
Faculty are committed to increasing student awareness of professional associations aligned with their program of study. This year, we worked to reinforce knowledge of American Academy of Professional Coders (APC), the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS), the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).
At the curricular level, a significant achievement was the refinement of the Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Coding Program. The number of required credits has been reduced, improving affordability while maintaining rigor and relevance. Graduates of the coding program are eligible to sit for a coding exam through AAPC and AHIMA. I applaud the work of Professors Loggains and Nickelsberg for their work on recommending improvements to the program.
Additionally, kudos to Professor Penrod for her work in advancing the virtual component of the Health Programs Student Association (HPSA). Her work in developing an HPSA course in Canvas has created a space for students to engage with one another outside of the classroom with a focus on community and belonging.
Finally, for several years Health Programs students have expressed an interest in discipline-specific attire to convey pride in Peirce and their program of study. This year we did it! Last month, students had the opportunity to purchase a Peirce College Health Programs hoodie. Also, HPSA members had a chance to purchase leadership pins showcasing their active participation and leadership in HPSA.
The 2019-20 academic year will be here in the blink of an eye, and our work in serving students and maintaining rigorous, competitive, and meaningful Health Programs curricula continues. Until then, have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Check back in in September to see what the Health Programs division has to share next once the Fall sessions start back up!