Why Is the RHIA Exam Important?

Highlights Education

As well-educated professionals, RHIAs have--at a minimum--a Bachelor's degree. Many RHIAs complete Master-level degrees, with some even pursuing higher specialty fields like medical or legal degrees. Therefore, employers hiring an individual with an RHIA credential automatically know that the prospective employee has at least a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Additionally, RHIA maintenance requirements include completing regular continuing education cycles in order to stay current in the health information management field.

Successfully completing the RHIA exam and receiving the credential demonstrates a high level of professionalism within the health care industry. Because the credential is not required, any individual choosing to further her career and take the time to complete the RHIA exam proves a strong commitment to the health information management industry.

Because of the educational requirements from accredited institutions and rigorous testing procedures for certification, RHIA-credentialed professionals are viewed as experts in the HIM field. RHIAs often have a larger knowledge base, especially on current topics, than non-credentialed professionals. Due to ongoing continuing education requirements, RHIAs receive continuous education and instantly become aware of current changes, trends and regulations within the health care industry.

Many employers and health care professionals view RHIA-credentialed HIM professionals on a higher status level than non-credentialed professionals due to education, industry commitment and expertise. HIM professionals with an RHIA credential often make more money than their non-credentialed counterparts. A PayScale.com salary survey reported that RHIAs make between $37,000 and 74,000 annually. According to All Healthcare Degrees, RHIA managers earn approximately $15,000 more than managers without the credential.

Credentialed professionals receive a higher number of professional opportunities than non-credentialed professionals. Employers, educational institutes, consulting agencies and committees seek out RHIA-credentialed HIM professionals for employment, teaching and committee work. Job opportunities abound for RHIAs in both patient and non-patient health care settings such as hospitals, physician offices, long-term care, consulting firms, technology and software companies, pharmaceutical companies and even colleges and universities. The RHIA credential has become the HIM industry standard and many employers will not hire HIM professionals without the credential.