As the American healthcare industry begins to undertake the inevitable conversion from paper-based to electronic medical records and systems, hospitals and other healthcare related facilities and organizations face a host of challenges. Among these are finding the means to finance the costly conversion, plus finding a qualified workforce capable of managing the logistics of such an enormous, complex change. Fortunately for hospitals in South Florida, Keiser University has recognized this emerging need and responded by developing two new programs that will provide those highly qualified, computer-proficient healthcare professionals.
Keiser Universitys new Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management programs will prepare students for entry level positions as Health Information Technicians (RHIT) and Health Information Administrators (RHIA). Launched in August at the schools main Fort Lauderdale campus, the programs blend healthcare and information technology, training students to use a myriad of information resources and technologies that will enable them to serve in a variety of health care environments. According to Mary Jane Moore, M.D., Associate Vice-Chancellor for Academic Operations at Keiser, the program was created as a service to the community. “We began planning for this program two years ago, when we recognized both the national and regional indicators of a growing need. The transition to electronic medical records means that hospitals will need talented workers with both healthcare knowledge and computer skills. Hospitals here are beginning the conversion and we are providing leadership in meeting their personnel needs. In the very near future, our graduates can come to these facilities and help them set up their new systems and processes, and implement, utilize and maintaining them.”
Information is the lifeblood of the healthcare industry, and managing that information is the responsibility of the health information profession. Every time a patient receives care or treatment in a health care setting, information is being communicated, documented, reviewed, shared, categorized, analyzed, distributed, stored and protected. Information drives healthcare, and the quality, access and security of that information is critical to quality of patient care. Health information management and technology professionals work in diverse environments -hospitals, physician offices, clinics, rehab and long term care facilities, law firms, government agencies, consulting firms and health insurance companies essentially, anywhere that patient data is utilized. The profession is growing by leaps and bounds, with job growth expected to be far above average for the next several decades. “At Keiser University, we dont start a program unless we are confident that there will be a job market for our graduates,” Moore states. “With health information management, the job growth potential is enormous.”
There are 42 students currently enrolled in the new program, and Keiser University plans to eventually offer it at all of their South Florida sites West Palm Beach, Kendall and Pembroke Pines, plus Sarasota. Students in both programs take general education classes first, and then focus on the core subjects in a uniquely designed 4-week course format that allows for intense concentration on one class at a time. Keiser, which is Floridas leading statewide provider of career-focused, post-secondary education, emphasizes career development and offers flexible schedules and online classes. “Keiser University prepares students for the work and for the workplace,” says Moore. “We teach students to become complete professionals, and we offer both solid academics and career development services to our graduates for a lifetime.”
That philosophy holds great appeal to students Maria Everett and Marc Beracha. Everett, who is employed at St. Anthonys Rehab Hospital, appreciates the small, single class approach as well as the schools dress code. “This is the wave of the future,” she believes. “Im making a career change to one of the newest healthcare professions and Im excited about my job prospects.” Beracha is a military veteran who hopes to find a position within the Veterans Administration hospital system. “There is going to be a high demand for HIM professionals and I will be fully trained. I like the professionalism at Keiser University and the convenience and flexibility in the program.”
Although health information management is a healthcare profession that does not entail working directly with patients, it has a significant impact on patient care and on the entire industry. HIM professionals communicate with physicians and nurses and organize and provide the information that is used for decision-making and care planning. The healthcare data that they manage is often the basis for new systems, software and research and cost containment efforts.
Keiser University is presently in the process of achieving accreditation for the new programs. The university serves over 16,500 students at its 13 campuses, offering over 50 associate, bachelors and doctoral degree programs. It is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
As the American healthcare industry begins to undertake the inevitable conversion from paper-based to electronic medical records and systems, hospitals and other healthcare related facilities and organizations face a host of challenges. Among these are finding the means to finance the costly conversion, plus finding a qualified workforce capable of managing the logistics of such an enormous, complex change. Fortunately for hospitals in South Florida, Keiser University has recognized this emerging need and responded by developing two new programs that will provide those highly qualified, computer-proficient healthcare professionals. 
