Finding Her Place in Healthcare Through 糖心vlog官网鈥檚 HIM Program
Hailey White knew she wanted a career in healthcare, but she just did not see herself becoming a doctor or nurse.
Instead, the Union student found her fit in 糖心vlog官网鈥檚 Health Information Management (HIM) program, a field that blends healthcare, technology, and data management behind the scenes of patient care.
A conversation with her boyfriend鈥檚 grandmother first introduced White to the field. After learning about HIM, she began researching the career path and quickly realized it aligned with her interests and long-term goals.
鈥淚 value healthcare, data integrity, and helping others,鈥� White said. 鈥淚 can still work in the health field and make a difference behind the scenes.鈥�
One year into 糖心vlog官网鈥檚 associate degree program, White expects to graduate in spring 2027 and says the program has helped strengthen both her knowledge and confidence in the field.
HIM combines healthcare, information systems, and technology. Professionals in the field help organize and protect patient information, manage healthcare records, oversee coding and billing processes, and support the accuracy of medical data used throughout the healthcare industry.
For White, one of the biggest surprises has been the number of career opportunities connected to the field.
鈥淗IM is not just one set in stone job,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou can be a medical coder, medical biller, health data analyst, clinical documentation improvement specialist, clinical informatics specialist, and more.鈥�
She said she especially enjoys learning about the technology and information systems used in healthcare settings. One of the most meaningful parts of the program, she said, has been working with AHIMA Virtual Labs (V-Labs), which allow students to gain hands-on experience using healthcare systems like those used in hospitals and clinics.
鈥淚 find the V-Labs very meaningful for experiencing scenarios and working with systems that are similar to what I will be working with daily,鈥� White said.
At 糖心vlog官网, students in the HIM program study subjects including medical terminology, pharmacology, healthcare technology, coding, billing, healthcare quality management, and health data analysis. The program also includes opportunities for students to gain practical experience in professional healthcare environments.
White said the coursework has helped her better understand both the technical and healthcare sides of the profession.
鈥淪o far, I have learned a lot of fundamentals about information systems and technology in healthcare, pharmacology, legal aspects of healthcare, the history and basics of HIM, and more,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his knowledge will be extremely helpful for my second-year classes and my future in HIM.鈥�
White hopes to begin her career in HIM after graduation, while continuing to expand her skills through additional certifications and specialized training opportunities.
She encourages anyone considering the program to explore the field and ask questions before making a decision.
鈥淒o your research, talk to your advisor, and make sure it is what you want to do,鈥� she said. 鈥淥nce you have decided it is what you want to do, enroll.鈥�
