestern, Rush, UChicago Medicine, Endeavor Health, and Lurie Children's all run Epic. Care Everywhere is the de facto Chicago HIE.
  • Endeavor Health was formed by the January 2022 merger of NorthShore University HealthSystem and Edward-Elmhurst Health, creating an 8-hospital system across the Chicago area.
  • Illinois MAP Grant (Monetary Award Program) is the state's largest need-based aid program, administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Apply through FAFSA.

How we ranked

Our ranking methodology in one paragraph.

Every program is CAHIIM-accredited, so every program produces graduates eligible for the AHIMA RHIT or RHIA exam. We score each one 0-10 on seven factors: CAHIIM accreditation maturity (25%), program director credentials (15%), degree-level pathways (15%), delivery flexibility (15%), employer pipeline (15%), cost-effectiveness (10%), institutional reputation (5%).

Read the full methodology →

The ranked programs

The 22 CAHIIM-accredited HIM programs in Illinois, ranked.

RankInstitutionDegreeCityScoreCAHIIM
#1 University of Illinois at Chicago MS HI Chicago 90/100 Continuing
#2 University of Illinois Chicago BS Chicago 85.5/100 Continuing
#3 University of Illinois at Chicago MS Chicago 85/100 Initial
#4 Harper College AAS Palatine 79.5/100 Continuing
#5 Chicago State University BS Chicago 79/100 Continuing
#6 City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College AAS Chicago 78.5/100 Continuing
#7 DeVry University - Online Baccalaureate BS Lisle 77.5/100 Continuing
#8 College of DuPage AAS Glen Ellyn 77/100 Continuing
#9 Oakton College AAS Des Plaines 77/100 Continuing
#10 Waubonsee Community College AAS Aurora 75/100 Continuing
#11 Richland Community College AAS Decatur 74.5/100 Continuing
#12 Southwestern Illinois College AAS Belleville 73/100 Continuing
#13 Moraine Valley Community College AAS Palos Hills 72.5/100 Continuing
#14 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville MS HI Edwardsville 71.5/100 Initial
#15 Illinois Central College AAS Peoria 71.5/100 Initial
#16 Illinois State University BS Normal 71/100 Continuing
#17 Joliet Junior College AAS Joliet 70/100 Initial
#18 McHenry County College AAS Crystal Lake 68/100 Initial
#19 Danville Area Community College AAS Danville 67/100 Continuing
#20 Kaskaskia College AAS Centralia 66.5/100 Initial
#21 College of Lake County AAS Grayslake 66/100 Continuing
#1
90/100

Overall score

University of Illinois at Chicago (MS Health Informatics)

Best MS in Health Informatics in Illinois (UIC AHIMS)

MS Health Informatics Chicago, IL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2030-2031

Why it ranks #1

UIC's MS in Health Informatics, fully online, the most established graduate informatics program in Illinois. Director Dr. Kal Pasupathy is FAMIA (Fellow of the American Medical Informatics Association), an elite distinction. Continuing CAHIIM accreditation, next review 2030-2031. UIC is one of three Illinois CAHIIM-accredited graduate programs at UIC alone (BS HIM + MS HIM + MS Health Informatics), making it the most complete pathway institution in the state.

Program Director

Kal Pasupathy , PhD, FAMIA

Address

1919 West Taylor Street, 250 AHSB, Chicago, IL, 60612-7246

Contact

(312) 996-7337
kap@uic.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)9/10
Pathways (15%)10/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)10/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)9/10
Overall90/100

Visit program at healthinformatics.uic.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#2
85.5/100

Overall score

University of Illinois Chicago (BSHIM)

Best public BSHIM with BS+MS+MS pathway at one school

BSHIM Chicago, IL Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2027-2028

Why it ranks #2

UIC's BS in HIM in the Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences. Director Felecia Williams holds MPA + RHIA. Continuing CAHIIM since June 2020. Hybrid delivery from the UIC Chicago campus. UIC's three-program HIM/HI offering (BS + MS HIM + MS Health Informatics) is unique in Illinois and rare nationally.

