Degrees and Careers in Healthcare
Program Chair of UMUC’s Health Informatics Administration, Zakevia Green-Lawson, explains the wide-spread utility of the Master of Science in Health Informatics Administration. “With a degree in Health Informatics Administration, graduates can occupy employment positions across the entire healthcare landscape; which is why the healthcare industry is one of the few industries, if not the only industry, that offers such diverse career opportunities and flexibility for transitioning servicemembers.” Some of the roles a HIMS graduate might fill include: Health Information Management Department or Corporate Director, Clinical/Health Data Analyst, Health Information Management, Consultant/Entrepreneur, HIPAA Compliance Officer, Healthcare Revenue Cycle Analyst, Health Informaticist, Chief Information Officer, Meaningful Use/Regulatory Program Specialist, Health Information Management, Project Manager, Electronic Health Record (EHR) System Manager. Green-Lawson says that UMUC is proud to offer the HIMS degree, in part because of its usefulness in the expanding field of healthcare. “Constantly evolving regulations and technologies allow for lifelong learning and continued professional development. As healthcare advances, health information provides the patient data needed to successfully navigate the changes. As a result, health informatics and information management professionals can expect to be in high demand as the health sector continues to expand.”
Colorado Technical University Elaine Elder, Program Director of Healthcare Management at Colorado Technical University, explains that their programs are demanding, but that they’re designed to prepare students for the real-world demands they’ll face in healthcare careers. “Colorado Technical University’s healthcare and nursing programs are challenging in the context that students are expected to meet the program competencies, which are integrated into the coursework. The competencies are real-world related and align with the skills needed by healthcare managers and executives in a changing healthcare arena.” CTU offers a number of degree programs in healthcare, from associate level through doctorate level, all of which are offered online (with on-campus education available in some cases), with eight start dates per year. The programs include Associate degree in Health Administration, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Healthcare Management, Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management – General, Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management – Informatics, Master of Science in Healthcare Management, Master of Science in Healthcare Management – Informatics, Master of Science in Management – Healthcare Management, Doctorate in Management – Healthcare Management And Leadership. Elder points out that healthcare is a promising career field, which is expected to grow faster than most due to our aging population and recent federal health insurance reforms. She adds, “There are many different areas for healthcare professionals to work, not just in direct patient care organizations. Community health, education, public health, the insurance industry, medical device and pharmaceutical companies, and the government provide many healthcare or healthcare administration positions. Health information and health information technology are also going to be more important as the need increases to manage data and use it appropriately to improve care, disease prevention and cut costs.” Jeff Shoemaker, CTU’s Director of Employer Development, points out that there are plenty of reasons why employers like to hire veterans for healthcare roles. “Many of the job duties for most healthcare vocations will require similar skills, abilities and knowledge working in or out of the military such as experience with health technology and medical terminology. Healthcare providers recognize the value of hiring a veteran due to their proven experience, the ability to perform well in stressful situations, leadership quality, and success working with people with diverse backgrounds. Thus, many industry leaders have implemented military hiring programs that target personnel separating from the service or recent graduates with military experience.” O
For more information, contact MAE&T Editor Kelly Fodel at kellyf@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mae-kmi.com.
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