This workforce research study is funded through AHIMA's Foundation of Research and Education (FORE).

Transcription

1 2002 Student Survey

2 DATA FOR DECISIONS: THE HIM WORKFORCE AND WORKPLACE 2002 Student Survey This workforce research study is funded through AHIMA's Foundation of Research and Education (FORE). It is supported in part by a generous leadership grant from 3M Health Information Systems. Health Information Systems Additional grant support has been provided by MedQuist, Inc. and by contributions to the Fast FOREward campaign from AHIMA's Component State Associations and member gifts. Anticipate Educate Innovate Copyright 2003 by the American Health Information Management Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, reprinted, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the association.

3 The 2002 HIM Student Exit Survey Summary of Responses May 2003 Prepared by Paul Wing, Tracey Continelli, Margaret Langelier, Charles McCormick Center for Health Workforce Studies School of Public Health, University at Albany One University Place Rensselaer, NY

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5 Table of Contents Executive Summary... iii Section 1: Characteristics of Responding Students Section 2: Education of the Students Section 3: Professional Credentials Section 4. Employment Section 5. Geographic Variations Section 6. Income Levels Appendix A. Student Exit Survey Instrument... A-1 Appendix B. Geographic Regions Used in this Report... B-1 Appendix C. The Survey Process and Response Patterns... C-1 List of Tables Table 1 Employment Settings of HIM Students While Enrolled Table 2. Plans for Further Education by HIM Students About to Graduate, by Program and Region Table 3: Degrees Expected by Students Planning Further Education by Program and Region 5-15 Table 4: Field of Study Expected by Students Planning Further Education, by Program and Region Table 5. Percent of Respondents Planning to Take the Test for the AHIMA Credential Table 6. Full-Time Incomes After Graduation, Table 7. Full-Time Incomes of Student Employment, Table C-1. Student Survey Response Rates by Program and Region... C-1 List of Figures Figure 1. Age Distribution of HIM Students by Program Type Figure 2. Gender Mix of HIM Students by Program Type Figure 3: Race-Ethnicity of HIM Students by Program Type Figure 4: Racial-Ethnic Composition of HIM Students Compared with General Population Figure 5. Percentage of HIM Students Caring for Children by Program Type Figure 6. Full-Time/Part-Time Status of HIM Students by Program Type Figure 7. Past Credentials of HIM Students by Program Type iii

6 Figure 8. Intentions of and Students to Get HIM Credential at the Time of Enrollment Figure 9. Level of Degree Held by and Students Figure 10. Previous College Education of HIM Students About to Graduate, Figure 11. Source of Information About HIM Program by Program Type Figure 12. Number of Courses Taken On-Line by Program Type Figure 13. I Feel That My / Program Included Adequate Computer-Related Content 2-5 Figure 14. I Feel That My / Program Needed More Emphasis on Technology Figure 15. I Feel That My / Program Prepared Me for the Job Market Figure 16. I Feel That My / Program Provided Adequate Job Placement Help Figure 17. I Feel That My / Program Provided Appropriate Employer Recruitment Figure 18. My PPE Met Needs and Interests Figure 19. My PPE Was Helpful in Deciding About Future Employment Figure 20. Identification of Site of PPE by Program Type Figure 21. Degree Planned, If Planning Further Education Figure 22. Reasons for Joining or Remaining in AHIMA by Program Type Figure 23. Reasons for Not Joining or Remaining in AHIMA by Program Type Figure 24. Primary Reason for Pursuing an HIM Credential by Program Type Figure 25. Employment Prior to HIM Enrollment by Program Type Figure 26. Employment While Enrolled as an HIM Student by Program Type Figure 27. Hours Worked by HIM Students by Program Type Figure 28. Search for Post-Graduation Employment by Program Type Figure 29. Number of Job Offers and Employment Outcome, for Students Who Have Looked for Jobs, by Program Type Figure 30. Difficulty in Finding Satisfactory Job, for Students Who Have Looked, by Program Type Figure 31. Level of Satisfaction with Post-Graduation Employment, for Students Who Have Accepted a Position, by Program Type Figure 32. Title or Position of New Job, for Students Who Have Accepted a Position, by Program Type Figure 33. Assessment of Employment Opportunities for Newly-Credentialed HIM Professionals, by State of Current Residence and Program Type Figure 34. Overall Assessment of the Job Market for Newly-Credentialed HIM Professionals for Selected Employer Types Figure 35. Assessments of Job Markets for Selected Employer Types by Program Type iv

