Recruitment: making our efforts count

Over the last decade, enrollments in health information technology and health information administration programs have spiraled downward resulting in the closure of programs. Reversing this trend is imperative for the survival of the health information management profession. This research study looked at: 1. how students learned about the HIM profession; 2. what attracted students to the career; 3. the most effective recruitment methods. Using data gathered from 754 students enrolled in either a coding, health information technology, or health information administration program revealed: a) students learned about the profession through their employer, college counselors, a health information professional, health information management student, or family friend b) a variety of career options attracted students to the career c) the most effective recruitment method is posting flyers in healthcare organizations, colleges, and high schools. Research results support using a multifaceted approach to attract students into the program.