Graduate education bridges the gap between the electronic health record and clinical need

Recent reports, including several from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, emphasize an increased marketplace demand for health information management (HIM) professionals who can demonstrate competencies appropriate to an electronic information management environment. In support of this marketplace demand and increased technology development, several academic programs in HIM have developed masters level programs embracing and expanding on the discipline of applied health informatics, yet focused on the fundamental competencies of managing vast and complex health information resources. Individuals dedicated to the management of daily functions within an electronic healthcare environment can better assure the continued viability of the healthcare system through better management of health information, acting as the bridge between the technical development of the electronic health record and the clinicians who will rely on it-thus ultimately supporting better patient care.