Programs of Distinction
CAHIIM proudly recognizes a select group of accredited Health Information Management (HIM) programs as Programs of Distinction—exemplars of best practices in healthcare education. These distinguished programs have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment as early adopters of the HIM Future Education Model (FEM).
Through their innovation and dedication, these Programs of Distinction are actively shaping the future of HIM education by:
- Engaging in online forums to share resources, foster collaboration, and exchange ideas with peers and CAHIIM leadership.
- Facilitating robust data collection from students, faculty, adjunct staff, employers, and PPE supervisors to evaluate student outcomes and the effectiveness of the new HIM education model.
- Identifying barriers and evidence-based practices in developing and delivering competency-based education (CBE) in HIM.
- Contributing to the development of new student outcome measures and submitting data aligned with the 2026 HIM Accreditation Standards.
These programs, accredited under the new FEM standards and competencies, are not only meeting the evolving demands of the profession—they are leading the way. CAHIIM celebrates their commitment to advancing HIM education and improving outcomes for learners, institutions, and the healthcare workforce.
Thes programs have received commendation, the highest level of recognition given by the accreditor.
Distinguished Programs
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Central Arizona College
Coolidge, AZ
Associate Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: Sandra Brightwell , EdD, RHIA, FAHIMA
Accredited with distinction June 11, 2025.
Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT
Baccalaureate Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: Cindy Glewwe Edgerton , MHA, MEd, RHIA
Accredited with distinction June 11, 2025.
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI
Master’s Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: Joseph Brown , DHA, MS, CHDA
Accredited with distinction June 11, 2025.
Lanier Technical College
Gainesville, GA
Associate Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: Annette Baker , MS HIM, RHIA
Accredited with distinction June 11, 2025.
State Fair Community College
Sedalia, MO
Associate Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: Beverly Marquez , M.S., RHIA, FCAHIIM, FAHIMA
Accredited with distinction May 22, 2025.
The College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN
Master’s Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: David Marc, PhD, CHDA
Accredited with distinction May 22, 2025.
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
Baccalaureate Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: Laurie Rinehart-Thompson , JD, RHIA, CHP, FAHIMA
Accredited with distinction May 22, 2025.
University of Cincinnati – Clermont
Batavia, OH
Associate Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: Karen Lankisch , RHIA, CHDA, CPC, MHI, CPPM, CEHRS
Accredited with distinction May 22, 2025.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA
Baccalaureate Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: Lisa Delhomme , RHIA
Accredited with distinction May 22, 2025.
University of Alaska Southeast
Sitka, AK
Associate Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: Terissia Bell , MHIIM, BBA, RHIA, CIC, COC, CPC
Accredited with distinction May 22, 2025.
Walters State Community College
Morristown, TN
Associate Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: Gail Winkler , RHIA
Accredited with distinction June 11, 2025.
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
Baccalaureate Degree – Health Information Management
Program Director: Jan Hunt-Shepherd , MHA, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CPHQ
Accredited with distinction June 11, 2025.