At East Central College (ECC), the Health Information Management (HIM) program not only prepares students for successful careers but also fosters lasting connections.
That was the case for Class of 2023 graduates Melissa Helms (Missy) and Sandy Tamara McClain, who found themselves on parallel paths through the HIM program and now work side by side as Trauma Analysts at Mercy South.
“Missy had confidence in me from our time together at ECC,” McClain said. “She extended a wonderful recommendation to our boss, and the rest is history.” Now, both Helms and McClain work together, analyzing trauma cases, abstracting data, and contributing to the improvement of trauma care at the hospital.
Both Helms and McClain earned associate degrees in Health Information Management and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credentials, but their paths to the program and shared career began in different ways.
Why HIM?
For Helms, of Villa Ridge, the idea of being involved in healthcare without being directly on the front lines was appealing.
“I wasn’t sure I was capable of the hands-on patient care side of healthcare with all its goriness,” Helms explained. “But I still wanted to make an impact on patient care, outcomes, and the improvement of healthcare.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she decided it was time to return to school and found the HIM program at ECC to be the perfect fit.
McClain, of Washington, had a similar motivation. After juggling family responsibilities, she sought a healthcare career that offered a better work-life balance while allowing her to make a meaningful difference.
“I liked the option of not dealing with patients directly,” McClain said. The HIM program at ECC gave her that opportunity.
ECC’s HIM Program
Both Helms and McClain recall their time in the HIM program fondly, particularly the hands-on experience in the Professional Practice Experience (PPE) course, which they compare to clinicals for nursing students.
“It was so much fun and provided invaluable experience,” said Helms.
McClain echoed the sentiment, saying the program gave her the knowledge and confidence to pass the RHIT exam and enter the workforce.
Though the program is fully online, Helms and McClain crossed paths in the PPE lab and later found themselves working together at Mercy South. Helms was hired first as a Trauma Analyst, where she works closely with the trauma medical director and trauma program manager to analyze patient data, support research, and drive best practices in trauma care. When a fellow registrar moved on, Helms recommended McClain for the position.
Today, McClain values being an integral part of the trauma care team at Mercy South.
“I am proud of how far our Trauma Program has come and the data we have been able to gather,” she said. “We always make sure that everyone is on the same page and that our patients receive the best care possible.”
Both graduates credit their education at ECC for preparing them for the complexities of their roles. Helms notes how classes on coding, data quality, and medical terminology have been essential to her success.
“The entire ECC education contributed to my career,” she said. McClain agrees, adding, “The critical thinking skills I developed at ECC have been invaluable in analyzing patient charts and data.”
Continuing Education
In addition to their shared journey through the HIM program, both Helms and McClain have big plans. Helms aims to further her education and credentials, eventually aspiring to become an HIM director. McClain, on the other hand, is focused on leading a trauma program or even starting her own business through contracting services.
The HIM field is constantly evolving, and both women are committed to staying on top of the latest trends through continuing education and certifications.
“We have to stay malleable while staying organized,” McClain said.
For those considering a career in HIM, both Helms and McClain offer the same advice: Go for it.
“You won’t regret it,” Helms said.
“The knowledge you gain makes a difference not only to you but to those you work with directly and indirectly,” added McClain.
As they continue to excel at Mercy South, Helms and McClain exemplify how ECC’s HIM program not only equips students with the skills they need for success but also provides the opportunity to build strong professional connections that can last a lifetime.
For more information about ECC and the HIM program, visit [link] or contact Kimberly Daman-Scheel, HIM Program Director, at kim.daman-scheel@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6662.
ECC’s HIM program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM).