7 Figure 36. Long-Term Career Plans of and Students Figure 37. Racial-Ethnic Composition of Students by Region Figure 38. Racial-Ethnic Composition of Students by Region Figure 39. Percentage of HIM Students Attending HIM Programs in Rural and Urban Areas by Region Figure 40. My HIM Program Included Adequate Computer-Related Content Figure 41. My HIM Program Needed More Emphasis on Technology Figure 42. My HIM Program Prepared Me for the Job Market Figure 43. My HIM Program Provided Adequate Job Placement Help Figure 44. My HIM Program Provided Adequate Employer Recruitment Figure 45. Identification of Site of Student PPE by Region Figure 46. Percentage of Students Who Identified their PPE Site by Program and Region Figure 47. Rating of Ease of Finding Job Placement by Region Figure 48. Percent of Students Taking On-Line Courses by Region Figure 49. Percentages of Students With Associate and Bachelors Degrees Prior to Enrolling in HIM Program by Region Figure 50. Percentages of Students Holding Bachelors Degree Prior to HIM Enrollment By Program Type Figure 51. Percentages of HIM Students Planning Further Education by Region Figure 52. Percentages of and Students Planning to Pursue More Education Figure 53. Additional Degrees Planned by Region Figure 54. Field of Study of Further Education by Region Figure 55. Timing of Further Education Planned by HIM Students by Region Figure 56. Percent of Students Pursuing HIM Credential for Career Advancement by Region Figure 57. Percent of Students Pursuing HIM Credential To Qualify for a New Job by Region Figure 58. Percent of Students Pursuing HIM Credential to Enhance Professional Recognition by Region Figure 59. Percent of Students Pursuing HIM Credential to Increase Salary by Region Figure 60. Percent of Students Pursuing HIM Credential to Become Part of a Professional Association by Region Figure 61. Percent of and Students Who Worked in Health-Related Career Prior to HIM Program by Region v

8 Figure 62. Percent of HIM Students With Selected Jobs Prior to HIM Enrollment by Region Figure 63. Percentages of Students Employed on Selected Settings by Region Figure 64. Assessment of Job Opportunities for New HIM Graduates by Region Figure 65. Ratings of Employment Opportunities in Hospitals by Region Figure 66. Ratings of Employment Opportunities in Nursing Homes by Region Figure 67. Ratings of Employment Opportunities in Vendor Organizations by Region Figure B-1. Regions Used for HIM Regional Analyses... B-1 Copyright Statement Copyright 2003 by the American Health Information Management Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, reprinted, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the association. vi

9 The 2002 HIM Student Exit Survey Executive Summary As part of a larger study of the Health Information Management (HIM) workforce for AHIMA, The Center for Health Workforce Studies at the University at Albany gathered data on a variety of topics related to the supply, demand, use, distribution, and education of HIM professionals in the United States in The broad objectives of the project are to: Develop an accurate description of the AHIMA membership in 2002 Describe the HIM employment environment in the US in 2002 Gather information and insights about AHIMA-accredited education programs in 2002 This report summarizes the responses to a survey of students in HIM education programs conducted to gather insights about new entrants to the HIM field and the job market of new HIM professionals in the US. The survey, administered with the help of the program directors of the 224 AHIMA-accredited and education programs, was conducted in the late Spring and Summer of A copy of the instrument is provided in Appendix A. Response Rates Tabulations and highlights from the HIM student survey, which resulted in 892 responses out of a possible 1,964 (45 percent), are presented below. The response rates by program type are 60 percent for students (283 respondents of a possible 473) and 41 percent for students (609 respondents of a possible 1491). The estimate of 1,964 total students about to graduate is based on reports from the program directors to AHIMA of the expected number of program graduates in the spring/summer of With few exceptions, student surveys were received only from programs where the program director responded to a second survey administered to HIM education program directors. Additional details about the survey process and response patterns can be found in Appendix C. Section 1 of the report summarizes the demographic characteristics of the responding students. Section 2 of the report describes the education of the students. Section 3 reports on professional credentials. Employment during and after education, including experiences in the HIM job vii

10 market are discussed in Section 4. Section 5 describes geographic variations in responses. Finally, Section 6 presents a variety of income statistics. Key Findings A number of the key findings based on the analysis of the student responses are summarized below. Additional details can be found in the body of the report. Characteristics of Students The percentages of and students who are male (18% and 11%, respectively) are greater than the percentage of AHIMA members who are male (5%). A significant number of HIM students, especially those in programs, have children to care for, and many of those have no other adult to help care for the child. The mean age of respondents was 27.9 for respondents and 33.8 for respondents. The age distributions of the two groups of students were very different, with significantly more respondents older than 35. Compared to the general population as described in the 2000 Census, the student survey respondents are somewhat more racial and ethnically diverse. The students include fewer whites (68 percent) compared with the U.S. population (75 percent), and somewhat more African-Americans (16 percent) than the general population (12 percent). Education of the Students More than three out of four students in both and programs entered without a prior degree or credential. The backgrounds of HIM students are very diverse, with many different educational experiences prior to enrolling in the HIM program. The two most important factors leading to enrollment in both and programs were word of mouth referrals and university materials (e.g., catalogs). The respondents generally agreed that their HIM program adequately prepared them for the job market. They were also generally satisfied with their Professional Placement Experience, an on-the-job experience in a real work situation. Two-thirds of students reported plans for further education after graduation from their HIM program. viii

11 Attitudes Toward Professional Credentials More than 95% of both and students reported that they planned to take the AHIMA credential exam. A majority of these students were motivated by a need to enhance professional recognition. About 90% of students reported that they intended to join or maintain their membership in AHIMA after graduation Employment More than 60 percent of students worked at the time of the survey (approximately three months before graduation), 58% of students and 66% of students. Overall, 32 percent of students had finalized employment plans at the time of the survey. Of students who had looked for a job prior to graduation, half of all students had received at least one job offer. Of respondents who had searched for employment, about half reported having difficulty finding a job you were satisfied with. Hospitals continue to be the most common employer of new HIM graduates, but the employment choices of both and students are very diverse. This reflects the great diversity in the entire HIM field, which continues to cover a wide range of roles, functions, and settings. A majority of both HIM students who indicated they had some knowledge were generally positive about the job market for newly credentialed HIM professionals. A greater percentage of respondents (68%) than respondents (50%) indicated there were as many or more jobs than graduates in the state in which they lived. The knowledge of students about job opportunities in nontraditional settings, e.g., vendors and nursing homes, was limited. Regional Comparisons Although there were regional variations for many of the survey questions, the differences for most of the questions were not particularly noteworthy. Employment opportunities in different regions were generally similar. Opportunities in hospitals were rated better in the Northeast and East MidCentral regions. Opportunities in ix

