RHIA and RHIT Certifications
RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator) and RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) are AHIMA credentials for health information management. RHIT requires an associate-level CAHIIM-accredited HIM program; RHIA requires a bachelor-level one. Both are degree-gated, distinguishing them from coding certifications, and both open broader HIM and management careers.
- Issuer
- AHIMA
- RHIT requirement
- Associate-level CAHIIM-accredited HIM program
- RHIA requirement
- Bachelor-level CAHIIM-accredited HIM program
- Scope
- Broad health information management, not just coding
What are the RHIA and RHIT credentials?
RHIA and RHIT are AHIMA's credentials for health information management (HIM), the discipline that governs the entire lifecycle of health data, not just coding. A coder handles code assignment; an HIM professional oversees data integrity, privacy, release of information, compliance, and information systems. These credentials signal that broader competency.
They differ from coding certifications like CPC and CCS in one key way: they are gated on completing an accredited degree program.
What degree do RHIA and RHIT require?
| Credential | Required program |
|---|---|
| RHIT | Associate-level CAHIIM-accredited HIM program |
| RHIA | Bachelor-level CAHIIM-accredited HIM program |
CAHIIM is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. An RHIA alternative pathway exists for RHITs who hold a related bachelor's or master's degree plus qualifying experience; confirm current criteria with AHIMA.
Where do RHIA and RHIT lead?
Example: a coder wanting to move into management enrolls in an associate HIM program, earns the RHIT, and later completes a bachelor's to sit for the RHIA, positioning for an HIM director role. The credentials are a ladder into leadership, not a lateral coding move.
Should you pursue RHIA/RHIT or a coding certification?
It depends on where you want to end up. If the goal is production coding or getting into the field quickly, a coding credential like the CPC or CCS is faster and does not require an accredited degree. If the goal is HIM leadership, privacy, or data governance, RHIT and RHIA are the recognized ladder.
| Goal | Best path |
|---|---|
| Enter coding fast | CPC / CCS |
| Facility/inpatient coding | CCS |
| HIM management / compliance | RHIT then RHIA |
Many professionals stack them: a credential to start earning, then the accredited degree and RHIA to move into management. See salary in 2026 for how each choice moves pay.
Frequently asked questions
Both are AHIMA health information management credentials, but they gate on degree level. RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) requires completing an associate-level HIM program accredited by CAHIIM. RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator) requires a bachelor-level CAHIIM-accredited HIM program. RHIA is the more senior, management-oriented credential.
No. Coding credentials like CPC and CCS certify coding skill and often have no degree requirement. RHIA and RHIT are broader HIM credentials covering data governance, privacy, compliance, and information systems, and they require completing an accredited degree program. They lead toward HIM leadership rather than pure coding roles.
Generally you must complete the baccalaureate-level academic requirements of a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program, or a master's-level or approved post-baccalaureate certificate pathway. There is also an alternative pathway for RHITs who hold a related bachelor's or master's degree plus qualifying HIM experience. Verify current AHIMA eligibility criteria before applying.
Sources & further reading
Reviewed by the ImmediCare Solutions RCM team
Certified billers and coders handling claims across 50+ specialties nationwide. This entry is reviewed against current payer policy and CMS rules. Last review: Jul 5, 2026.
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