Family Inspiration Leads Student to Health Information Management Program at ECC

East Central College student Madeline Treece said her grandmother has always loved her career in billing and coding and the atmosphere of the doctor’s office where she worked.

That inspired Treece, 19, of Leasburg, to enroll in ECC’s Health Information Management program.

Treece is halfway through her first semester in the program and expects to graduate in 2027. She said she has enjoyed learning how the program is structured and how each course connects to the skills needed in the field. One of her favorite early experiences has been medical terminology, which she described as interesting and fun to learn.

Treece added that the support she has received at ECC has helped her feel more confident as she builds a foundation in the program.

“Everyone at ECC is kind and very helpful when I have questions, even when I have asked them many times,” she said. “This has helped me gain confidence to ask more questions about anything in my field.”

Flexibility is a central focus of East Central College’s Health Information Management program. Students can take courses fully online and enroll either full time or part time, which allows them to balance school with work and family responsibilities. Students also have the option to start the program at any time during the year, adding another layer of convenience.

Career Paths

The program’s appeal extends beyond scheduling. HIM graduates can choose from a wide range of career paths in the health care industry. Opportunities span hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, government agencies, physician practices, and other health service organizations.

Kim Scheel, HIM Program Director, highlights the broad scope of the field. The work includes administrative, operational, and clinical elements of health care. HIM specialists play a crucial role in supporting quality patient care by managing information at every stage of the health care process.

ECC also offers a Healthcare Security Certificate of Specialization within the HIM program. This certificate provides training in the growing area of health information security.

After completing the full program, Treece hopes to work as a biller and coder and would like to pursue a position at the hospital where her mother is employed. She encouraged others who are considering the program to take time for themselves and stay focused on their coursework.

For more information about ECC and the Health Information Management program, visit eastcentral.edu or contact Kim Scheel at kim.daman-scheel@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6662.