Health information technology training covers computer skills and applications related to the healthcare industry. Health information technicians utilize their skills to assist with the management of electronic patient records, data security and additional health information technology applications used in healthcare organizations. Data security and integrity are crucial to patient care. Inaccurate or outdated patient records can cause errors in patient care treatment. Qualified health information technicians take the lead in ensuring that healthcare information systems receive proper maintenance, are up-to-date and compliant and promote efficiency across the organization.  

Working as a dental assistant can provide the opportunity to interact with patients and staff and can include both administrative work and  patient care under supervision of a dentist. A combination of these duties may be referred to as expanded functions. A dental assistant training program that includes expanded functions from an accredited healthcare school can provide training to obtain this expanded skillset to qualify you to enter the industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 31% increase in dental assistant jobs between 2010 and 2020. This is a positive job outlook for new graduates. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook also states that prior job experience in a related occupation is not required for entering this career field.[1] That means, with a diploma in hand, you are qualified to seek entry-level employment as a dental assistant.

If you want a new career, choosing an industry with high growth potential can improve your job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the healthcare industry will generate 5.7 million new jobs by 2020.¹ This is the highest projected job growth among all major occupational groups in the U.S.² If you’re not sure how to fit an education into your already busy schedule, consider online courses. An online healthcare education can offer you fast entry into the healthcare job market, depending on the program you choose. For instance, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Administrative Assistant and Medical Office and Billing Specialist diploma programs can be completed online in as few as 10 months.

As more people in the US approach retirement age, healthcare providers face the challenge of meeting an increasing demand for care. By 2050, 1 in 4 Americans will be over age 65.  Advancements in health information technology will play a vital role in maintaining the quality of patient care. The healthcare industry is projected to add 5.7 million new jobs by 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.[1]  

Allied healthcare positions can support healthcare providers through specialized work such as medical billing and coding, health information technology and other administrative positions unique to the healthcare industry. From the front office to records management, allied healthcare professionals  help keep healthcare offices and service locations running.

An employee who has the skills to perform a variety of tasks can be an asset to a healthcare organization. A patient care technician performs clinical and office tasks. Having this broad skill set enables them to assist with patient services as well as administrative tasks.

Technological advances and increasing medical knowledge can make classifying and coding treatments a complex process. When the World Health Organization introduced the ICD-9 coding system, 13,600 seemed like a lot of classifications. Now, that system has no more room. Plus, some of the inherent weaknesses in the way ICD-9 reports treatments cause confusion between service providers and insurance companies. Medical coding and billing functions determine when and how much a healthcare provider earns for services. The wrong code can mean a difference of thousands of dollars in a reimbursement. Grey areas may lead to insurance companies denying claims and healthcare providers footing the bill. A newer system, ICD-10, is on target to be launched in October, 2014 with the goal of correcting many of the current issues.

Dental Assistants are part of one of the nation's fastest growing career fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth of 36 percent in this field through 2020, which is much faster than average.[1] On-the-job dental assistant training is a first step into this career, and many find that a comprehensive training program can give them a competitive edge.

Projected growth potential varies among industries, but healthcare is one of the fastest growing options.[1] Successfully completing a healthcare management program offers career opportunities in a variety of settings and specializations. As a new graduate, healthcare management jobs can offer advancement potential, with positions ranging from department head to chief executive officer.

Before committing to an educational program, you need to be sure there are career options available for your new degree or certification. Higher education usually translates into higher income potential, as long as the job outlook is positive. The healthcare industry offers tremendous growth potential, with more jobs expected to be added in this sector than any other through 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.[1] Pursuing a diploma or degree in health information technology opens up career options including: Health information technician, medical coder and medical transcriptionist. Each of these careers provides support for health care providers, ensuring health information standards.