Strategies for negotiating preemployment agreements

Though the long-term effects of preemployment agreements on career development are unknown, these guidelines are suggestions to ensure responsible interactions among facilities, health information management students, and academic programs. Preemployment agreements meet personal, educational, professional, financial, and institutional goals. Long-term implications warrant additional study. Preemployment agreements are increasing because they mutually benefit HIM students and employers. This emerging process, however, is creating new ethical and legal dilemmas for academic programs and other involved parties. The intent of this article is to identify potential issues and dilemmas involved in student-employee negotiations and preemployment agreements. The issues and proposed guidelines may not be germane to all situations. Many successful relationships, primarily those that include the guidelines discussed here, have been negotiated. Terminology for preemployment agreements is different from terminology for financial aid. Consistent use of terminology, and knowledge regarding these agreement processes including guidelines for their appropriate use, is necessary to avoid ethical and legal problems. Exploration of the impact of preemployment agreements on future career decisions and professional development is needed.