12 nursing homes were rated better in the South. Opportunities for vendor organizations were rated better in the West. Incomes The median starting annual incomes of and students who had arranged full-time post-graduation employment were $32,000 and $28,000, respectively. Median incomes for both and respondents in the West were somewhat higher than in other regions, and lower in the South. x

13 Section 1: Characteristics of Responding Students 1. The mean age of respondents was 27.9 for respondents and 33.8 for respondents. Figure 1 shows that the age distributions of the two groups of students were very different, with significantly more respondents older than 35. Figure 1. Age Distribution of HIM Students by Program Type 80% 64% 60% 40% 29% 20% 17% 13% 12% 7% 13% 12% 10% 4% 5% 3% 3% 6% 0% 25 or Younger Over 50 Age Group 2. In 2002, 18 percent of students and 11 percent of students were male. Figure 2. Gender Mix of HIM Students by Program Type Male 18.0% Male 10.6% Female 82.0% Female 89.4% 1-1

14 3. More than four out of ten (41 percent) of students and 29 percent of students were non-white or Hispanic in 2002 [Figure 3]. Other 1.5% Figure 3 Race-Ethnicity of HIM Students by Program Type Asian 7.7% Black 21.5% Hispanic White 6.9% 60.2% Native American 2.2% Other 1.4% White 71.3% Asian 4.5% Black 13.8% Hispanic 7.8% Native American 1.2% 4. Based upon official U.S. Census figures from the 2000 Census, the student survey respondents are somewhat more racial and ethnically diverse than the general population. Students include fewer whites (68 percent) compared with the U.S. population (75 percent), somewhat more African-Americans (16 percent) compared with the U.S. population (12 percent), slightly fewer Hispanics/Latinos (8 percent) compared with the U.S. population (12 percent), slightly more Asian/Pacific Islanders (6 percent) compared with the U.S. population (4 percent), and slightly more Native Americans (2 percent) compared with the U.S. population (1 percent). Figure 4. Racial-Ethnic Composition of HIM Students Compared with General Population African-American Hispanic/Latino Asian/Pacific Islander Native American U.S. Census White 5.5% 4.1% 1.5% 0.9% 16.4% 12.0% 7.5% 12.5% Student Survey 67.6% 75.0% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 1-2

15 5. Figure 5 shows that more than six of ten (63 percent) of students and 49 percent of students have no children at home, and approximately one in five of both groups has children living at home and no other adult who shares in the childcare responsibilities. This has important implications for support structures needed for enrolled students. 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% Figure 5. Percentage of HIM Students Caring for Children by Program Type 22% 20% 15% 63% 31% 49% Single Parent Other adult helps care for child No Child 0% 1-3

16 Section 2. Education of the Students This section of the report summarizes the responses to survey questions in section B of the questionnaire that asked about previous, current, and future education of the respondents. 1. The majority of students were full-time students; however, students (92 percent) were more likely to be full-time than were students (73 percent). 100% Figure 6. Full-time / Part-time Status of HIM Students by Program Type 92% 80% 73% 60% 40% 27% 20% 8% 0% Full-time Part-time 2. More than three out of four students in both and programs entered without a None 77.3% prior degree or credential. The fact that 5 percent of students indicated they came into the program with an credential suggests that some respondents misinterpreted question A6. Other 22.7% Figure 7 Past Credentials of HIM Students by Program Type CCS 1.4% R 6.4% LPN 0.7% RN 0.4% Other 13.1% CCS-P 0.7% None 77.2% Other 22.8% CCS 1.0% R 5.2% LPN 2.5% RN 1.1% Other 12.5% CCS-P 0.5% 2-1

17 3. A majority of students intended to get an R/R credential at the time they enrolled in their HIM programs, with no significant difference in intent between and students (88 percent versus 90 percent). 100% Figure 8. Intentions of and Students to Get HIM Credential at Time of Enrollment 88.3% 90.3% 80% 60% 40% 20% 11.7% 9.7% 0% Yes No 4. The largest percentage of students with prior degrees earned a BA before entering the program (26 percent). students tend to enter with an Associates degree (20 percent). 80% 60% Figure 9 Level of Degree Held by and Students 54% 70% 40% 20% 0% 26% 19% 20% 8% 1% 2% Associates BA Grad No Degree 2-2

18 5. HIM students responding to this survey had many different prior degrees. More than three out of four (77 percent) of students and 90 percent of students entered with a non-him degree. The fact that nearly 20 percent of respondents indicated they already held a bachelors degree in HIM suggests that at least some of them misunderstood the survey question [B.1]. Figure 10. Previous College Education of HIM Students About to Graduate, 2002 HIM Assoc. Nursing Assoc. Other Health Assoc. Other Assoc. 3.5% 1.0% 0.4% 2.5% 4.6% 9.0% 7.9% 10.6% HIM Bach. Nursing Bach. Other Health Bach. Other Bach. 1.0% 5.0% 1.0% 1.0% 2.5% 0.7% 3.2% 19.8% HIM Grad Nursing Grad Other Health Grad Other Grad 0.3% 0.3% 0.7% 1.0% 1.0% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 2-3

