For dynamic career opportunities upon graduation, Health Information Management (HIM) professionals must constantly master, evolve, and understand the innovative regulations and technologies requiring a mindset of lifelong learning and continued professional development.
As healthcare advances, health information provides essential patient needs to navigate critical changes successfully. HIM professionals are in high demand as the health sector continues to expand.
Help Wanted – HIM Professionals
Demand for HIM professionals is rising at all levels of education and credentialing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that medical records and health information technicians are among the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., with an anticipated growth of 11 percent between 2018-2028. That’s excellent news for aspiring HIM professionals and students.
In 2019, the median salary was $100,980 per year for healthcare administrators, and the 2028 outlook anticipates an 18 percent increase in jobs for these individuals possessing a baccalaureate or master’s in HIM.
Industries with an increased demand for health information professionals include healthcare organizations, academic institutions, consulting agencies, government agencies, healthcare software companies, and more. HIM practitioners are critical components of the electronic health record (EHR) workforce.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in Parker University’s HIM Program
What does “STEM” actually mean? Why is it a vital background for HIM professionals? STEM is an abbreviation for connected areas of study, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The fields have similarities to implement in theory and practice.
An education around STEM learning helps promote critical thinking, curiosity, persistence, decision-making, leadership, entrepreneurship, and more. Regardless of your specific career aspirations, skills within these areas go a long way regarding your future healthcare career success. Professionals will use all four of these areas in their day-to-day jobs. STEM-related jobs are in high demand but aren’t always filled with qualified candidates. To remain globally competitive and grow the U.S. economy, STEM careers are essential and necessary for the future of the workforce!
The current healthcare industry relies on the pertinent knowledge and skills acquired through a STEM education. STEM-related skills are essential for students, from medical research and diagnostics to patient care and health administration. HIM professionals ensure the availability, quality, integrity, usefulness, and security of sensitive health information necessary for clinical decisions, reimbursement, compliance, and healthcare business operations. STEM positions even tend to offer higher-paying salaries!
Parker University is proud to offer the first HIM program in the nation to incorporate STEM into its HIM program. Within the following areas, STEM influences are apparent in the goals and roles of healthcare professionals:
- Health Information Technology: Health information professionals manage and maintain electronic health records, which requires an understanding of database management, data analytics, and computer programming.
- Data Analysis: Health information professionals analyze and interpret large amounts of health information data, which requires a background in statistics, data visualization, and other science, technology, engineering, and math-related disciplines.
- Health Information Exchange: Health information professionals are familiar with health information exchanges that allow the sensitive sharing of patient health information, which requires an understanding of data interoperability and standards.
- Emerging Technologies: Health information professionals stay updated with emerging technologies in healthcare, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and telehealth, which all require a strong understanding of STEM principles.
What’s Your Call to Action?
An exciting career as an HIM can be a great fit for those who want to work in healthcare but not directly with patients. To become an HIM, you must enroll and complete an accredited program, and lucky for you, Parker University has the perfect program designed with students like you in mind!
The Bachelor of Science with a Major in the HIM program is integrated with existing programs to provide a leading health and wellness education resource. This degree offers additional educational opportunities and contributes to filling the need for HIM personnel in the job market.
Parker University’s bachelor of science degree with a major in HIM prepares students to work in the HIM profession in healthcare data and the management of healthcare information resources. This everchanging profession addresses the nature, structure, and translation of data into usable forms of information, including the electronic health record for advancing the health and healthcare of individuals and populations. HIM professionals collect, integrate, and analyze primary and secondary healthcare data, disseminate information, and manage information resources related to the research, planning, provision, and evaluation of healthcare services. HIM professionals are integral to the planning, implementation, and utilization of electronic health record systems.
Does this sound like a fulfilling career option you want to pursue? The healthcare industry needs devoted individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. To learn more about Parker University’s HIM program, click here!