Program Director

Felecia Williams , MPA, RHIA

Address

Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, 1919 W. Taylor, Room 250, AHSB MC 530, Chicago, IL, 60612

Contact

(312) 355-5430
feleciaw@uic.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)7/10
Pathways (15%)10/10
Delivery (15%)9/10
Employer pipeline (15%)10/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)9/10
Overall85.5/100

Visit program at ahs.uic.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#3
85/100

Overall score

University of Illinois at Chicago (MS HIM)

Best MS in HIM (subject area HIM) in Illinois

MS Chicago, IL Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #3

UIC's MS in HIM (subject area HIM, distinct from the MS Health Informatics). Director Lois Hitchcock is FAHIMA + holds MHA + RHIA. Initial CAHIIM since 2024. Fully online. The HIM-subject MS is best for working RHIAs moving into management/director-track roles.

Program Director

Lois Hitchcock , MHA, RHIA, FAHIMA

Address

Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, 1919 W. Taylor, Room 232 (MC 530), Chicago, IL, 60612

Contact

(866) 772-2268
lmhitch@uic.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)6/10
Director credentials (15%)9/10
Pathways (15%)10/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)10/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)9/10
Overall85/100

Visit program at healthinformatics.uic.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#4
79.5/100

Overall score

Harper College

Best NW Chicago suburbs AAS

AAS Palatine, IL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2031-2032

Why it ranks #4

Harper College in Palatine. Director Jenna Bishop-Beall holds CPHRM + RHIA + CHPC. Continuing CAHIIM, next review 2031-2032. Fully online. Pipeline to Northwest Community Healthcare, Advocate, and NorthShore.

Program Director

Jenna Bishop-Beall , CPHRM, RHIA, CHPC

Address

1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine, IL, 60067

Contact

(847) 925-6533
bj12357@harpercollege.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)9/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall79.5/100

Visit program at harpercollege.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#5
79/100

Overall score

Chicago State University

Best Predominantly Black-Serving Institution BSHIM in Illinois

BSHIM Chicago, IL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #5

Chicago State University, designated as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI), runs Illinois's only Chicago-based public BSHIM (UIC's BSHIM is the other Chicago public option). Director Mary Bowman holds MPH + RHIA. Continuing CAHIIM since 2019. Fully online. Direct Chicago employer pipeline.

Program Director

Mary Bowman , MPH, RHIA

Address

9501 S. King Drive, Business and Health Sciences Building (BHS), Room 424, Chicago, IL, 60628

Contact

(773) 995-2593
mbowma21@csu.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)7/10
Pathways (15%)5/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)10/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)8/10
Overall79/100

Visit program at csu.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#6
78.5/100

Overall score

City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College

Best Chicago city AAS feeder

AAS Chicago, IL Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2032-2033

Why it ranks #6

Malcolm X College, part of the City Colleges of Chicago system. Director Jacqueline Taylor holds RHIT + CCS + CPC. Continuing CAHIIM since 2023, next review 2032-2033. Hybrid delivery. Feeds Cook County Health (the public safety-net network), Rush, UChicago Medicine, Northwestern.

Program Director

Jacqueline Taylor , RHIT, CCS, CPC

Address

1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60612

Contact

(312) 850-7000
jtaylor348@ccc.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)10/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall78.5/100

Visit program at ccc.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#7
77.5/100

Overall score

DeVry University - Online Baccalaureate

Best private online BSHIM with same-school AAS

BSHIM Lisle, IL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #7

DeVry's online BSHIM. Same director (Jennifer Young) as the AAS, providing a clean private-online progression pathway. Continuing CAHIIM since 2018. Caveat: private-school tuition is higher than Illinois public options.

Program Director

Jennifer Young , MS, RHIA, CCS-P, CAPM

Address

4225 Naperville Road, Suite 400, Lisle, IL, 60532

Contact

(630) 577-6730
jennifer.young@devry.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)7/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)9/10
Cost (10%)4/10
Reputation (5%)5/10
Overall77.5/100

Visit program at devry.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#8
77/100

Overall score

College of DuPage

Best west Chicago suburb AAS

AAS Glen Ellyn, IL Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2031-2032

Why it ranks #8

College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn (DuPage County). Director Andrea Brus holds MEd + RHIA + CCS + CCS-P + CRC. Continuing CAHIIM, next review 2031-2032. Hybrid delivery. Feeds Advocate, AMITA Health (now Ascension), Edward-Elmhurst Health (Endeavor).

