At the Idaho State University College of Technology, the Health Information Technology (HIT) program is setting new standards for educational excellence and advocacy in the medical field. The program has a strong curriculum that prepares students for the complexities of health information systems and is at the forefront of integrating medical, legal, and regulatory knowledge with practical skills.
Rhonda Ward, a clinical instructor in the HIT program at ISU College of Engineering and current president of the Idaho Health Information Management Association (IdHIMA), recently attended an important event held in Washington, D.C., on March 11 and 12. I participated in. This visit was important. This is a step forward for the program and demonstrates its role in the national conversation about the future of health policy and health information management.
“Faculty's active involvement in national discussions and leadership roles not only demonstrates the real-world impact and relevance of HIT programs, but also enriches the educational experience of our students.” said Darrin Jernigan, co-chair of the College of Professional Studies. At ISU University of Technology. “We don't just teach health information technology; we shape the future of health care itself, ensuring that our graduates are not only skilled technicians, but informed participants in the field. .”
Mr. Ward's recent visit to Washington, DC was part of the AHIMA Advocacy Summit 2024, which aims to address important policy issues related to health data and information. The summit provided a platform for industry leaders, policy makers, and educators like Ward to come together to emphasize the importance of improving access, quality, and integrity of health information. .
In her capacity as President of IdHIMA; Mr. Ward highlighted key challenges and opportunities in the health information management field, particularly the objectives of the Patient Matching IT Act of 2024 and the need to upskill the health information workforce in the AI era. These efforts are critical to increasing patient safety and ensuring accurate patient identification, which can save lives if a patient with a similar name is admitted to the hospital in an emergency. Additionally, his efforts to raise awareness of standard-setting AI and machine learning in healthcare aim to prepare the non-clinical workforce for the technological advances that will shape the future of healthcare.
“Everyone is a patient at some point in their life, and this patient matching method impacts everyone,” Ward said. “Collaborating with stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem, including policy makers, healthcare providers, IT vendors, patient advocacy groups, and professional associations, is critical to patient safety and positive patient outcomes. It was gratifying to know that by informing leaders in Idaho about this topic, I was making a difference in patients' lives and health care outcomes.”
The ISU Institute of Technology's HIT program provides a comprehensive educational approach focused on maintaining, editing, and analyzing health data. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, the program boasts an outstanding success rate, with 89% of its graduates obtaining employment or continuing their education. We offer students a variety of pathways, including a three-semester Intermediate Technical Certificate in Medical Coding, an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology, and a Bachelor of Health Science or Applied Science degree, all aligned with industry needs and standards. designed to meet. Beyond the educational offering, the program fosters a direct path for students to participate in the broader professional community. Graduates will be well prepared for the Registered Health Information Technology Examination, further enhancing their preparation for the field.
The ISU School of Engineering's Health Information Technology program actively contributes to the evolution of healthcare through dedicated education, advocacy, and leadership, preparing students for today's challenges as well as tomorrow's opportunities.
