WVU School of Medicine announces Health Informatics and Information Management undergraduate program

The West Virginia University School of Medicine recently announced a new undergraduate program, Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM). The bachelor of science degree is housed under the Department of Human Performance along with programs in Exercise Physiology, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. 

Students began taking classes in January 2017, with the first students enrolling in the official program in August.

“Health informatics and information management is a great mix of healthcare, management and technology,” said Sally Lucci, program director. “HIIM professionals care for patients by ensuring their vital health information is complete, accurate and protected. This is a great opportunity for students who enjoy technology, business, science and a different type of patient care.”

HIIM professionals are trained in information management technology applications and understand the operations and workflow of a variety of healthcare organizations. They are vital to the daily operations management of heath information and electronic health records.

Graduates work in a variety of organizations including large healthcare systems, physician practices of all sizes, healthcare centers and clinics, skilled and long-term care and others. 

“The mission of the School of Medicine is tied to providing a workforce that can take care of the health needs of the state,” MaryBeth Mandich, Ph.D., P.T., vice dean of professional and undergraduate programs, said. “While not directly involved in patient care, the health information and informatics profession is an integral and necessary part of the health system and is a perfect major for students who want to be involved in the health care system without doing direct patient care.”

Projections for employment are strong with the Bureau of Labor Statistics citing health services manager positions projected to grow 17 percent in the next eight years, much faster than the average of seven percent for all occupations. 

For more information about the program, please contact Sally Lucci at Sally.Lucci@hsc.wvu.edu or 304-293-7209, or visit the School of Medicine’s Professional Programs student website: medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/students/professional-programs/.  For news and information on the WVU School of Medicine, follow us on twitter @WVUMedSchool, like us on Facebook or visit medicine.hsc.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

CONTACT:  Tara Scatterday
Director, Communications & Marketing
WVU School of Medicine
304-293-0630 | tdscatterday@hsc.wvu.edu
medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/