MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Representatives from the University of Wisconsin online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology program are pleased to announce strong enrollment growth of 99.7 percent for the 2014–2015 academic year. Key factors in this enrollment surge include a unique, dual-track curriculum; the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecast that upcoming job growth in the health information management (HIM) field will outpace the average for all other occupations; and the program’s standing as the only online program in the UW System with a Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)-accredited campus (UW-Green Bay).
A Bachelor’s Program Built for the Technology Age of Health Information Management
As new technology and regulations transform the roles and education requirements of HIM practitioners, demand is growing for a new breed of tech-savvy professionals who understand not only the management, coding, and transfer of electronic health data, but also how to build and use the software and systems needed to manage, retrieve, and analyze data to improve patient care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for professionals with the required knowledge and technical skills are expected to increase by 23 percent between 2012 and 2022—outpacing the average for all occupations in the United States.
The UW Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology is a 60-credit bachelor’s degree completion program developed and offered by three University of Wisconsin institutions—UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside, and UW-Stevens Point, coordinated by UW-Extension. A fourth campus, UW-La Crosse, provides additional instruction. The program’s forward-thinking curriculum teaches both health information management (HIM) and health information technology (HIT) skills to prepare today’s health information professionals for jobs in tomorrow’s data-driven healthcare environments. A convenient online format makes the program a flexible choice for busy, working adults who want to advance their careers.
“This program has experienced significant growth in the past two years,” said David Schejbal, dean of UW-Extension, Division of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning (CEOEL). “The unique degree programs we build with our campus partners are designed to meet state- and nationwide workforce needs, and the Health Information Management and Technology program is a great example that is seeing rapid growth. The program is supplying qualified HIM graduates to fill increasing demand, and at the same time, serving adult learners who are juggling work and family and need the flexibility of online coursework.”
Recent CAHIIM Accreditation Enhances Program Value
CAHIIM accredits associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in health informatics and information management in the United States. To receive accreditation, academic programs undergo a rigorous process of voluntary peer review and must meet the minimum accreditation standards set by the organization. Completing a CAHIIM-accredited program allows graduates to sit for industry credentialing exams including the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam. It also gives graduates a competitive advantage in the job market. UW-Green Bay is the first campus in this multi-campus collaborative program to receive CAHIIM accreditation.
With fall courses under way, the program is now accepting applications for spring semester, which begins January 19, 2016. Prospective students seeking more information about the UW Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology program are encouraged to visit himt.wisconsin.edu, call 1-877-895-3276, or email learn@uwex.edu.
About UW-Extension, Division of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning (CEOEL)
A division of UW-Extension, CEOEL works in partnership with all 26 UW System campuses to offer online continuing education programs and lifelong learning opportunities—fulfilling the “Wisconsin Idea” of extending the university’s boundaries to every corner of the state.
The UW Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology is one of several degree and certificate programs offered in collaboration with CEOEL and UW System campus partners, including bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs in Sustainable Management; a bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness Management; a bachelor of professional studies in Organizational Leadership and Communication; a new master’s degree program in Data Science; bachelor of science programs in nursing (RN to BSN) for Wisconsin and out-of-state residents; and seven additional degree and certificate programs offered in the self-paced, competency-based UW Flexible Option format.