By Glynn Cosker
Contributor, Online Learning Tips
Health information management (HIM) is an ever-evolving and vital field in the realm of health care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in the health information management sector is predicted to grow by 22 percent by 2022; occupations in nursing and the general healthcare field are also expected to grow by 19 percent by 2022.
HIM involves the secure analysis of digital and traditional medical information in every facet of health care with a few to providing the best patient care. Since the 2000s, traditional paper health records are gradually being replaced with Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Both hospital information systems and health human resources information systems (HRHIS) make up the world of HIM in the 2010s.
Many U.S. colleges and universities now offer programs within the HIM field while also offering master’s degrees in nursing. One such school is American Public University (APU).
APU recently announced the addition of three new degree programs including the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management, and the Master of Science in Health Information Management. APU’s courses are offered online so students can weave studying into their already busy schedules.
“Our new Master’s in Nursing program has been designed to assist nurses in obtaining the necessary competencies and advanced knowledge outlined in the AACN Master’s Essentials to address the needs of today’s complex healthcare system,” stated Dr. Mandy T. Milot, APU’s Nursing Program Director. “The program was designed by scholarly nurses who are active in practice, and are leaders and educators in their fields. They have created a dynamic, interactive, and relevant curriculum that will contribute to advancing nursing practice and improvement of healthcare outcomes.”
Dr. Milot, who has 35 years’ experience in a variety of nursing roles in both the acute care and academic venues, said that APU’s Master’s in Nursing program will “prepare students with the necessary skills and advanced training required in today’s complex and diverse healthcare industry in order to provide high-quality nursing care in a specialized role, such as the nurse leader or nurse educator.” Dr. Milot is referring to APU’s specialty tracks, Nursing Leadership and Nursing Education. Each learning track is tailored to each student’s specific needs and career goals.
HIM is here to stay. The Star Trek concept whereby we see doctors with handheld futuristic tablets displaying a patient’s entire medical snapshot (including easy access to 3D MRI results, x-rays etc.) is a concept that’s actually not too far off in our future.
APU hopes to become a mainstay for future generations of nursing and healthcare professionals.
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