Louisiana / Health information management programs

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

Louisiana has 7 CAHIIM-accredited HIM and health informatics programs. We score every program on our seven-factor methodology. Top: Southern University at New Orleans's BSHIM, scoring 86/100.

Taylor Rupe, founder of healthinformationmanagementprograms.com

by , founder & editor

updated

New Orleans, Louisiana
7

Programs ranked

86

Top score

$45K

LA median HIM wage

2,600

HIM jobs in LA

Key Takeaways

  • Southern University at New Orleans BSHIM ranks #1 in Louisiana (86/100). The only HBCU CAHIIM BSHIM in LA, led by Dr. Jairus Ballard (DrPH + MHI + RHIA + MLT + ODS).
  • Louisiana has 3 CAHIIM-accredited BSHIMs: Southern University at New Orleans (HBCU), Louisiana Tech (FAHIMA-led, full stack), and University of Louisiana at Lafayette (longest review cycle in state).
  • Louisiana has 7 active CAHIIM-accredited programs: 2 AAS, 3 bachelor's, 1 master's, 1 undergraduate certificate.
  • Louisiana Tech is the only LA institution running BSHIM + MS Health Informatics + an Undergraduate Certificate at one school, all under FAHIMA-credentialed director Michelle Martin (BSHIM and UG Cert).
  • Median HIM salary in Louisiana is 44,610 per BLS OEWS May 2025. 90th pct 77,080. 2,600 working in this occupation.
  • Ochsner Health is the largest Louisiana health system, anchoring New Orleans alongside LCMC Health, FMOLHS, and Tulane Medical. Willis-Knighton and CHRISTUS anchor Shreveport. Lafayette General (Ochsner) and Our Lady of Lourdes anchor Acadiana.
  • LaHIE (Louisiana Health Information Exchange) is the state's nonprofit HIE, operated by the Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum.
  • Louisiana medical record retention is 10 years from the date of last patient encounter (LA RS 40:2144), one of the longer state retention requirements.

How we ranked

Our ranking methodology in one paragraph.

Every program is CAHIIM-accredited. 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 →

Programs taking applications in Louisiana now

HIM, health informatics, and medical coding programs currently accepting students.

The ranked programs

The 7 CAHIIM-accredited HIM programs in Louisiana, ranked.

RankInstitutionDegreeCityScoreCAHIIM
#1 Southern University at New Orleans BS New Orleans 86/100 Continuing
#2 Louisiana Tech University BS Ruston 80/100 Continuing
#3 Delgado Community College AAS New Orleans 78/100 Continuing
#4 University of Louisiana at Lafayette BS Lafayette 75.5/100 Continuing
#5 Louisiana Tech University MS Informatics Ruston 75.5/100 Initial
#6 Southern University at Shreveport AAS Shreveport 74/100 Continuing
#7 Louisiana Tech University UG Cert Ruston 72/100 Initial
#1
86/100

Overall score

Southern University at New Orleans

Best in-state BSHIM (HBCU, DrPH + multi-credential director)

BSHIM New Orleans, LA Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2031-2032

Why it ranks #1

Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) is one of two HBCU-affiliated CAHIIM HIM programs in Louisiana and the only HBCU BSHIM in the state. Director Dr. Jairus Ballard holds DrPH + MHI + RHIA + MLT (ASCP) + ODS, the strongest credential stack of any LA BSHIM director and a rare clinical-lab + HIM combination. Continuing CAHIIM, next review 2031-2032. Fully online. Direct New Orleans market access (Ochsner Health, LCMC Health, Tulane Medical, FMOLHS).

Program Director

Jairus Ballard , DrPH, MHI, RHIA, MLT (ASCP), ODS

Address

6400 Press Drive, New Orleans, LA, 70126

Contact

(504) 286-5083
jballard@suno.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)9/10
Director credentials (15%)10/10
Pathways (15%)6/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)9/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)8/10
Overall86/100

Visit program at suno.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#2
80/100

Overall score

Louisiana Tech University (BSHIM)

Best public university BSHIM (FAHIMA director, full BS-MS-UG Cert stack)

BSHIM Ruston, LA Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2027-2028

Why it ranks #2

Louisiana Tech University BSHIM in Ruston. Director Michelle Martin holds MEd + MBA + RHIA + FAHIMA. Continuing CAHIIM, next review 2027-2028. Hybrid delivery. Louisiana Tech is the only LA institution running BSHIM + MS Health Informatics + Undergraduate Certificate at one school: the most complete vertical HIM pathway in the state.

Program Director

Michelle Martin , MEd, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA

Address

P. O. Box 3171, Ruston, LA, 71272

Contact

(318) 257-2854
mmartin@latech.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)10/10
Pathways (15%)7/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)7/10
Cost (10%)8/10
Reputation (5%)8/10
Overall80/100

Visit program at ans.latech.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#3
78/100

Overall score

Delgado Community College

Best New Orleans AAS (Ochsner / LCMC / Tulane pipeline)

AAS New Orleans, LA Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2027-2028

Why it ranks #3

Delgado Community College in New Orleans. Director Kristy Artmann Carlisle holds MBA + RHIT + CCS. Continuing CAHIIM, next review 2027-2028. Hybrid delivery. Delgado sits inside the largest LA HIM employer market and feeds Ochsner Health, LCMC Health (including Children's Hospital New Orleans), Tulane Medical, and Touro Infirmary.

Program Director

Kristy Artmann Carlisle , MBA, RHIT, CCS

Address

615 City Park Ave, Allied Health Division, New Orleans, LA, 70119

Contact

(504) 671-5000
kcarli1@dcc.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%)6/10
Overall78/100

Visit program at dcc.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#4
75.5/100

Overall score

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Best Acadiana / Lafayette BSHIM (longest CAHIIM review cycle in LA)

BSHIM Lafayette, LA Campus Based CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2032-2033

Why it ranks #4

University of Louisiana at Lafayette BSHIM. Director Lisa Delhomme holds RHIA. Continuing CAHIIM with the longest review cycle of any LA program, next review 2032-2033. Campus-based only. ULL anchors the Acadiana region (Ochsner Lafayette General, LGMC, Our Lady of Lourdes).

Program Director

Lisa Delhomme , RHIA

Address

P.O. Box 43565, Lafayette, LA, 70504

Contact

(337) 482-5284
lisa.delhomme@louisiana.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)10/10
Director credentials (15%)7/10
Pathways (15%)6/10
Delivery (15%)5/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)8/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall75.5/100

Visit program at him.louisiana.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#5
75.5/100

Overall score

Louisiana Tech University (MS Health Informatics)

Best in-state MS in Health Informatics

MS Health Informatics Ruston, LA Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2025-2026

Why it ranks #5

Louisiana Tech University MS in Health Informatics, fully online. Director Kim Theodos holds JD + MS + RHIA + CPHIMS, a rare law + HIM credential stack. Initial CAHIIM, next review 2025-2026 (review cycle imminent). Pairs with the LA Tech BSHIM under the same school for a same-institution BS-to-MS progression.

Program Director

Kim Theodos , JD, MS, RHIA, CPHIMS

Address

P.O. Box 3171, Ruston, LA, 71272

Contact

(318) 257-2854
KTHEODOS@latech.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)6/10
Director credentials (15%)9/10
Pathways (15%)7/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)7/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)8/10
Overall75.5/100

Visit program at latech.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

More HIM programs accepting students

#6
74/100

Overall score

Southern University at Shreveport

Best Shreveport AAS (HBCU)

AAS Shreveport, LA Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2028-2029

Why it ranks #6

Southern University at Shreveport AAS. The second HBCU-affiliated CAHIIM HIM program in Louisiana. Director LaChandra Wells holds MHA + RHIT. Continuing CAHIIM, next review 2028-2029. Hybrid delivery. Feeds Willis-Knighton Health System, CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health, and LSU Health Shreveport.

Program Director

LaChandra Wells , MHA, RHIT

Address

610 Texas St., Suite 327, Shreveport, LA, 71101

Contact

(318) 670-9645
lwells@susla.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)7/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall74/100

Visit program at susla.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#7
72/100

Overall score

Louisiana Tech University (UG Cert Rural Health Administration Support)

Best rural health administration certificate

UG Cert Rural Health Admin Ruston, LA Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2031-2032

Why it ranks #7

Louisiana Tech University Undergraduate Certificate in Rural Health Administration Support. Same FAHIMA-credentialed director as the LA Tech BSHIM (Michelle Martin). Initial CAHIIM, next review 2031-2032. Hybrid delivery. Designed to support rural Louisiana hospital and clinic administrative needs.

Program Director

Michelle Martin , MEd, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA

Address

P. O. Box 3171, Ruston, LA, 71272

Contact

(318) 257-2854
mmartin@latech.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)6/10
Director credentials (15%)10/10
Pathways (15%)6/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)7/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall72/100

Visit program at ans.latech.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

Best for…

Best Louisiana HIM programs by category.

Best HBCU BSHIM

Southern University at New Orleans

Only HBCU CAHIIM BSHIM in LA. DrPH + MHI + RHIA director. Fully online. Direct NOLA market access.

Best FAHIMA-led BSHIM with full stack

Louisiana Tech University

Only LA school running BSHIM + MS HI + UG Certificate at one campus. FAHIMA director.

Best New Orleans AAS

Delgado Community College

Inside New Orleans. Ochsner + LCMC + Tulane + Touro pipeline.

Best Acadiana / Lafayette BSHIM

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Longest CAHIIM review cycle in LA (2032-2033). Campus-based.

