Due to the increased use of electronic records in healthcare and the changes in privacy laws, individuals who are specially trained and certified in healthcare information technology are in very high demand. Job growth in this field is higher than average and, once in the field, the potential for advancement is also very high. Professionals who wish to pursue this field can increase their value by studying for and receiving one or more healthcare IT certifications. There are many certification options. The certification an individual pursues will depend on their interest and education and, in some cases, their prior experience in the field. Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology offers options for earning a certificate, associate degree, and a bachelor’s degree in Network and Cyber Security as well as an associate degree in Health Information Technology. Soon, Cambridge will also be offering advanced degrees in Healthcare Cyber Security & Privacy which will have courses and instruction specifically intended for working in Healthcare IT. This article will highlight a few of the top certifications that an individual can achieve which can lead to higher earning potential in the healthcare IT field.
Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS)
Getting this certification can demonstrate to an employer your skills in using and understanding health information systems and how to successfully collect, store, and maintain patient information while keeping it secure. This certification is awarded by the Health Information Management Systems Society and it is ideal for individuals who are seeking entry-level positions in the field or who do not have a lot of experience yet.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
This certification, offered by the Information System Security Consortium (ISC2), is intended for professionals who have more extensive experience and education in the IT field. The CISSP certification exam covers ten cyber security areas that include operations and asset security, security assessment and testing, risk management, and many more. This certification is ideal for someone who is experienced in implementing security practices and wants to be able to validate their knowledge. Individuals with this certification can often be found in leadership positions and may be responsible for fully managing an organization’s cyber security program and team.
Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)
This certification, offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), enables an individual to demonstrate to an employer the skills they have achieved in designing and implementing privacy and security protection programs in healthcare organizations. Individuals interested in pursuing this certification must meet at least one of several requirements listed on the AHIMA website. Individuals who achieve this certification can pursue careers in the healthcare field that involve managing and increasing the security profile of healthcare organizations. In addition, these individuals demonstrate a commitment to continued learning and professional development in advancing privacy and security management practices.
Next Steps
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology wants to help you get started on the road to a successful career in healthcare IT. Check out the website to learn more about the programs offered for skills and training in this field. Return to the website in the future to learn more about the exciting new programs in Healthcare Cyber Security and & Privacy that will be starting soon.