Program Director

Andrea Brus , MEd, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CRC

Address

425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL, 60137

Contact

(630) 942-2242
brusa235@cod.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)9/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall77/100

Visit program at cod.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#9
77/100

Overall score

Oakton College

Best north Chicago suburb AAS

AAS Des Plaines, IL Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2027-2028

Why it ranks #9

Oakton College in Des Plaines. Director Hanna Wierzchowski holds DDS + RHIA + COC + CPC. Continuing CAHIIM since 2022, next review 2027-2028. Hybrid delivery. Feeds NorthShore (Endeavor Health post-merger) and Advocate's north suburban hospitals.

Program Director

Hanna Wierzchowski , DDS, RHIA, COC, CPC

Address

1600 East Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL, 60016

Contact

(847) 635-1695
hwierzchowski@oakton.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)9/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall77/100

Visit program at oakton.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#10
75/100

Overall score

Waubonsee Community College

Best Fox Valley / Aurora area AAS

AAS Aurora, IL Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2031-2032

Why it ranks #10

Waubonsee CC in Aurora (Fox Valley). Director Patricia Saccone holds RHIA + CDIP + CCS-P + CPB. Continuing CAHIIM since 2021. Hybrid delivery. Feeds Rush Copley, Advocate Sherman, Northwestern Delnor.

Program Director

Patricia Saccone , RHIA, CDIP, CCS-P, CPB

Address

18 S. River Street, Aurora, IL, 60506

Contact

(630) 906-4194
psaccone@waubonsee.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall75/100

Visit program at waubonsee.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#11
74.5/100

Overall score

Richland Community College

Best central Illinois online AAS

AAS Decatur, IL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2031-2032

Why it ranks #11

Richland CC in Decatur. Director Crystal Kitchens holds MA + CHDS + RHIT + ODS-C. Continuing CAHIIM, next review 2031-2032. Fully online. Feeds Decatur Memorial Hospital and central Illinois networks.

Program Director

Crystal Kitchens , MA, CHDS, RHIT, ODS-C

Address

One College Park, Decatur, IL, 62521

Contact

(217) 875-7211, Ext. 6751
ckitchen@richland.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)6/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)5/10
Overall74.5/100

Visit program at richland.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#12
73/100

Overall score

Southwestern Illinois College

Best Metro East St. Louis AAS

AAS Belleville, IL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #12

SWIC in Belleville. Director Bettye Brock holds RHIT. Continuing CAHIIM. Fully online. Feeds Memorial Hospital Belleville and the Metro East St. Louis hospital network (BJC HealthCare cross-river).

Program Director

Bettye Brock , RHIT

Address

2500 Carlyle Ave, Belleville, IL, 62221

Contact

(618) 235-2700, Ext. 5385
bettye.brock@swic.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)6/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)7/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)5/10
Overall73/100

Visit program at swic.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#13
72.5/100

Overall score

Moraine Valley Community College

Best south Chicago suburb campus-based AAS

AAS Palos Hills, IL Campus Based CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #13

Moraine Valley CC in Palos Hills (south Chicago suburbs). Director Mari Petrik is FAHIMA + holds MBA + RHIA + CCS + CCS-P. Continuing CAHIIM. Campus-only delivery. Feeds Advocate Christ Medical Center, Palos Health, Cook County Health south facilities.

Program Director

Mari Petrik , MBA, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, FAHIMA

Address

9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL, 60465

Contact

(708) 974-5599
petrik@morainevalley.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)9/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)4/10
Employer pipeline (15%)9/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall72.5/100

Visit program at morainevalley.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#14
71.5/100

Overall score

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Best Metro East StL MS in Healthcare Informatics

MS Health Informatics Edwardsville, IL Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2027-2028

Why it ranks #14

SIU Edwardsville's MS in Healthcare Informatics, fully online. Director Dr. Frank Lyerla holds PhD + RN. Initial CAHIIM since 2021. Public-university tuition; Metro East St. Louis employer ties.

