Kaplan University's New Degree Programs Designed To Prepare Students For Careers In Health Information And Human Services

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Also Included In: Caregivers / Homecare
Article Date: 19 Apr 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Kaplan University announced the launch of three new online degree programs designed to help prepare students for careers in the growing health information and human services fields.

"With the U.S. government allocating billions of dollars toward improving medical records management and upgrading information technology systems in hospitals through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the demand for health care professionals with technical skills is greater than ever," said David Clinefelter, Ph.D., Kaplan University's Provost. "Employers are increasingly seeking well-educated individuals, and our programs are designed specifically to prepare our graduates to pursue career opportunities in growing industries."

In its 2008-09 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts jobs in human services and health care will increase dramatically. Employment for medical records and health information technicians is expected to grow faster than average-particularly for technicians with a strong background in medical coding-and employment of social and human service assistants is expected to grow by nearly 34 percent through 2016.

Kaplan University's Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (BS in HIM) degree is a 90-credit-hour program designed to serve as the "next step" for individuals who already possess an Associates of Applied Science in Health Information Technology and want to pursue leadership roles in the emerging field of health information. Students are taught skills in areas such as management, strategic planning and finance. Potential roles upon graduation could include data quality manager, project manager, department director or compliance officer.

Kaplan University's Associate of Applied Science in Human Services (AAS in HS) degree is designed to provide students with training in a wide variety of helping professions. Through the 90-credit-hour program's blend of theory and practice, students study how to identify community resources and best advocate for clients. It is meant to prepare students for jobs such as a family support worker, social services liaison, group home worker, community organizer, court liaison, child advocate, adult day care worker or elder care worker.

Kaplan University's Bachelor of Science in Human Services (BS in HS) degree is designed to prepare students with further knowledge of skills for helping professions. Emphasis areas of studies include gerontology, child and family welfare and Human Services Administration. The program adheres to the Council of Standards in Human Service Education standards. Students in the 180-credit-hour program study how to critically explore public and private policies of human service agencies and how to best intervene on behalf of clients. An Advanced Start version of the degree also is available for students with existing credits.

Enrollment for the programs is now open. Classes begin July 1 for the BS in HIM and May 13 for the AAS and BS in HS. For more information, visit http://www.online.kaplanuniversity.edu.

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their untapped talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. Based in Davenport, Iowa, the University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Kaplan University offers more than 100 academic programs and currently serves more than 48,000 online and on-ground students. To learn more about Kaplan University, visit http://www.kaplan.edu.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education, which serves nearly 100,000 students through 70-plus campus-based schools and online operations across the United States and abroad. It also has online programs through Kaplan Virtual Education and Concord Law School of Kaplan University. Kaplan Higher Education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from high school diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a Juris Doctor degree. Kaplan Higher Education is part of Kaplan, Inc., a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information, visit http://www.kaplan.com.

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Kaplan University

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