If there are two sectors of industry in the United States that feel like they will continue to grow in need and importance, they’re health and technology.
If you’re seeking a new career, why not combine these two crucial industries into one profession? We’re talking about health information technology.
The future of healthcare rests in technology. There are all kinds of innovations that are changing the way that physicians treat and communicate with their patients.
The Medical Futurist says it best:
“In medicine and healthcare, digital technology could help transform unsustainable healthcare systems into sustainable ones, equalize the relationship between medical professionals and patients, provide cheaper, faster and more effective solutions for diseases—technologies could win the battle for us against cancer, AIDS or Ebola—and could simply lead to healthier individuals living in healthier communities.”
Simply put, if you want a career that contributes to progress in our healthcare system, there’s no better or faster way to do so than with a future in health information technology.
What Is Health Information Technology?
Just like the rest of our increasingly digital world, the healthcare sector also is expanding the ways that technology can serve healthcare professionals and patients alike. Health information technology refers to the electronic systems with which healthcare professionals and their patients store, share and analyze health information. This can include things like:
- Electronic health records.
- Personal health records.
- Electronic prescribing or e-prescribing.
- Privacy and security of patient medical records.
Health information technology (health IT) is improving the way patients and healthcare workers manage their health. It allows for rapid information sharing, improved workflow and reduced paperwork, better followup for patient care, reduced unnecessary testing, and secure access to sensitive information.
The Growth of Health IT
In 2009, the HITECH Act was passed. HITECH stands for Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, and this legislation encouraged healthcare providers to make the move to electronic health records and to improve privacy and security for healthcare data. Financial incentives were put in place to make this happen, and penalties increased for violating HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) privacy and security rules.
This legislation brought about the beginnings of change in the healthcare system, which only have picked up speed as technology has advanced in the years since 2009. As a result, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that jobs for health information technicians will grow by 15 percent through 2024. This is significantly faster than the average for all jobs.
And by 2026, the rate of growth for health IT workers is expected to be twice the national average. If you’re looking for job security in a position where you feel like you’re making significant contributions, you’re sure to find it in health information technology.
According to a report by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, the healthcare sector is seeing “unprecedented levels of electronic health exchange,” increasing the need for health information technicians.
Ninety-six percent of hospitals and 78 percent of physicians’ offices use electronic health record technology, but the use of this technology is continuing to expand in use and capabilities, making health information technology a stable, growing and exciting field to enter.
What Can You Do With Training in Health Information Technology?
At the Center for Employment Training (CET), we prepare our health IT students for work in a medical office setting. This includes things like knowledge of medical coding and billing systems. Once our students are confident, we set them up with externships for practical, real-life experience working in a medical office or hospital.
Our students who have trained in the technology of health information are prepared to work a variety of jobs in the fast-paced healthcare sector. As a graduate of the program, you’ll be qualified to work in the following and similar positions:
- Medical records and health information technician
- Billing clerk
- Patient services representative
- Medical office specialist
Just as technology is growing and expanding, so too is the field of health information technology, but at CET, we ready our students to take on new challenges with a strong foundation. We’ll even help you work on your interview skills and create an impactful resume!
Our main goal at CET is to set our students up for success in whatever field they choose. In a growing sector like health IT, this is an exciting prospect. With the projected booming future of health information technology, we know that our students are making a sound choice for their own personal future.
Are you ready to join the world of health IT and do meaningful work to provide exceptional care for patients and support for physicians? We’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how to get started.
Amy Lawrence
Amy Lawrence: Mar 31, 2022 9:00:00 PM
