Health Information Management program among handful recognized nationally

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The Health Information Management bachelor’s degree program at the Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ is one of only 12 in the country to earn accreditation based on its adoption of a progressive new education model.
 
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education is the preeminent national accrediting organization for higher education HIM programs. CAHIIM’s competency-based Future Education Model is built around enhanced curriculum requirements and standards that address shifts in an evolving health care industry.

As part of its recent, seven-year accreditation, Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ’s was also named a Program of Distinction, the commission’s highest level of recognition. The ’ program, which is coordinated by the college’s , has long been accredited by CAHIIM. 

The latest accreditation, however, places the University “among the pioneering institutions to undergo and successfully secure accreditation under CAHIlM's Future Education Model,� Dr. Angela Kennedy, the commission’s chief executive officer, wrote in a letter of commendation.

Kennedy continued: “The (Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ HIM) program's success serves as an inspiring example for other programs looking to evolve their educational models to meet the demands of the future and ensure graduates are workforce ready.â€�

CAHIIM accredits over 340 higher education programs in areas such as health informatics, health information management and digital health. Accreditation involves a rigorous evaluation process that includes assessment of curriculums, student resources and training opportunities, faculty competency and development, and student and graduate outcomes.

Dr. Anita Hazelwood, who leads Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ’s Department of Health Sciences, said the HIM program became one of the early adopters of CAHIIM’s Future Education Model – and earned the Program of Distinction designation – after meeting dozens of benchmarks and standards. 

“Among them are faculty and academic excellence, research capabilities, and the ability to identify evidence-based practices and to develop student outcome measures,â€� Hazelwood explained. “It’s a testament to our capacity to provide our graduates with the skills and expertise they will need to thrive in ever changing and complex health care environments.â€� 

Said Lisa Delhomme, director of the HIM program: “Being one of only a handful of HIM programs in the country to adopt CAHIIM’s Future Education Model – and the first in Louisiana – affirms that our role as one of the top contributors to the state’s health care workforce will continue to remain strong and grow.â€� 

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Caption: Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ’s Health Information Management bachelor’s degree program is one of 12 in the nation to earn accreditation based on adoption of a progressive education model to address evolving health care industry needs. Lisa Delhomme, left, and Dr. Anita Hazelwood, lead the program. Credit: Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