Best in-state MS in Health Informatics

Louisiana Tech University

JD + MS + RHIA + CPHIMS director Kim Theodos. Fully online.

Best HBCU AAS (Shreveport)

Southern University at Shreveport

Second HBCU CAHIIM HIM program in LA. Willis-Knighton + CHRISTUS pipeline.

Best rural health administration certificate

Louisiana Tech University

CAHIIM-accredited UG Certificate in Rural Health Administration Support, FAHIMA director.

Cheapest CAHIIM-accredited HIM programs in LA

Louisiana public community colleges

Delgado and Southern U Shreveport AAS programs qualify for the Louisiana TOPS scholarship (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) and Pell.

Credentials

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

Louisiana does not license HIM staff. The Louisiana Health Information Management Association (LHIMA) is the state AHIMA component.

CredentialFull NameEducation RequiredTypical LA Role
RHITRegistered Health Information TechnicianCAHIIM AASRecords, ROI, coder at Ochsner / LCMC / FMOLHS / Willis-Knighton
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 Louisiana.

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

  • Median: $44,610 (national: $51,140)
  • Mean: $50,240
  • 10th pct: $32,900 · 90th pct: $77,080
  • Statewide employment: 2,600

New Orleans (Ochsner, LCMC, FMOLHS, Tulane), Baton Rouge (FMOLHS, Baton Rouge General, Ochsner Baton Rouge), and Lafayette (Ochsner Lafayette General, LGMC) anchor the upper end. Shreveport (Willis-Knighton, CHRISTUS, LSU Health) pays near the LA median. Rural LA pays below the median.

Salary distribution

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

$30K$40K$50K$60K$70K$80K$90K Louisiana MED $45K National MED $51K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.

Workforce

Louisiana health information management job market and top hospital employers.

Ochsner Health. New Orleans HQ. Largest LA system, 47 hospitals plus the Ochsner research enterprise.

LCMC Health. New Orleans. Operates University Medical Center New Orleans, Children's Hospital New Orleans, Touro Infirmary, East Jefferson General, West Jefferson Medical Center.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS). Baton Rouge HQ. Largest Catholic system in LA.

Tulane Medical Center. New Orleans. Academic medical center, HCA-affiliated.

Willis-Knighton Health System. Shreveport. Dominant NW LA system.

CHRISTUS Health. Multi-state Catholic system, large LA presence.

LSU Health Shreveport. Academic medical center, LSU teaching hospital.

Acadiana. Ochsner Lafayette General, LGMC, and Our Lady of Lourdes anchor Lafayette.

Health information exchange

LaHIE (Louisiana Health Information Exchange).

LaHIE is Louisiana's nonprofit HIE, operated by the Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum (LHCQF). LaHIE connects participating LA providers with clinical messaging, query-based retrieval, and population-health services. Participation is voluntary, not state-mandated.

State regulation

Louisiana state laws affecting health information management.

  • Medical record retention (LA RS 40:2144). Louisiana hospitals must retain medical records for 10 years from the date of last patient encounter (or until age 18 + 7 years for minors). Longer than the national norm.
  • Patient access (LA RS 40:1165.1). LA statute grants patients access to medical records with statutory caps on copy fees.
  • Louisiana Database Security Breach Notification Law (LA RS 51:3071 et seq.). Breach notification within a reasonable time after discovery.

Sources

Sources and references.

  1. healthinformationmanagementprograms.com Methodology.
  2. CAHIIM Program Directory.
  3. BLS OEWS: May 2025 LA estimates.
  4. AHIMA Certification Exams.
  5. LaHIE / LHCQF.
  6. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance: TOPS and state aid.
  7. Louisiana Legislature: LA RS 40:2144, 40:1165.1, 51:3071.
  8. LHIMA.

FAQ

HIM programs in Louisiana: frequently asked questions.

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

On our methodology, Southern University at New Orleans ranks #1 (86/100). Louisiana Tech University #2. Delgado Community College #3.

How many CAHIIM-accredited HIM programs are in LA?

7 active. 2 associate, 3 bachelor's, 1 master's, 1 undergraduate certificate.

What is the average HIM salary in LA?

Median $44,610 per BLS OEWS May 2025. 90th pct $77,080.

Does LA require a license to work in HIM?

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

Which Louisiana hospitals hire the most HIM staff?

Ochsner Health, LCMC Health, FMOLHS, Tulane Medical, Willis-Knighton, CHRISTUS Health, LSU Health Shreveport.

What is LaHIE?

The Louisiana Health Information Exchange, operated by the Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum (LHCQF).

Are HBCUs available for HIM in Louisiana?

Yes. Southern University at New Orleans (BSHIM) and Southern University at Shreveport (AAS) are both HBCUs with CAHIIM-accredited HIM programs.