19 Current Program 1. Both students and students identified word of mouth as the most frequent source of information about the HIM program being attended. The second most frequent source cited was university materials. Figure 11. Source of Information about HIM Program by Program Type Word of Mouth University Materials Other AHIMA Materials College Fair Newspaper Ad 4.9% 4.8% 4.9% 4.4% 3.5% 2.8% 0.7% 39.8% 38.9% 28.4% 33.6% 26.6% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Items do not necessarily add to 100% because question asked to mark all that apply. 2. Most respondents took no online courses (78 percent of and 73 percent of ). Only 2 percent of both and students took more than 10 online courses. None % 4% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% Figure 12. Number of HIM Courses Taken On-Line by Program Type 20% 13% 73% 78% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2-4

20 3. Most students agreed or strongly agreed that there was enough computer-related content in their courses (51 percent of students and 65 percent of students). Figure 13. I Feel That My / Program: Included Adequate Computer-Related Content Strongly agree Agree Neutral 18.0% 18.5% 35.8% 32.7% 29.3% 31.6% Disagree Strongly disagree 8.9% 6.6% 7.5% 7.0% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 4. Students were mixed in their assessment of the need for more emphasis on technology in their HIM programs. Larger percentages of both and students agreed or strongly agreed that more emphasis on technology was needed than disagreed or strongly disagreed. Figure 14. I Feel That My / Program: Needed More Emphasis on Technology Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree 15.1% 16.7% 20.3% 17.9% 17.4% 11.9% 12.6% 26.7% 26.7% 34.9% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 2-5

21 5. Students generally agreed that their program prepared them for the job market (71 percent of students and 77 percent of students). However, students were less likely to agree that they received adequate job placement help (40 percent of students and 45 percent of students) and that there was appropriate employer recruitment on campus (37 percent of students and 41 percent of students). Figure 15. I Feel That My / Program: Prepared Me for the Job Market Strongly Agree 26% 40% Agree 37% Neutral 15% 18% Disagree 5% 8% Strongly Disagree 3% 3% 45% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Strongly Agree Strongly Disagree Figure 16. I Feel That My / Program: Provided Adequate Job Placement Help Agree Neutral Disagree 11% 13% 8% 11% 16% 20% 25% 27% 31% 36% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Figure 17. I Feel That My / Program: Provided Appropriate Employer Recruitment Strongly Agree 18% 15% Agree 23% 22% Neutral 39% 35% Disagree 13% 17% Strongly Disagree 7% 12% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 2-6

22 Professional Practice Experience (PPE) 6. Nearly four out of five (79 percent) of students and 83 percent of students agreed or strongly agreed that their Professional Practice Experience (PPE) met their needs and interests, and only 8 percent of students and 6 percent of students disagreed or strongly disagreed. Students also found that their PPE assisted them in determining their later employment with 79 percent of students and 83 percent of students agreeing or strongly agreeing and 8 percent of and 5 percent of students disagreeing or strongly disagreeing. Figure 18. My PPE Met My Needs and Interests Strongly Agree 28% 31% Agree 48% Neutral 11% 13% Disagree 4% 4% Strongly Disagree 2% 4% 55% 0% 20% 40% 60% Figure 19. My PPE Was Helpful in Deciding About Future Employment Strongly Agree 34% 30% Agree 49% 49% Neutral 13% 14% Disagree 3% 5% Strongly Disagree 2% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 2-7

23 7. Nearly half (49 percent) of students reported that they independently identified the site of their Professional Practice Experience, compared with 14 percent of students. The program was more likely to have identified the site for students (47 percent). Joint Effort 38.6% Figure 20. Identification of PPE Site by Program Type Joint Effort 22.9% The Program 47.2% The Program 28.3% Myself 14.2% Myself 48.9% Future Education 1. Two-thirds of students are planning future education and nine percent are not (25 percent are not sure); and 49 percent of students are planning future education and 14 percent are not (38 percent are not sure). students who are pursuing further education overwhelmingly plan to get a Masters degree (84 percent), while students typically plan to get a BA (74 percent). Other 2% PhD 3% Figure 21. Degree Planned If Planning Further Education Associates 1% BA 6% Specialty Cert. 4% MA 12% PhD 1% Other 2% Associates 2% Specialty Cert. 9% MA 84% BA 74% 2-8

24 Section 3. Professional Credentials AHIMA Membership and Credential Exam 1. Eighty-two percent of both and programs respondents reported that they were student members of AHIMA. 2. The percentages of and students intending to join AHIMA or continue their AHIMA membership after graduation were 88 percent and 91 percent, respectively. The percentages planning to take the respective AHIMA credential exam were 97% for students and 98% for students. 3. The main reasons that students planned to join AHIMA or maintain their AHIMA membership was maintaining professional certification (49 percent of students and 58 percent of students) and professional development (39 percent of students and 27 percent of students). Figure 22. Reasons for Joining or Remaining in AHIMA by Program Type Maintaining Prof. Cert. 58% 49% Professional Development 27% 39% Network with peers 8% 7% Access to practice resources 6% 5% Other 1% 10% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Percentage of Respondents 3-1

