EHR Program extended again | News

Steve Robey, Program Director of Dyersburg State Community College Electronic Health Records (EHR) training program learned that funding for the online program offered through the college since 2010 has been extended.

The six-month, non-degree training program, offered online as a distance learning program, is made possible through a HI-TECH Workforce Development program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Because of this funding, the college is able to offer the program, including all materials, free of charge.

The program trains individuals in the both medical and information technology skills needed to work in the EHR field. Privacy and security requirements of medical information, as well as how to navigate the electronic medical records are two of the topics covered.

Those who complete the program are eligible to take one of three Health Information Technology (HIT) certification exams at no cost until March 31, 2013. Starting on April 1, 2013, there will be a charge for the exam.

Those who pass the exam now receive one of three credentials: HIT Professional Practitioner Consultant Role (HIT Pro – CP), HIT Professional Practice Workflow and Information Management Redesign Specialist Role (HIT Pro – PW), or HIT Professional Trainer Role (HIT Pro – TR). To date, 108 students have completed the program. Some of those who have finished have completed more than one role.

“I am surprised and pleased to learn that DSCC has received an extension,” said Robey. “This is a great way for someone to pick up the skill for what will become an in-demand profession.”

As one of DSCC’s non-traditional students, Robey studied HIT and graduated from the college in May 2005.

Students must meet pre-assessment criteria before entering this program. They will need to have either background knowledge in information technology and need medical education, or they will have medical knowledge and need information technology education. Background knowledge includes either work experience or education in either field.

Individuals interested in this training will need to begin training prior to March 31, 2013 in order to complete the training during the six-month allotted time period.

New classes will begin in January, February and March of 2013. For more information, contact Robey at robey@dscc.edu or 731/286-3213.