TCC’s Health Information Management program awarded reaccreditation for 10 years

Tidewater Community College’s Health Information Management program has achieved reaccreditation for 10 years through the national governing body.

The 10-year term is the highest recognition awarded by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

“I am delighted by the news of the reaccreditation of Health Information Management (HIM) at TCC,” said Amy Shay, program director. “It stands as a testament to the continued excellence of the program’s faculty, staff, students and curriculum. Our students will benefit the most, and that reinforces our commitment to student success.”

TCC’s 67-credit Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management features specialized courses in coding, legal, reimbursement and electronic health records (EHR). The aging population and widespread uses of electronic health records make this a burgeoning field, where starting salaries can average more than $40,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of  Labor Statistics.

Only graduates of CAHIIM-accredited program may take American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) certification exams. TCC graduates boast a 100 percent pass rate on the Registered Health Information Technician examination.

“These credentials are what make our students marketable in the profession,” Shay said.

Graduates who earn AHIMA credentials find employment in health systems, including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Given the advent and portability of electronic health records, graduates can work at home for a variety of employers across the United States.

TCC’s HIM program boasts a 95 percent retention rate. Students learn in the state-of-the-art Regional Health Professions Center on the Virginia Beach Campus. In addition to coursework, all graduates must complete an internship in local health care. Students may attend classes full or part time, with day, evening and online classes available.

Information sessions for the program are held the third Thursday of every month (except December) at 1 p.m. at the Regional Health Professions Center. Contact Shay at ashay@tcc.edu or 757-822-7262 for information.