25 4. For those not planning to join AHIMA after graduation, the main reasons were the cost of membership (44 percent of and 61 percent ) and that they saw little or no benefit from it (17 percent of and 15 percent of ). Figure 23. Reasons for Not Joining or Remaining in AHIMA by Program Type Cost of membership Other Little or no benefit Not required to maintain cred. 2% 6% 6% 61% 44% 15% 15% 17% 3% Was never asked 6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Percentage of Respondents 5. Nearly all (97%) and (98%) students reported that they planned to take the AHIMA credential exam. A majority of these students were motivated by a need to enhance professional recognition (70 percent and 53 percent ). Other reasons given were to increase their future salary (41 percent of and 40 percent of respondents) and to advance their career (41 percent of and 46 percent of respondents). Figure 24 Primary Reasons for Pursuing a Credential (Mark all that apply) Enhance professional recognition Increase salary Advance career Qualify for a new job To become part of a prof. assoc. Other 1% 2% 23% 25% 40% 41% 46% 41% 39% 36% 53% 70% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Percentage of Respondents 3-2

26 Employment Prior to HIM Education Section 4. Employment 1. A plurality of students worked in a non-medical field (43 percent) and 20 percent did not work before entering their HIM program. The remainder worked in HIM-related fields (16 percent) nursing (3 percent), or other allied health (18 percent). Other, Not Medical 39% None 25% Current Employment Figure 25. Employment Prior to HIM Enrollment by Program Type Transcription 4% Figure 26. Employment While Enrolled as an HIM Student by Program Type Medical Coder 13% 9% Nursing 1% Coding 2% HIM 12% Other Allied Health 17% Other, Not Medical 43% Other, Not Degree Related 41% None 19% Transcription 5% Nursing 3% Other Allied Health 19% Medical Coder 20% Coding 3% 1. More than 60 percent of students worked while enrolled at the time of the survey (approximately three months before graduation), 58% of students and 66% of students. They most often worked in non-him-related fields (49 percent and 41 percent ). The remainder worked in such HIM-related positions as coders (13 percent and 20% ), s (9 percent and 14% ), Managers (9 percent and 7% ), and in other degree-related positions (19 percent and 17 percent ). HIM 8% Other, Not Degree Related 49% Manager 9% Information Systems 1% Other Degree Related 19% Other Degree Related 17% 14% Manager 7% Information Systems 1% 4-1

27 2. Of those students who worked while enrolled, significant percentages reported that they worked more than 20 hours per week, 63% of students and 50% of students. Almost one in ten of both groups reported working more than 40 hours per week. 40% Figure 27. Hours Worked by HIM Students by Program Type 35.0% 30% 27.7% 23.5% 23.4% 20% 19.0% 16.8% 13.0% 10% 7.5% 9.2% 5.9% 9.8% 9.2% 0% None Over 40 Hours per Week 3. The table below provides additional detail on employment settings of students. Table 2 Employment Settings of Students While Enrolled Setting Hospital Inpatient/Acute care 41.6% 42.6% Skilled Nursing Facility 0.6% 4.7% Outpatient/Ambulatory Setting 6.0% 10.2% Pharmaceutical Company 0.6% 0.5% Laboratory 1.8% 1.0% Home Health Agency 0.6% 0.7% Physician Office 9.6% 5.0% Insurance Company 1.8% 0.5% Consulting Firm 0.6% 1.0% Vendor 1.2% 0.7% Educational Institution 4.8% 1.2% Governmental Agency 3.6% 2.2% Mental Health Agency 2.4% 2.5% Other 24.7% 26.9% 4-2

28 Job Search and Outcome 1. A majority of both and students either had a job or were searching for a job at the time of the survey (prior to graduation). Sixty-four percent of students and fiftyone percent of students had looked for a job, and the remainder had not, for a variety of reasons. 100% 80% 60% Figure 28. Search for Post-Graduate Employment by Program Type 14% 8% 8% 5% 20% 8% 6% 15% No, other 40% 20% 64% 51% No, plan to take time off No, plan to continue ed. No, offered job w/o search Yes 0% 2. The majority of respondents who had searched for employment were seeking a full-time position. Only 2% of respondents and 13% of respondents were seeking parttime employment. 3. Of students who had looked for a job prior to graduation, half of all students had received at least one job offer. More than two out of five students (43 percent) were offered a job by the organization that administered their PPE. Of the students offered a job by their PPE organization, about one-third accepted the position. Overall, 32 percent of students had finalized employment plans at the time of the survey. 4-3

29 Figure 29. Number of Job Offers and Employment Outcome, Students Who Have Looked For Jobs by Program Type No offers One offer Two offers Three or more offers 5.3% 8.2% 17.6% 12.8% 30.1% 24.0% 46.9% 55.1% Job Offer from PPE If Offered, Accepted PPE Offer 44.1% 39.2% 35.6% 25.8% Finalized Employment 35.2% 24.6% Note: 40% of respondents had not searched for employment. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% % of Students Who Have Looked for a Job 4. Of students that searched for a job, about half had difficulty finding a satisfactory job. Just over half (54 percent) of students who had searched for employment reported that they had difficulty, while 42 percent of students reported difficulty [Figure 30]. 100% Figure 30. Difficulty Finding Satisfactory Job, for Students Who Have Looked, by Program Type 80% 41.7% 54.4% N/A 60% 40% 20% 0% 28.9% 29.3% 25.8% 19.8% No Yes 4-4

