Healthcare Tech & Administration

The Healthcare Technology & Administration Pathway Project strengthens the pipeline of professionals in the growing field of healthcare information technology by aligning education and workforce training with industry needs. Led by Essex County College in collaboration with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Institute, this project connects adult learners, high school and Community College students, and faculty to professional certifications, industry-aligned instruction, and experiential learning.

A core component of the project is an 18-week online, instructor-facilitated Healthcare Information Management Professional certification course designed to prepare learners for the CAHIMS® and CPHIMS® certifications. The course is enhanced by a unique partnership with HIMSS, which awarded a grant to onboard a HIMSS member as an Adjunct Instructor, bringing industry expertise directly into the classroom. This collaboration ensures curriculum relevance and provides students with access to professionals and career networks.

To expand access, the program actively engages adult learners and faculty through scholarships, career awareness events, and professional development. Notably, a panel event featuring HIMSS leaders drew strong participation and led to increased student enrollment. The course was also approved as a non-credit offering, with additional stackability options under development.

Experiential learning is another hallmark of this project. Students from Essex County College participated in the statewide Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Hackathon, earning first place and the opportunity to present at a national conference. This experience highlighted the practical application of healthcare IT training and the power of student innovation.

The project also supports long-term academic mobility. Essex County College finalized an articulation agreement with the Rutgers School of Health Professions, allowing graduates of ECC’s General Science A.S. degree to transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (BSHIM) program.

Through cross-sector collaboration, real-world learning, and career-aligned education, the Healthcare Technology & Administration Pathway is expanding access to high-demand careers while helping New Jersey’s healthcare system grow a more diverse, skilled, and future-ready workforce.