New Health Information Management Program (HIM) Prepares Edison State Students for Obama's Electronic Healthcare Initiative
Mar 25, 2009
March 25, 2009 – The Edison State College Board of Directors unanimously approved a new Associate’s of Science Degree program in Health Information Management.
HIM is an outgrowth of the Medical Records department in area healthcare facilities. President Barack Obama recently mandated all medical records convert to an electronic system in the next 4 years.
“The switch to electronic records means current and future employees will need to learn a new medical records system” said Dr. Mary Lewis Associate Dean of Allied Health at Edison State College. “Edison State recognizes area healthcare providers will need well-qualified graduates to make the electronic conversion run smoothly.”
The Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation finds there is a local and statewide need for well trained employees in the Medical Records field. The group finds by the year 2014 there will be a significant need for additional employees in HIM. Jobs in Heath Information Management rank 5th out of the 100 fastest growing occupations in Florida.
“Edison State’s mission is to respond the needs of area employers,” said Dr. Steve Atkins Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. “Starting the HIM degree at Edison State means local people will be qualified to fill the new jobs that will open up.”
Edison State College worked closely with Lee Memorial Health Systems to develop the HIM program. The partnership ensures college courses will mirror the needed workplace skills.
The HIM degree will begin in the Fall of ’09. Edison State will accept approximately 35 students into the program this fall. Classes will be offered in a traditional classroom setting and online.
Last Updated: March 25, 2009
Back to News Archives