30 5. students who had found jobs were more likely to be highly or very highly satisfied with them (64 percent) than were students (52 percent). Only 10 percent of students and 5 percent of students had a low level of satisfaction with their postgraduation position. Figure 31. Level of Satisfaction with Post- Graduation Employment, for Students Who Have Accepted a Position, by Program Type Low 10% Very High 24% Moderate 31% Low 5% Very High 21% Moderate 39% High 27% 6. Of students who found post-graduation employment, students were most likely to High 43% work in other degree related areas (41 percent), and students were most likely to work as Coders (50 percent). Figure 32. Title or Position of New Job, for Students Who Have Accepted a Position, by Program Type Coder Other/Degree Related HIM Supervisor/Manager Info. Systems Specialist Consultant Privacy Officer 3% 2% 2% 3% 1% 3% 9% 6% 5% 14% 31% 31% 41% 50% 0% 20% 40% 60% 4-5

31 HIM Job Market 1. The overall assessment by students of employment opportunities for newly credentialed HIM professionals in the state where they currently live is generally positive, with nearly two-thirds indicating at least as many job opportunities as HIM graduates. 40% Figure 33. Assessment of Employment Opportunities for Newly Credentialed HIM Professionals by State of Current Residence by Program Type 26.8% 35.1% 30.6% 34.5% 20% 19.2% 15.1% 18.0% 20.7% 0% More Jobs than Graduates As Many Jobs as Graduates Fewer Jobs than Graduates Don't Know 4-6

32 2. Students indicated that there are more job openings in hospitals (77 percent indicated some or many job openings) than in nursing homes (34 percent) or vendors (23 percent). Many do not have knowledge of the job market for nontraditional employers (e.g., vendors). 100% Figure 34. Overall Assessment of Job Market for Newly Credentialed HIM Professionals for Selected Employer Types 16% 80% 60% 40% 7% 52% 55% 11% 68% Don't Know No Openings Some Openings 9% Many Openings 20% 25% 29% 18% 0% 5% 5% Hospitals Nursing Homes Vendors 4-7

33 3. The differences in assessments of the job market for hospitals, nursing homes, and vendors of and students (excluding those who reported they did not know) are shown below. Figure 35. Assessments of Job Markets for Selected Employer Types by Program Type Many Jobs 30.9% No Openings 7.9% Hospitals Many Jobs 27.6% No Openings 10.4% Some Jobs 61.2% Nursing Homes Many 12.8% No Openings 23.2% Many 12.3% Some Jobs 62.0% No Openings 23.8% Some 63.9% Some 63.9% Vendors Many 13.5% No Openings 32.7% Many 20.3% No Openings 22.7% Some 53.8% Some 57.0% 4-8

34 Long-Term Career Plans 1. In 5 years students plan to work as Managers (25 percent), HIMs (19 percent), and Coders (18 percent). In 10 years, students plan to work as Consultants (19 percent), HIMs (17 percent), and Managers (11 percent). In five years, students plan to work as Coders (47 percent), Managers (15 percent), and HIMs (10 percent). In 10 years, students plan to work as Consultants (16 percent), Managers (16 percent), and HIMs (16 percent). Figure 36. Long-Term Career Plans of and Students Long Term Career Plans of Students 5 years 10 years Long Term Career Plans of Students 5 years 10 years Manager 25% 11% Coder 47% 12% HIM 19% 17% Manager 15% 16% Coder 18% 1% HIM 10% 16% Other, Degree Related 10% 10% Consultant 8% 16% Consultant 9% 19% Other, Degree Related 7% 7% Info System Specialist 9% 5% Info System Specialist 6% 6% Privacy 5% 7% Privacy Officer 4% 4% 0% 20% 40% 60% 0% 20% 40% 60% 4-9

35 Section 5. Geographic Variations This section of the report presents a variety of tabulations and charts that present variations in responses in different parts of the country. Six regions have been defined, the composition of which are shown in the map in Appendix B. The tabulations do not provide breakouts for and programs because of small numbers of responses in some of the regions. 1. respondents in 2002 were more racially diverse than the US population 18 years old and over in There were more Blacks/African Americans and fewer Hispanics/Latinos among students than in the population as a whole. There were significant variations in the racial-ethnic composition of the students in the six regions, which reflected variations across the regions in general. 100% 90% 80% 70% 5% 5% 36% Figure 37. Racial-Ethnic Composition of Students, by Region 21% 8% 2% 3% 2% 33% 7% 9% 4% 9% 55% 2% 8% 23% 4% 11% 12% Native American Asian/Pacific Islander 60% 50% 25% 100% Hispanic/ Latino 40% 30% 20% 55% 46% 60% 75% 45% 63% 73% Black/African American 10% White Non- Hispanic 0% Northeast East MidCentral South North Southwest West Total US Pop MidCentral Region 5-1

