Health degree program wins national accreditation

MIDDLETOWN — The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education awarded initial accreditation to Middlesex Community College’s associate degree program in Health Information Management.

The CAHIIM accreditation enables students completing the degree program to be eligible to sit for the AHIMA Registered Health Information Technician credentialing exam, according to a press release.

“The reward from much hard work and patience on the part of so many people comes at an ideal time when just such a program is needed to provide Connecticut’s workforce with these exact abilities and skills to tackle the growing challenges in health care,” James Donaher, president of the Connecticut Health Information Management Association, said in a prepared statement.

“A site team that visited the college in June was extremely impressed with the college and our program,” Steven Minkler, MxCC’s chief executive officer said in the release.

The team reported program strengths, Minkler said.

“A dedicated and enthusiastic program director, strong institutional support, including at the presidential level; a loyal and engaged advisory board that is also willing to hire our graduates, a robust HIM student orientation, online faculty training, and commendable marketing efforts,” he said.

Health information professionals acquire, analyze and protect medical information. The health information management field combines business, health sciences, and information technology skills. The Registered Health Information Technician credential will enable program graduates to enter skilled positions as health information professionals, the release said.

Health information technician jobs are expected to increase 15 percent in the next 10 years. This credentials can set graduates apart with expertise that employers are looking for, leading to increased salary and career enhancement. Graduates find work at outpatient clinics, hospitals, home health agencies, insurance companies, physicians’ offices and longterm care facilities.

For information, visit mxcc.edu.

Contributed photo A new accreditation for the Health Information Management associate degree at Middlesex Community College in Middletown is the only one in Connecticut with this distinction.