While there are many degree programs available that can prepare individuals with the basic skills for entering the field, students and career changers need to look for the best educational opportunities that will lead to top job opportunities by pursuing an accredited health informatic program. Despite the growing need for health information specialists expected throughout the rest of the decade, competition will still remain fierce for management and leadership positions. One of the best ways to augment experience and training is to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree program that has been fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Read on to learn about how health informatics programs are accredited and how you can find an accredited program to leverage a competitive edge in the health information field.
About the CAHIIM Accreditation System
As a nationally recognizing accrediting body based in Chicago, the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) is committed to serving the public interest of health information professionals by accrediting academic programs in a voluntary rigorous peer review process. CAHIIM is responsible for establishing accreditation standards, recognizing programs that meet their standards, assessing student achievement, embracing educational innovation, and encouraging a culture of continuous quality improvement. The CAHIIM Accreditation System is home to associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs related to health information management or health informatics throughout the United States as well as Puerto Rico.
Policies and Curriculum Standards of the CAHIIM
In an effort to guarantee the high-quality of health informatics education that is needed to meet the nation’s growing needs in the healthcare workforce, the CAHIIM has created very high curriculum standards for its accredited programs. When assessing academic programs in health informatics, the CAHIIM seeks three major domains of learning, which are Information Systems, Informatics, and Information Technology. Therefore, all programs should focus on information systems analysis, leadership, management, human-computer interaction, health computing, database systems administration, computer programming, and network security. Once a degree program applies for accreditation, it will be placed in candidacy status for up to two years to assess its curriculum, ensure proper accreditation with a regional agency, and review course syllabi submitted by the program’s director.
Benefits of Choosing an Accredited Health Informatic Program
Beyond simply publicly recognizing undergraduate and graduate degree programs in health informatics, the CAHIIM is dedicated to helping students determine which quality programs will provide the required knowledge and skills needed to succeed professionally. Not only do students who choose a CAHIIM-accredited program benefit from stronger field marketability, but they also fulfill the academic eligibility requirements for many professional certifications. For universities, earning CAHIIM accreditation can help promote quality improvement, encourage continual monitoring of learning, and offer online assessment tools. The CAHIIM also helps employers to assure graduates have the expected professional competencies from a relevant curriculum to function effectively in today’s electronic health record (EHR) environment.
Overall, the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) is the world’s premier accrediting agency for holding academic programs to high curriculum standards to guarantee students are receiving the best quality education for their time, money, and effort.
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