According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment for medical records and health information technicians is expected to rise; particularly, technicians with a strong background in medical coding will be in high demand. Employment is expected to rise by 18 percent through 2016. This rapid growth is due to the rising number of medical tests, procedures, and treatments that are increasingly scrutinized by health insurance companies, regulators, courts, and consumers. Soon technicians will be vital in entering patient information into computer databases to comply with Federal legislation mandating the use of electronic medical records.

You can view the complete page that points out the importance of compliance and hiring certified coders at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm.

For those students who are trying to register for the May 3rd exam the deadline is near. Remeber that you must put the right code on the examination application. That code is: 91527-E080023

Remember it is for the CPC Exam and for those who do not have the two years working experience you must check off the apprentice box.

Attached is a link to the website to get further information:

www.aapc.com

Come join us at the Diana Campus for certification prep training. We will be reviewing for the Certified Professional Coder Exam through AAPC as well as AHIMA's Exams. As always all past graduates are welcome to attend these reviews. Our next goal date will be May 3, 2008.

Remember to bring your coding books with you when you come, however, if you don't have updated books that's ok, you can get some while you are here at the school. See you soon!

The world of coding is great, however thanks to Fort Bliss and the expantion of El Paso's Eastside it is becoming better. With all of these new hospitals being built and opening soon, the need for CERTIFIED CODERS is on the rise.

For all past graduates of Western Technical College this journey can be a short one. Come see the new certifications we are offering and get educated on the most popular organizations out there that many Government jobs and Hospitals are looking for, American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

For those who are not pst graduates, however are working in hte field give us a call @ (915) 231-4917. Here we would be glad to assist you in finding ways to get you or your organization certified. Don't worry if you don't have time to go to school, we can come to you or create a customized class just to meet your needs.

The good jobs are here!!! What are you waiting for?

HIT Department would like to congradulate 10 students for completing the program. I am sure that you are ready to get out into the workforce, after the long hard work you have put into this program. Hats off to all your accompishments.

Victoria Alejo
Anshela Banuelos
Lexine Bordonada
Biana Frayre
Amber Mata
Sarah mata
Gabby Olivas
Arlene Paredes
Jannett Perez
Maria Picazo

Spring 2008

Just a reminder the next National HealthCareer Association certification exam for all Medical Billers and Coders will be held at the Diana Campus. The cost of the exam is $105.00, to be paid the day of the exam with a check, money order or credit card.

The value of a certification can be worth its weight in gold when looking for a job in todays fast paced market.

For all those who are interested in challenging this exam, study guides are availalbe by contacting Jennifer Walker @ 231-4917.

Thank you for all those who came this past saturday to the review sessions. It was a great turn out.

However, we must not give up, remember all past graduates of the program are welcome to come free of charge for review classes.

Our next schedule class will be March 1, 2008 from 8 am to 12 pm. Hope to see you there, no reservations needed just show up.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jennifer Walker @ 231-4917

Due to the scheduling conflicts of the CBCS testing I would like all past graduates still interested in taking the certification exams throguh AHIMA to contact Jennifer Walker @ (915) 231-4917. I plan to have another Saturday training session on Saturday February 16th from 8 to 11 am. Please call if you are interested in attending.

For all of those whose are interested in challanging the CBCS certification exam through NHA. WTC will be hosting a testing day coming soon. mark your calendars for February 9th. The sign in process begins at 8 am with testing starting at 8:30 am. for all those interested in attending this testing session please contact Jennifer Walker @ (915) 231-4917.

Our can food drive has been a great success! The Salvation Army provides food to over 800 households during the holidays. We are proud to announce that we have collected more than 3500 cans; this is 3000 more than our goal of 500. We would like to thank all who have participated. Happy Holidays!

To update all of you on the fundraising efforts of the HIT Department, we have been able to pay for 3 students national certification exams thus far.

Gloria Gomez night class at Plaza Circle Campus
Stephanie Atkins moring call at Diana Campus
Elizabeth Calderon night class at Diana Campus

Good Luck and Congrats!!!!

Since the holidays are right upon us I thought that we would use a medical question that everyone might have fun with. What chemical in turkey makes a person so sleeping after eating it? Is there any other food that makes a persons body react this way too? What food could a person eat to counteract this feeling, especially while we are at work and school? Note: something besides caffine products.

Good Luck!!!!

This is how this is going to work though. You have to post a message and then respond to someone elses message later in the week.

The HIT department would like to welcome and congratulations to new morning class to Diana Campus. There is 22 of you who made it to the next level and we would like to continue this trend all the way through. Just as a reminder I would like all of you to continue to check the blog on a regular basis. Extra Credit Opportunities will be available for all students of the HIT Department if you respond to any discussionary topic posted in these blog session.

Jennifer Walker
Program Director

We are moving right along, many are coming and doing great. We would like to continue to encourage all past graduates of WTC to attend our review classes. So call your friends and remind them to come out. Remember as always it is free of charge.

The next review date is scheduled for December 15th from 8:30 to 12 pm. Hop eto see you there.

Jennifer Walker

The next certification exam is scheduled for Decmeber 14th and December 15th at 8am. If you are interested in taking the exam please contact Jennifer Walker for the Study Guide and test application. The Exam cost $105.00 the day of the exam.