Program Director

Frank Lyerla , PhD, RN

Address

1 Hairpin Drive, Edwardsville, IL, 62025

Contact

(618) 650-5974
flyerla@siue.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)7/10
Director credentials (15%)7/10
Pathways (15%)5/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)7/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall71.5/100

Visit program at siue.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#15
71.5/100

Overall score

Illinois Central College

Best fresh-accreditation Peoria AAS

AAS Peoria, IL Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2032-2033

Why it ranks #15

Illinois Central College in Peoria. Director Dr. Leah A. Grebner is FAHIMA + holds PhD + RHIA + CCS. Initial CAHIIM since 2026. Hybrid delivery. Feeds OSF St. Francis (the dominant Peoria-area system).

Program Director

Leah A. Grebner , PhD, RHIA, CCS, FAHIMA

Address

5407 N. University, Peoria, IL, 61614

Contact

(309) 690-7546
leah.grebner@icc.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)6/10
Director credentials (15%)10/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)7/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall71.5/100

Visit program at illinoiscentralcollege → · CAHIIM directory listing

#16
71/100

Overall score

Illinois State University

Best Bloomington-Normal / central IL BSHIM

BSHIM Normal, IL Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #16

Illinois State University in Normal. Director Quen VanDermay-Kirkham holds MSHI + RHIA. Continuing CAHIIM since 2017. Hybrid delivery. Feeds OSF St. Joseph, Carle BroMenn, and central Illinois networks.

Program Director

Quen VanDermay-Kirkham , MSHI, RHIA

Address

Department Of Health Sciences, Campus Box 5220, Normal, IL, 61790

Contact

(309) 438-8329
qevande@ilstu.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)7/10
Pathways (15%)5/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)7/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall71/100

Visit program at healthsciences.illinoisstate.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#17
70/100

Overall score

Joliet Junior College

Best Will County / Joliet AAS

AAS Joliet, IL Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #17

Joliet Junior College, the oldest public community college in the US (founded 1901). Director Heather Lorenc holds RHIT. Initial CAHIIM since 2020. Hybrid delivery. Feeds Silver Cross Hospital and AMITA Health Joliet.

Program Director

Heather Lorenc , RHIT

Address

1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL, 60431

Contact

(815) 280-2375
heather.lorenc@jjc.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)7/10
Director credentials (15%)6/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall70/100

Visit program at jjc.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#18
68/100

Overall score

McHenry County College

Best far NW Chicago suburb AAS

AAS Crystal Lake, IL Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2028-2029

Why it ranks #18

McHenry County College in Crystal Lake. Director Allison Minicz holds RHIA + ODS-C. Initial CAHIIM, next review 2028-2029. Hybrid delivery. Feeds Northwestern Medicine Huntley and Mercyhealth Crystal Lake.

Program Director

Allison Minicz , RHIA, ODS-C

Address

8900 Us Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012

Contact

(815) 455-8713
aminicz@mchenry.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)6/10
Director credentials (15%)7/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)5/10
Overall68/100

Visit program at mchenry.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#19
67/100

Overall score

Danville Area Community College

Best eastern Illinois / Danville AAS

AAS Danville, IL Campus Based CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #19

Danville Area CC. Director Kelly Johnson holds MHIIM + RHIA + ODS + CIIP + BSRS + RT(S)(VS), the deepest credential stack of any Illinois AAS director. Continuing CAHIIM. Campus-only.

Program Director

Kelly Johnson , MHIIM, RHIA, ODS, CIIP, BSRS, RT(S)(VS)

Address

2000 E. Main St., Danville, IL, 61832

Contact

(217) 554-1678
k.johnson@dacc.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)9/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)4/10
Employer pipeline (15%)6/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)5/10
Overall67/100

Visit program at dacc.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#20
66.5/100

Overall score

Kaskaskia College

Best southern Illinois rural online AAS

AAS Centralia, IL Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #20

Kaskaskia College in Centralia. Director Kendra Mueller holds RHIA. Initial CAHIIM. Fully online. Feeds the rural southern Illinois hospital network.

