ECC Health Information Management Program Earns Distinction, Receives New Funding Support
East Central College’s Health Information Management program has earned recognition for excellence from its accreditor and secured new funding to support students preparing for careers in one of healthcare’s most essential behind-the-scenes fields.
HIM Program Director
While often less visible to the public than doctors, nurses, or other frontline providers, health information professionals play a critical role in modern healthcare. They help ensure patient information is accurate, secure, organized, and available when it is needed, supporting everything from quality care and compliance to communication and decision-making across the healthcare system.
That work is becoming increasingly important as healthcare grows more complex and more dependent on technology, data, and coordinated information systems.
At ECC, the HIM program is designed to prepare students for that environment, equipping them for careers that connect healthcare, technology, and patient information.
ECC’s program has recently been recognized on two fronts.
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, or CAHIIM, has recognized ECC’s Health Information Management program as a Program of Distinction, a designation awarded to select programs demonstrating leadership in healthcare education and commitment to the HIM Future Education Model.
CAHIIM says these programs are helping shape the future of HIM education through collaboration, data collection, and innovation in competency-based learning. They have also received commendation, the accreditor’s highest level of recognition.
ECC is among the programs receiving that honor.
The distinction also reflects the leadership behind the program. Kim Scheel, HIM Program Director, and Dr. Nanette Sayles, professor of Health Information Management, have played an important role in building a program known for quality, innovation and student support. Their work has helped position ECC’s HIM program for this kind of recognition and continues to strengthen opportunities for students entering the field.
In addition to the accreditation distinction, the East Central College Foundation was selected to receive $32,356.22 in AHIMA Foundation funding to support students in the College’s HIM program.
The funding can be used for tuition and curriculum-related expenses, including textbooks, technology, practicum support, AHIMA exam preparation materials, exam registration, and AHIMA student memberships. The award places ECC among a select group of colleges chosen for funding support and further reflects the strength of the program and its commitment to student success.
ECC’s HIM program is offered online and uses a hybrid competency-based education model designed to help students build practical knowledge and workforce-ready skills. Graduates are also eligible to pursue the Registered Health Information Technician, or RHIT, credential.
Together, the recognition and funding mark an important moment for the program, affirming both the quality of ECC’s approach and the value of preparing students for careers in a field that keeps healthcare information working behind the scenes.
More information about ECC’s Health Information Management program is available at www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/health-information-management/.
