Healthcare IT

Healthcare IT Overview

Are you interested in applying your information technology skills in one of the fastest growing industries... healthcare? If so, a career in Healthcare IT may be right for you. In 2.5 years, through our year-round schedule, you can earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Healthcare Information Technology.

Did you know?

• Across all industries on average, overall employment of computer network, systems, and database administrators is projected to increase by 30% from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations.¹
• In healthcare specifically, growth in these fields is expected to be rapid, as organizations look to increase efficiency and improve patient care through information systems and other technology.¹
• At U.S. hospitals alone, it's projected that an additional 40,000 IT professionals (over 37% more) will be needed in the coming years. ²

¹U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition

²Analysis of the HIMSS Analytics Database – November 10, 2008 by William Hersh, MD and Adam Wright, PhD: AMIA Annual Symposium 2008

What You Can Learn in Healthcare IT

ECPI's Healthcare IT graduates will be prepared to:

• Create and build networks in the Windows and CISCO environments.
• Design and implement security plans to keep patient health information safe and secure from prying eyes.
• Provide IT support to doctors and nurses.

Building upon ECPI's tradition of providing an interactive and "real world" hands-on education in technology, you'll:

• Healthcare technologies, hardware and software
• Computer networking
• Installation and management of security software
• Database design
• Oral and written communication skills
• Monitoring of network and security breaches
• Risk management and disaster recovery
• Installation and configuration of client and server operating systems, network services and security tools
• Health informatics and HIPAA compliance
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR)/Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• HW, SW, and network requirements—design, interpretation, and evaluation

Our Healthcare IT program field prepares graduates to sit for IT certification exams related to CompTIA, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, and HIPAA Compliance.

Where You Can Go In Healthcare IT

ECPI's Healthcare IT program area prepares graduates for various career fields including:

• Health Information Systems
• Server Management & Switching
• Healthcare Applications Support
• Technical Support and Help Desk
• Network Infrastructure Support Areas
• Network Security Technician
• Healthcare Information Technology Solutions Provider

Degree Objectives

Program objectives include:

Students in the B.S. Computer and Information Science program learn about subjects such as project management, designing and writing different kinds of programs, creating interesting web pages, using and maintaining databases, and installing and securing computer networks. They learn to provide excellent customer service when assisting customers and clients with technical issues.

Healthcare IT students combine a strong working knowledge of computer networks and program logic with an understanding of medical office procedures and terminology.

All B.S. CIS students are prepared to continue their educational experiences in a Master's degree program in CIS.

About the Profession

Graduates of a CIS degree program have many career options. They often have career paths that eventually lead them into IT management positions, including software project management. They are able to design and implement computer software systems (including simulations, games, business applications, and other systems). They may develop test plans and then test software applications to ensure their correct implementation. Graduates also may work as network architects or administrators who design, implement, and maintain computer networks, including wireless networks. Healthcare IT graduates perform many of the same kinds of functions as CIS majors in other areas, but specialize in performing these functions in a medical setting.

Requirements for Typical Employment Opportunities (i.e., background checks, drug screening, security clearances.)

Some positions may require background checks, drug screening, and/or security clearances, depending on the position and industry.

Entry Level Employment Opportunities By Job Title and/or Industry

Some entry-level job titles for an A.S. CIS graduate include Help Desk Analyst, PC Technician, Technical Support Analyst, Hardware Technician, Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, Programmer Analyst, Application Developer, Web Programmer, Assistant Game Programmer. CIS graduates are required in many industries, so employment could be expected in most any military or business setting.

Physical Requirements

None.

Certifications Recommended for Entry Level Career.

Certifications are not required for completion of this program but are encouraged. ECPI University provides vouchers allowing students to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Available certifications for this program include Microsoft and Oracle certifications, Linux+, A+, Network+, and Security+.

Program Specific Academic Policies

None.

Student Evaluation

Externships are opportunities for students to gain mentored, practical experience in a "real-world" job setting. Students are encouraged to complete an externship course. Career opportunities may be greatly enhanced for graduates who complete an externship. Each student will be assisted by Career Services in finding a suitable externship opportunity.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Admissions test with passing score

Core Curriculum

Note: elective courses may include courses from other concentration areas in addition to courses in this list.

¹The certifications listed in the "Potential Certifications" column are the actual certification exams that students may be prepared to take following achievement of student learning outcomes from a course or a set of courses. Some certifications may require additional outside preparation prior to taking the exams; and receipt of one or more certifications is not guaranteed. Students are strongly encouraged to take all appropriate certification examinations for their program of study. To facilitate student access to the certifications, ECPI offers its students access to the certification exams at a significant discount. Some programs may require the student to obtain one or more certifications as part of the curriculum.

Future Possible Careers for This Program

Success

Q

How long will it take to complete this program?

A

The program is designed to take 30 months to complete.*

*New program - pending or no graduates at this point.

Cost

Q

How much will tuition and fees be?

A

The cost of tuition and fees is: $52,500

Q

What about the cost of books and supplies?

A

The cost of books and supplies is: $1800Foundation course requirements can result in additional costs and increase the time to graduation.

Financing

Q

What are my financing options to pay for the program?

A

In addition to any grant and scholarship aid for which they are eligible, graduates used loans to finance their education. The median debt for program graduates is: