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VANCOUVER, Wash. – It’s a rapidly growing profession that blends health services and information technology. Health informatics is the newest transfer degree program at Clark College. It will be launched during winter quarter 2012.

Health care is a fast growing and increasingly information-intensive industry. More and more professionals are needed to keep pace as the technology continues to change and advance. 

Health informatics Information Technology (HIIT) is the study of resources and methods for the management of health information. The field encompasses and utilizes advanced computer technology to coordinate the computer information systems used by hospitals, medical clinics and health care professionals. 

Students who complete Clark College’s Associate in Arts – Option B (AAB) degree can continue on to a bachelor’s degree program in health informatics information technology at Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT).  In fact, Clark’s new health informatics information technology program is specifically designed for transfer to OIT’s program, which is taught at OIT’s Portland-area campus near Wilsonville. Information about the new Clark College program is available at www.clark.edu/cc/hiit.

The OIT program is intended to provide graduates with a well prepared business and scientific knowledge base and the computer science or information technology skills to integrate computer technology in the health care field.  Information about OIT is available at www.oit.edu.

Interim Vice President of Instruction Dr. Tim Cook said, “It’s exciting that we’re able to provide this innovative new career pathway for our students.  During challenging budgetary times, it’s particularly notable that we are offering this program utilizing existing resources.”

Next Steps for interested students

According to John Maduta, Advising Manager for Clark’s Professional and Technical Programs, “Students who are interested in pursuing a career in health informatics should make an appointment with a Clark College academic advisor. Our advising department can help you map out courses, schedules, costs and other details related to a transfer degree.”

Maduta noted that some of the required courses to fulfill the HIIT transfer degree requirements are taught only once each year. Some courses may be available online but may vary by quarter.  To schedule an appointment with a professional-technical advisor, call 360-992-2345 or send an email message to prof.tech.adv@clark.edu.

Space in the new Health Informatics Information Technology program is limited. Students are encouraged to apply soon because classes are expected to fill quickly.

About Health Informatics

Health informatics is the rapidly developing scientific field that utilizes computer technology in the advancement of health care. As an applied science, health informatics sits at the junction of computer technologies, information science, clinical practice and business management. It is the study of how health data are collected, stored and communicated; how those data are processed into health information suitable for administrative and clinical decision making; and how computer and telecommunications technology can be applied to support these processes.

Career opportunities in health informatics information technology are increasing in a variety of health organizations that include hospitals, medical insurers, public health agencies, research institutions, medical groups and clinics and industries engaged in health care information technology. Graduates are employed as consultants, managers, systems designers, database administrators, systems analysts and researchers.

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