Program Director

Kendra Mueller , RHIA

Address

27210 College Road, Centralia, IL, 62801

Contact

(618) 545-3429
kmueller@kaskaskia.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)6/10
Director credentials (15%)6/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)6/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)5/10
Overall66.5/100

Visit program at kaskaskia.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#21
66/100

Overall score

College of Lake County

Best Lake County / north Chicago AAS

AAS Grayslake, IL Campus Based CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2027-2028

Why it ranks #21

College of Lake County in Grayslake. Director Christina Melnytschuk holds BS + RHIT. Continuing CAHIIM, next review 2027-2028. Campus-only delivery. Feeds Northwestern Lake Forest, Advocate Condell, and NorthShore Highland Park.

Program Director

Christina Melnytschuk , BS, RHIT

Address

19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL, 60030

Contact

(847) 543-2886
cmelnytschuk@clcillinois.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)6/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)4/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall66/100

Visit program at clcillinois.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

Best for…

Best Illinois HIM programs by category (long-tail rankings).

Best MS in Health Informatics (FAMIA director)

UIC MS Health Informatics

UIC's MS Health Informatics, fully online. Director Dr. Kal Pasupathy is FAMIA. The most established graduate informatics program in Illinois.

Best BS+MS+MS pathway at one school

University of Illinois at Chicago

UIC's BSHIM, MS HIM, and MS Health Informatics. The most complete pathway institution in Illinois (and rare nationally). All under UIC's Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences.

Best Chicago city AAS feeder

City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College

CCC system, feeding Cook County Health, Rush, UChicago Medicine, and Northwestern. CCC tuition with MAP Grant eligibility.

Best PBI BSHIM in Illinois

Chicago State University

Chicago State (designated as a Predominantly Black Institution) runs a fully online BSHIM with Chicago employer ties.

Best private online AAS+BS pathway

DeVry University

DeVry runs an online AAS and BSHIM under the same director, with national reach. Caveat: private tuition is higher than IL public options.

Best NW Chicago suburb AAS

Harper College

Fully online AAS, feeds Northwest Community Healthcare, Advocate, and Endeavor (NorthShore + Edward-Elmhurst).

Best Bloomington-Normal / central IL BSHIM

Illinois State University

Hybrid BSHIM at ISU in Normal. Feeds OSF St. Joseph, Carle BroMenn, and central Illinois networks.

Best Metro East StL MS

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

SIUE's MS in Healthcare Informatics, fully online. Public-university tuition. Metro East St. Louis employer ties.

Best Peoria-area AAS (fresh accreditation, FAHIMA director)

Illinois Central College

Director Dr. Leah Grebner is FAHIMA + PhD + RHIA + CCS. Initial CAHIIM since 2026. Hybrid delivery. Feeds OSF St. Francis.

Cheapest CAHIIM-accredited HIM programs in IL

All Illinois community colleges (MAP Grant eligible)

All Illinois public CC AAS programs qualify for the IL MAP Grant (need-based). For Pell-eligible IL residents, out-of-pocket cost can approach zero.

Credentials

HIM credentials and certifications in Illinois (RHIA, RHIT, CCS).

Illinois does not license HIM staff. The Illinois Health Information Management Association (ILHIMA) is the state AHIMA component with regional chapters in Chicago, suburbs, central IL, and southern IL.

CredentialFull NameEducation RequiredTypical IL Role
RHITRegistered Health Information TechnicianCAHIIM AASRecords, ROI, coder at Northwestern/Rush/UChicago/Endeavor
RHIARegistered Health Information AdministratorCAHIIM BSHIMHIM supervisor, privacy officer, compliance
CCSCertified Coding SpecialistRHIT/RHIA + coding experienceInpatient/outpatient coder, coding auditor

Salary data

Medical records specialist salary in Illinois.

BLS OEWS May 2025 IL estimates for SOC 29-2072:

  • Median: $56,440 (national: $51,140)
  • Mean: $57,160
  • 10th pct: $38,890 · 90th pct: $77,520
  • Statewide employment: 5,740

Chicago metro dominates the upper end of the curve (Northwestern, Rush, UChicago Medicine, Endeavor Health, Lurie Children's, Cook County Health). Downstate (Peoria, Springfield, Bloomington-Normal) pays less but with lower COL.

Salary distribution

Medical records specialist salary in Illinois vs. national median (BLS OEWS May 2025).

$30K$40K$50K$60K$70K$80K$90K Illinois MED $56K National MED $51K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.

Workforce

Illinois health information management job market and top hospital employers.

Northwestern Medicine. Chicago academic medical center. 11 hospitals, 40,000+ employees.

Advocate Health. Post-Advocate Aurora merger with Atrium Health (2022) created one of the largest US health systems. 67 hospitals across IL, WI, NC, SC, GA, AL.

Rush University Medical Center. Chicago academic medical center.

University of Chicago Medicine. South Side Chicago academic medical center.

Endeavor Health. Formed by the January 2022 merger of NorthShore University HealthSystem and Edward-Elmhurst Health. 8 hospitals, 30,000+ employees.

Loyola Medicine. Maywood-based academic system, part of Trinity Health.

Cook County Health. Public safety-net network. Stroger Hospital and Provident Hospital.

Downstate. Carle Health (Urbana-Champaign), OSF HealthCare (Peoria, 16 hospitals), Memorial Health (Springfield), Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS).

Health information exchange

Illinois HIE landscape.

Illinois has no fully functional centralized statewide HIE. The state-run Illinois Health Information Exchange (ILHIE Direct) was wound down years ago. The Illinois Health Information Exchange Authority continues to coordinate HIE policy at the state level.

Most Illinois exchange traffic now runs through Epic Care Everywhere because Chicago's major systems (Northwestern, Rush, UChicago Medicine, Endeavor Health, Lurie Children's, Loyola) all use Epic. Regional HIEs include MetroChicago HIE and OneHealth Hub. For HIM staff, this means cross-system record requests in Chicago often run through Care Everywhere rather than a state HIE.

State regulation

Illinois state laws affecting health information management.

  • Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA, 815 ILCS 530). Breach notification "in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay." Notice within 45 days of discovery.
  • Hospital Licensing Act / Medical Records Retention (77 Ill. Adm. Code 250). Hospitals must retain medical records for 10 years (longer for minors).
  • Patient access and copy fees (735 ILCS 5/8-2001). Patients are entitled to copies at reasonable rates set annually by the Illinois Department of Health.
  • Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (410 ILCS 513). Adds genetic-information protections beyond HIPAA.

Sources

Sources and references.

  1. healthinformationmanagementprograms.com Methodology.
  2. CAHIIM Program Directory.
  3. BLS OEWS: May 2025 Illinois estimates.
  4. AHIMA Certification Exams.
  5. Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC): MAP Grant.
  6. Illinois Department of Public Health.
  7. Illinois Attorney General: PIPA enforcement.
  8. Illinois Health Information Management Association (ILHIMA).

FAQ

HIM programs in Illinois: frequently asked questions.

What is the best CAHIIM-accredited HIM program in Illinois?

On our methodology, University of Illinois at Chicago ranks #1 (90/100). University of Illinois Chicago #2 (85.5/100). University of Illinois at Chicago #3 (85/100).

How many CAHIIM-accredited HIM programs are in Illinois?

22 active. 15 AAS, 4 bachelor's (UIC, Chicago State, DeVry, Illinois State), 3 master's (UIC HIM, UIC Health Informatics, SIU Edwardsville).

What is the average HIM salary in Illinois?

Median $56,440 per BLS OEWS May 2025. 90th pct $77,520.

Does IL require a license to work in HIM?

No. AHIMA credentials (RHIT, RHIA, CCS) are the standard.

Which IL hospitals hire the most HIM staff?

Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Health, Rush, UChicago Medicine, Endeavor Health (NorthShore + Edward-Elmhurst), Loyola Medicine, Cook County Health, Lurie Children's. Downstate: Carle Health, OSF HealthCare, Memorial Health.

Does Illinois have a statewide HIE?

Not a fully functional centralized one. ILHIE Direct was wound down years ago. Most Chicago exchange runs through Epic Care Everywhere.

Can I get a HIM degree online in IL?

Yes. UIC MS Health Informatics, UIC MS HIM, Chicago State BSHIM, DeVry BS and AAS, SIUE MS, and most IL CC AAS programs offer online or hybrid delivery.