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My First UHIMA Board Meeting
Fall Semester, 2007
I would like to share my experience of attending my first UHIMA Board Meeting. First a little background. I am a WSU online student in the RHIT program. I am currently enrolled in Heather Merkley's HIM 2000 class, Acute Care Documentation. Heather invited the UHIMA Board to speak to the classroom section, also opening the invitation to online students. I had decided earlier that I should become involved in some way with UHIMA, but didn't quite know how to go about it. So, I took off work early and went to hear what the organization was all about. Mark Trinite, UHIMA President, and Andrea Dahl, Marketing Chair, spoke to us. There were very passionate about the entire Health Information Management field and especially how UHIMA and AHIMA fit the profession. I was impressed with their enthusiasm. They invited all of us to come and join in the organization's efforts in any way we would like to be involved, anywhere from attending UHIMA/AHIMA events to any kind of help we would like to give. I talked to Andrea after class and let her know that I would like to volunteer to help in some way. She said she needed help on the Marketing Committee and invited me to the next board meeting where we could discuss how I might become involved.
I attend the meeting on Friday afternoon at Ogden Regional Medical Center. I must admit to a little trepidation. How would I be received? Would I be seen as horning in on their private meeting? I need not have worried. I was welcomed very warmly and felt right at home. There was a lot of discussion at the meeting about the upcoming Fall Conference, and the questions for the panel discussion in particular. On the one hand, I was surprised at how much of what they were talking about I actually understood and at the same time realized I had a long way to go to get where these very professional and dedicated people have come.
To be honest I originally joined AHIMA/UHIMA because Pat Shaw said I could get a discount on books. But I have come to realize what a help it can be to me as a student to join in the activities. They can help to broaden my horizons and meet people who are really in the trenches, doing the job every day. It's also a wonderful way to meet people who could become a potential employer.
I know how isolated you can feel, especially for online students, who are often huddled over a book or computer, ate at night in your pajamas, when all the duties of job and family are through for the day and there is still a lot of work to be done. If you can get out just once in awhile to attend a UHIMA function or meeting, you will really feel a connection to the real world of Health Information Management.
Jayne Glines
HIM Prerequisites
Prerequisites have been added before students can apply for any HIM programs. The prerequisites are: HTHS 1101 Medical Terminology and HTHS 1110 Biomedical Core I. These courses must be completed with a grade "C" or better to be eligible to apply. Students are allowed to transfer these credits from another university or may them here at Weber State University. The application and other information can be found at:http://departments.weber.edu/ce/dl/HCCCT/GettingStarted/default.htm
HIM & Coding Career Contact Information
If you or anyone you know is interest in the Coding Certificate , Health Information Technology or Health Information Management Programs this information is found at our website at
http://departments.weber.edu/ce/dl/hccct/ProgramInfo/default.htm
Welcome future, present, and past students!
Whether you are initially exploring career options in the field of HIM, choosing a program and institution of higher education, seeking opportunities to connect with other students and professionals, continuing development of knowledge or increasing your skill set, the UHIMA web site and membership can assist you along your desired career path.
What can I gain by becoming a UHIMA member or becoming involved at the state level?
- Exposure to real world healthcare settings.
- Network with other students and professionals in Utah for job opportunities.
- Add professional affiliations to your resume.
- Provide a voice to the executive board and membership of student needs.
What types of jobs are available in the HIM profession?
As displayed on the Careers page, there is a broad range of potential HIM settings. With the projected boom in HIM positions in the near future and continual advances in technology, a new breed of students are taking advantage of the diverse career opportunites in this exciting field.
Allow your eyes to open to the numerous possibilities, as you explore the work life of various HIM professionals while reading the career spotlight, featured on the careers page. Visit the Careers web page!
How can I gain experience while working on my degree?
Take advantage of the many volunteer opportunities available through UHIMA. Through these opportunities, you can explore your potential role in the emerging field of HIM. Vist the Volunteer Opportunites web page!
Become Involved!!!!
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