Life sciences are good preparatory classes: anatomy, physiology, disease process, and medical terminology are examples. Unlike some other health careers, the students pursuing a health information management or health information technology career will not be expected to take chemistry or physics. Being comfortable with computer technology is a strong advantage for the HIM student. Internet usage and the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications are skills that are considered desirable for careers in health information technology.

Many state and private schools admit home schooled students. In some parts of the country, a student schooled at home will be granted a formal high school diploma, in other areas they are not. Another possibility is to complete the GED. However, the school that you are applying to may not have any requirements regarding proof of diploma or GED — always check to see what the particular requirements are for the school you wish to attend.

AP policies vary widely from one school to another. Many have “versions” of acceptance depending on the date of admission (class of 2006 policy vs. class of 2010 policy for example). Some schools require you to take the regular College Board Advanced Placement examinations in order to have the coursework credited. In addition, many schools will set score criteria to transfer the credit. For example, on a College Board AP Biology exam, your score must be 5 or higher for credit to be given. Other schools do not require the CBAP exams, but instead will administer Advanced Standing challenge exams during freshman orientation.