Health information professionals play a key role in any healthcare organization. Their extensive knowledge of clinical procedures, information technology, and electronic health records (EHRs); give them a variety of career opportunities. Sarah Austin, RHIT, CCS is one of many Health Information Management (HIM) professionals currently practicing in Arkansas. She is a graduate of DeVry University, where she excelled in her pursuit for an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician degree. She is a member of AHIMA and the Memphis Health Information Management Association and is now employed at the Department of Veterans Affairs in North Little Rock, Arkansas as a Medical Records Technician – Coder.
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To prevent this issue from escalating, facilities are now requiring more from a health information professional looking to start a career in the field. Ms. Austin explained that due to changes that she has seen in the profession just in the last three years, most health care facilities now require credentials and education for an entry-level coding position. Some organizations are also requiring at least two years coding experience, which complicates the job search for a student right out of college. Ms. Austin goes on to say that “landing your first job with only education and credentials are probably the most well-known challenge faced by a new RHIA/RHIT professional, however, credentials are important to possess in this field. If you long for an administrative or managerial position she recommends you obtain your bachelor’s degree and get your Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA) credentials. Occasionally, you might see some places where RHIT credentials will suffice for upper-level positions, but they usually require more years of experience in order to qualify. She advised that it would be wise for entry-level newcomers to stay open minded when searching for a position in health information management. Applying to more than one …show more content…
Ms. Austin describes this by explaining AHIMA’s variety of tools and resources that many professional references regularly. “It is my first source when researching a topic.” As an AHIMA member, you are offered a vast array of professional resources that provide you with the information you need to excel in the field. For example, Sarah participates in various blogs and webinars hosted by the organization. This provides her advanced knowledge of the HIM profession and all the new and changed regulations. There is also a monthly AHIMA Journal released containing a plethora of information that improves her skills and
To prevent this issue from escalating, facilities are now requiring more from a health information professional looking to start a career in the field. Ms. Austin explained that due to changes that she has seen in the profession just in the last three years, most health care facilities now require credentials and education for an entry-level coding position. Some organizations are also requiring at least two years coding experience, which complicates the job search for a student right out of college. Ms. Austin goes on to say that “landing your first job with only education and credentials are probably the most well-known challenge faced by a new RHIA/RHIT professional, however, credentials are important to possess in this field. If you long for an administrative or managerial position she recommends you obtain your bachelor’s degree and get your Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA) credentials. Occasionally, you might see some places where RHIT credentials will suffice for upper-level positions, but they usually require more years of experience in order to qualify. She advised that it would be wise for entry-level newcomers to stay open minded when searching for a position in health information management. Applying to more than one …show more content…
Ms. Austin describes this by explaining AHIMA’s variety of tools and resources that many professional references regularly. “It is my first source when researching a topic.” As an AHIMA member, you are offered a vast array of professional resources that provide you with the information you need to excel in the field. For example, Sarah participates in various blogs and webinars hosted by the organization. This provides her advanced knowledge of the HIM profession and all the new and changed regulations. There is also a monthly AHIMA Journal released containing a plethora of information that improves her skills and