PATHWAY CONNECTION

To support adult learners entering or advancing in the healthcare information technology field, Essex County College (ECC) launched a flexible, non-credit Healthcare Information Management Professional certification course in partnership with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Institute. Designed specifically to meet the needs of working adults, the 18-week online course prepares learners for the CAHIMS® and CPHIMS® industry certifications.

Adult learners benefit from instructor-led virtual classes, real-world case studies presented by HIMSS members, and built-in networking with industry professionals. In the first offering, eight of the ten enrolled students identified as adult learners, with six receiving scholarships to support their participation. The course addresses not only technical competencies but also builds confidence and career awareness through industry engagement and mentorship.

This pathway connection also promotes diversity and inclusion in the healthcare IT workforce. ECC’s commitment to accessible programming ensures that adult learners—many of whom are career changers or returning students—can gain skills aligned with labor market needs while balancing life and work responsibilities. The program is a gateway to further education, apprenticeships, and in-demand careers in New Jersey’s healthcare ecosystem.