Alabama's major medical centers increasingly rely on electronic health records, health information management, and health data analysis systems. This pathway prepares students for careers in health information management, medical coding, health records analysis, and healthcare IT support. Students develop expertise in medical documentation, health information systems, data security, and compliance with healthcare regulations.
The curriculum covers health science foundations, health information systems, medical coding and classification, health records management, and healthcare privacy and security. Students learn electronic health record (EHR) systems, HIPAA compliance, medical terminology, and data analysis. They work with health information systems used in Alabama's healthcare facilities and develop proficiency in healthcare documentation standards.
Graduates pursue careers as medical coders, health information specialists, health records technicians, and healthcare IT support roles, with entry-level salaries ranging from $30,000-$36,000. Experienced health information professionals with certifications earn $42,000-$54,000+. The pathway provides strong preparation for pursuing degrees in health informatics or healthcare administration.
Health Informatics at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Alabama's Health Informatics pathway standards align with standards established by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and incorporate HIPAA privacy and security regulations. The curriculum prepares students for medical coding certification examinations and healthcare IT positions.
Students completing this pathway develop competencies in health information systems, medical coding, and healthcare data management that meet Alabama state standards and prepare them for entry-level health information positions and post-secondary health informatics education.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Health Science Foundations |
| Health Information Management I |
| Health Information Management II |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- ✓CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
- ✓First Aid
- ✓Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- ✓Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- ✓EKG Technician
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Medical Coder
Entry LevelSalary range: $37,880 - $65,760
Adjusted for cost of living: $42,103
Health Records Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $39,610 - $53,790
Adjusted for cost of living: $44,026
Health Information Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $37,880 - $65,760
Adjusted for cost of living: $59,031
Health Informatics Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $37,880 - $65,760
Adjusted for cost of living: $59,031
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Internships in health information departments at UAB, Grandview, Brookwood, Huntsville Hospital, and other healthcare facilities provide direct EHR and medical coding experience.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
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Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Alabama standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Alabama
Diagnostic Services
Alabama's advanced medical centers, including UAB in Birmingham and Huntsville Hospital, consistently seek skilled diagnostic professionals in medical imaging, laboratory analysis, and clinical assessment. This pathway prepares students for careers as radiologic technologists, medical laboratory technicians, and diagnostic ultrasound technicians. Students develop technical skills in operating diagnostic equipment, collecting specimens, performing analyses, and communicating results to healthcare providers. The curriculum covers health science foundations, diagnostic equipment operation, specimen collection and analysis, quality assurance, and safety protocols. Students study anatomy and physiology relevant to diagnostic procedures, learn sterilization and safety procedures, and develop skills in diagnostic technology. Laboratory and imaging simulation experiences prepare students for clinical practice. Graduates pursue careers as radiologic technologists, medical laboratory technicians, and diagnostic ultrasound technicians, with entry-level salaries ranging from $32,000-$38,000. Licensed diagnostic professionals with experience earn $45,000-$58,000+. The pathway provides excellent preparation for pursuing degrees in diagnostic medicine or related healthcare professions.
Health ScienceTherapeutic Services
Alabama's growing healthcare sector, anchored by medical centers in Birmingham (UAB, Grandview, Brookwood) and Huntsville, creates expanding career opportunities in therapeutic services. This pathway prepares students for careers as physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, respiratory therapists, and other clinical support professionals. Students develop clinical skills, patient communication techniques, and understanding of therapeutic interventions that improve patient outcomes. The curriculum covers health science foundations, therapeutic principles and techniques, patient communication, infection control, and therapeutic documentation. Students learn anatomy and physiology relevant to therapeutic interventions, assist with patient assessment, and develop therapeutic treatment skills. Hands-on practicum experiences in clinical settings provide direct patient care experience. Graduates pursue careers as physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, and clinical support specialists, with entry-level salaries ranging from $30,000-$36,000. Licensed therapeutic professionals with experience earn $40,000-$52,000+. The pathway provides strong preparation for pursuing degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other therapeutic professions.
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