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:

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!

Every year, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) celebrates National Massage Therapy Awareness Week® (NMTAW)! Taking place this year from October 22-28, this dedicated week for massage therapists across the U.S. recognizes and promotes the many health benefits of Massage Therapy.

Parker University annually joins the industry’s cause and informs potential students about its prestigious, one-of-a-kind Massage Therapy certificate program.

In addition to providing free massages at many events throughout the year, on October 28, for NMTAW, Parker University’s Massage Therapy program will offer complimentary athletic massages to participants at the USA Women’s Half Marathon at White Rock Lake in Dallas and at the Parker University Community Health Fair, and even pass out candy and Massage Therapy information at Farmer’s Branch Halloween in the Park. Throughout NMTAW, Parker University is proud to have its Alumni Athletic Massage team massaging the Dallas Cowboys football team at Ford Stadium at The Star in Frisco!

Gregory May, Parker University’s Massage Therapy Program Director, shares, “Our curriculum doesn’t stop at learning the basics of Swedish massage like most programs. We study both Swedish and evidence-based Therapeutic massage. In our second trimester, we study Myofascial therapy, Neuro-muscular therapy, Acupressure, Reflexology, Chair Massage, and more. No other school in the state can match our modality coverage in the certificate program!”

Other factors setting Parker University’s COMTA-accredited Massage Therapy program apart from others include:

In addition, Parker University offers dual language Spanish/English classes, free chiropractic care for students, the free MBLEX exam, a Texas State Exam Review class, the scheduling of exams, applications for student licensure, and many other perks!

Mr. May adds, “Our program is rigorous and requires reliability, maturity, and grit. Our graduates are making a difference in the community, helping relieve geriatric patients’ pain from arthritis, traveling to homes to work on special needs children and hospice patients, and helping professional athletes reach optimum performance in their careers. Massage therapists can relieve chronic headaches without invasive procedures and dangerous drugs. They can alleviate the intensity of symptoms of PTSD from veterans of war, help to increase weight gain in premature infants, and assist lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling in cancer survivors after mastectomies or lumpectomies. We reduce back, neck, and jaw pain and help increase stamina and energy when necessary. We help quiet the minds of those with anxiety to aid in restful sleep and provide a nurturing touch to make those who are isolated feel alive again. This truly is the most rewarding profession!”

To learn more about this important week of recognition, go to amtamassage.org. For more information about Parker University’s Massage therapy certificate program, visit parker.edu.