More and more patient health information is moving online--and that's why a new college degree program has been created called Health Informatics.
The Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Board of Trustees is expected formally to approve the new program tonight. After two semesters, students can be certified as a health care technology specialist.
Barb Foster, Director of Health Information Management for the colleges, says the program is meant for younger people familiar and comfortable with modern technology.
Foster says patients should be able to access their health information and know it's secure, whether it's on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The Health Informatics Certificate focuses on how to communicate and engage with patients through technology.
If approved, this will be the only associate-degree health informatics program in Iowa with a health informatics program.