36 2. The respondents showed about the same overall racial-ethnic diversity as the population as a whole. There were significant variations in the racial-ethnic composition of the students in the six regions, which reflected variations across the regions in general. Figure 38. Racial-Ethnic Composition of Students, by Region 100% 90% 80% 70% 2% 9% 6% 19% 2% 7% 14% 2% 22% 4% 2% 3% 3% 32% 18% 5% 7% 5% 4% 8% 11% 14% 12% Native American Asian/Pacific Islander 60% 50% 91% 18% Hispanic/ Latino 40% 30% 20% 64% 78% 75% 45% 68% 72% 73% Black/African American 10% White Non- Hispanic 0% Northeast East MidCentral South North MidCentral Southwest West Total Gen'l Pop Region 5-2

37 3. Not surprisingly, most students attend schools within Metropolitan Statistical Areas (as defined by the U.S. Census). Nonetheless there is some regional variation students living and attending school in the Northeast are more likely to reside in urban areas than students in other regions. Overall, 75 percent of all students from our survey attend schools within Metropolitan Statistical Areas, and 25 percent attend within nonmetropolitan areas. No variation was found between students and students with respect to urban versus non-urban location. Figure 39. Percentages of Students Attending HIM Programs in Rural and Urban Areas by Region Rural Urban Northeast East MidCentral 4% 21% 79% 96% South 34% 66% North MidCentral 30% 70% Southwest West 11% 25% 75% 89% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 5-3

38 Student Evaluation of Adequacy of Their HIM Programs 1. The majority (more than 60 percent) of students felt that their program provided adequate computer-related content. No significant differences were found between and students, with some variation across regions. Figure 40. My HIM Program Included Adequate Computer-Related Content. Northeast East MidCentral South Strongly Agree 40.3% 34.8% 38.0% Agree 24.7% 31.3% 31.7% North MidCentral 23.1% 38.0% Southwest West 27.2% 41.3% 31.5% 25.6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% % of Respondents Who Agreed or Strongly Agreed 2. Nearly 40 percent of students reported that their HIM program needed more emphasis on technology. No significant differences were found between and students, and there was little regional variation. Figure 41. My HIM Program Needed More Emphasis on Technology Strongly Agree Agree Northeast East MidCentral South 24.0% 16.6% 16.1% 20.2% 17.3% 23.4% North MidCentral Southwest West 9.2% 11.5% 15.2% 26.6% 26.2% 20.7% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% % of Respondents Who Agreed or Strongly Agreed 5-4

39 3. Almost 80 percent of students reported that their HIM program prepared them for the job market. No significant differences found between and students, and there was little regional variation. Figure 42. My HIM Program Prepared Me for the Job Market. Strongly Agree Agree Northeast 36.5% 35.1% East MidCentral 30.0% 44.4% South 33.5% 40.3% North MidCentral 36.1% 37.0% Southwest 44.3% 33.6% West 37.4% 39.6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% % of Respondents Who Agreed or Strongly Agreed 4. Less than half of students overall perceived their HIM program had provided adequate job placement help. A larger proportion of students agreed than did students. Strongest agreement was in the West. Figure 43. My HIM Program Provided Adequate Job Placement Help Strongly Agree Agree Northeast 17.1% 26.3% East MidCentral 18.8% 24.2% South 14.1% 30.2% North MidCentral 18.7% 25.2% Southwest 18.9% 18.9% West 20.0% 30.0% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% % of Respondents Who Agreed or Strongly Agreed 5-5

40 5. Less than half of students believed their HIM program provided appropriate employer recruitment, with some regional variation. Students were somewhat more satisfied in the West and less satisfied in the Southwest. students were significantly more likely to be satisfied than were students. Figure 44. My HIM Program Provided Appropriate Employer Recruitment Strongly Agree Agree Northeast East MidCentral South North MidCentral Southwest West 18.4% 16.9% 15.2% 15.1% 14.8% 16.5% 25.0% 24.7% 21.1% 21.7% 15.6% 30.8% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% % of Respondents Who Agreed or Strongly Agreed 5-6

41 Site for Professional Practice Experience 1. Regional variation could be seen in professional practice placement. Students in the Southwest were most likely to report that their program located their PPE site (51 percent) and students in the Northeast were least likely (34 percent). Students in the North MidCentral region were more likely to locate their PPE sites themselves (22 percent) compared with students in the West (14 percent). Students in the Northeast and West were more likely to report a joint effort between themselves and their program in locating a PPE site, and students in the Southwest were least likely to report a joint effort. Figure 45. Identification of Site of Student PPE by Region The Program A Joint Effort Myself Northeast 33.8% 46.8% 19.5% East MidCentral 47.8% 38.3% 13.9% South 43.4% 36.3% 20.3% North MidCentral 44.2% 33.6% 22.1% Southwest 51.2% 28.8% 20.0% West 44.7% 41.5% 13.8% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% % of Respondents 2. When further analyzed by differences between and students by region, students were more likely to identify their professional practice experience themselves than were students. There were also regional differences: s were most likely to have their program identify their PPE in the Southwest, and least likely in the Northeast. students were most likely to have their program identify their PPE site in the East MidCentral region and least likely within the Northeast. Moreover, regional differences 5-7

