HIM Program Provides Flexibility, Foundation to Succeed

When Nicole Bergner decided to return to college, she needed a program that would fit her busy life. As a full-time employee and mother of three active children, she couldn’t afford to put her family or career on hold. That’s when she found the Health Information Management (HIM) program at East Central College.

“I was drawn to the ECC HIM program because it is accredited and completely online,” said Bergner, who earned her associate degree in HIM from ECC in 2016. “I returned to school during a very hectic period in my life, with three children involved in sports and a full-time job. I wasn’t willing to sacrifice family time and had to continue working full-time, so an online program was the only viable option for me.”

The HIM field is a vital part of the healthcare system, focused on the accurate collection, analysis, and protection of patient data. With growing demand for health data experts, HIM professionals can find careers in hospitals, clinics, government agencies, insurance companies, and more—including opportunities for remote work.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is projected to grow 16 percent over the next seven years, much faster than average.

Once enrolled, Bergner found the ECC program to be both practical and impactful.

“My overall impression of the HIM program is that it prepared me well for a career in the field,” she said. “Let’s be honest—the HIM field isn’t a childhood dream job like being a doctor, nurse, or firefighter. Many people find their way into this field later in life.”

While some courses weren’t flashy, Bergner said the content was essential and the instructors made the material approachable.

“The professors do a great job of breaking down the material in a relatable way,” she said. “I particularly loved the coding classes; to me, it was like putting together a puzzle to get a complete picture of the patient.”

Since graduating from ECC, Bergner’s career at Mercy has flourished. Starting as an inpatient coder, she worked her way up to inpatient coding lead and then to inpatient coding supervisor, where she currently oversees coding for five Mercy facilities.

“ECC’s HIM program provided the foundation for me to transition into an inpatient coding position,” she explained.

“ECC equipped me with the skills needed to feel confident in a coding role. I gained a comprehensive understanding of Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) and how the provider’s documentation and my coding decisions impact the reimbursement healthcare facilities receive.”

She credits ECC with preparing her to handle the wide range of knowledge required in the HIM field, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, statistics, coding regulations, and healthcare law.

“I use all of these skills every day,” she added.

For Bergner, the most rewarding part of the job is the critical role HIM professionals play behind the scenes

“The HIM field is rewarding to me because the information I gather is crucial on many levels,” she said. “Accurate coding of a patient’s health record is essential not only for their health history but also for reimbursement. I am proud to have a small part in the big, big picture.”

Considering HIM at ECC?

When it comes to advice for prospective students or career changers considering the HIM program, Bergner is candid.

“My advice is to be honest with yourself and answer these questions: Am I self-motivated? Can I work independently?” she said. “The ECC program does a great job of helping you answer these questions. HIM coding roles have primarily become 100 percent remote, which isn’t for everyone.”

She emphasizes that remote work requires structure and self-discipline.

“You’ll have lessons to read, videos to watch, and assignments to complete with deadlines, but no assigned class time,” she said. “Can you set up a schedule and stick to it? Are you a lifelong learner? Healthcare is always evolving and changing.”

Bergner was fortunate to already be working at Mercy when she entered the field, but she knows not every student will have that kind of connection.

“During my last semester, I reached out to let [the hiring manager] know I was completing my coursework and would soon sit for my exam,” she said. “After passing my RHIT exam, I reached out again, landed an interview, and the rest is history.”

Now in a leadership role, she offers advice to job seekers.

“Research the position you’re applying for and ensure your resume is relevant to that role,” she said. “During your coursework, you’ll meet people and make connections with your PPE preceptors—keep their information and don’t be afraid to reach out.”

Although she doesn’t currently plan to pursue further education, Bergner is focused on continuing her leadership growth within the healthcare field.

Career Goals

“My long-term career goals are to continue honing my leadership skills and advancing in a healthcare leadership role,” she said.

To stay current with industry trends, Bergner attends the MOHIMA conference, participates in webinars, and keeps up with professional organizations like AHIMA.

“If you’re attending a conference, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people—it might just give you the break you need to get an interview,” she said.

One of Bergner’s proudest accomplishments at Mercy was helping implement a new coding technology.

“We implemented Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) at Mercy a few years ago, which was no small task,” she said. “As leadership, we conducted extensive testing, collaborated with vendors, and trained our teams to be ready for the new system. This implementation has allowed us to achieve higher production rates with greater coding accuracy.”

Looking ahead, she sees an exciting future for the HIM field, especially with advances in artificial intelligence.

“AI coding is coming, and it will look for diagnoses and clinical support from ancillary tests before making autosuggestions,” she said. “The role will change, but HIM is growing and will continue to do so as our population ages.”

For Bergner, the HIM field may not have been her first dream, but it’s become a meaningful and rewarding career path.