42 between and students were more pronounced within the Southwest and least pronounced within the East MidCentral region. 3. students were significantly more likely to have identified their PPE themselves, although regional variation was found here as well. students in the Northeast and the West were more likely to identify their own PPE site than students in the East MidCentral region. Moreover, regional differences between and students were more pronounced within the Northeast and least pronounced within the East MidCentral region. Fifure 46. Percentage of Students Who Identified their PPE Site By Program and Region Northeast East MidCentral South North MidCentral Southwest West 9.3% 13.3% 15.8% 14.7% 10.8% 19.3% 17.3% 26.2% 25.0% 30.0% 36.4% 43.5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 5-8

43 4. A significant percentage of the 353 respondents who looked for their own PPE placement reported it to be a difficult or very difficult experience (46 percent), followed by a moderate experience (40 percent) and relatively few found it to be an easy or very easy experience (13.3 percent). The greatest difficulty was found in the Southwest (53 percent difficult or very difficult), and the greatest ease was in the Northeast (27 percent easy or very easy). Figure 47. Rating of Ease of Finding Job Placement by Region Very Easy/Easy Moderate Very Difficult/Difficult Northeast 26.8% 24.4% 48.8% East MidCentral 12.1% 42.9% 45.1% South 12.6% 39.1% 48.3% North MidCentral 11.6% 39.5% 48.8% Southwest 10.9% 36.4% 52.7% West 8.3% 61.1% 30.6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 5-9

44 On-Line Courses 1. Nearly three out of four (74 percent) of all students surveyed reported taking no online courses. This compares to 48 percent of all programs that offered no online courses, based upon the HIM program director survey. As the majority of students reported taking no online courses, however, a regional analysis is presented below for those students who have taken at least one course online. The largest percentages of students taking 7 or more online courses were in the South and Northeast; the smallest percentages were in the West and East MidCentral. Figure 48. Percent of Students Taking Online Courses By Region 1-6 Courses 7 or More Courses Northeast 76.1% 23.9% East MidCentral 93.4% 6.6% South 76.6% 23.4% North MidCentral 94.6% 5.4% Southwest 84.2% 15.8% West 96.4% 3.6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% There was a significant positive correlation between students who had to find their own job placement and students taking online courses, a positive significant correlation between the number of online courses taken and having to find one s own job placement, and a positive significant correlation between students who had difficulty finding their own job placements and the number of online courses taken. Not surprisingly, programs that offer fewer online courses are significantly more likely to help students find PPE placement as opposed to requiring the student to find it. We attribute this to the inherent difficulty in finding placements for distance learning students. 5-10

45 Prior Degrees 1. The majority of students (80 percent) did not hold an Associate degree prior to enrollment in their HIM program, with some regional variation. Comparatively more students in the West held an Associate and fewer students in the Southwest and North MidCentral regions held one. No significant differences were found between and students. The majority of students (86 percent) did not hold a Bachelors degree prior to enrollment in their HIM program; the largest percentage located in the West and Southwest and the lowest percentage in the North MidCentral region. Breakouts for and students are presented in Section 2 of this report. Figure 49. Percentages of Students With Associate and Bachelors Degrees Prior to Enrolling in HIM Program by Region Associate Bachelors Northeast East MidCentral South North MidCentral 11.4% 12.0% 15.0% 14.9% 9.6% 13.9% 26.6% 24.2% Southwest West 11.1% 17.5% 16.5% 33.0% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 5-11

46 2. students were significantly more likely to possess a Bachelors degree prior to their HIM enrollment than were students (see below). Figure 50. Percentages of HIM Students Holding Bachelor's Degree Prior to HIM Enrollment by Program Type Yes 26% Yes 8% No 74% No 92% 3. The vast majority of students (98 percent) did not hold a graduate degree prior to enrollment in the HIM program, with no significant differences between and students. Numbers were too small to compare across regions. Plans to Pursue Higher Education 1. The vast majority of students report plans to pursue higher education (82 percent overall), with the highest percentage in the West (89%), and the lowest percentage in the North MidCentral (77%). Figure 51. Percentages of HIM Students Planning Further Education, by Region Northeast East MidCentral South North MidCentral Southwest West 87.5% 81.4% 77.6% 76.6% 86.4% 89.2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 5-12

47 2. students (88%) were somewhat more likely than students (78%) to report that they were planning to pursue more education after completion of their HIM program. Figure 52 Percentages of and Students Planning More Education by No 11.7% No 21.8% Yes 88.3% Yes 78.2% 3. The numbers and percentages of respondents planning further education are provided in the table below, with breakouts for type of program and region. Table 2 Plans for Further Education By Students About to Graduate By Program and Region Program Total REGION Planning Further Education? % # % # % # Northeast Yes 66.7% % % 49 No 8.3% 2 9.1% 5 8.9% 7 Not Sure 25.0% % % 23 East MidCentral Yes 71.2% % % 127 No 10.2% % % 29 Not Sure 18.6% % % 78 South Yes 68.9% % % 114 No 8.7% % % 33 Not Sure 22.3% % % 65 North MidCentral Yes 53.3% % % 49 No 10.0% % % 15 Not Sure 36.7% % % 51 Southwest Yes 59.1% % % 70 No 6.8% 3 9.8% 8 8.7% 11 Not Sure 34.1% % % 45 West Yes 72.7% % % 58 No 0.0% 8.2% 7 7.3% 7 Not Sure 27.3% % %

48 4. Respondents from the South and East MidCentral regions were more likely to indicate they would seek a graduate degree. Respondents from all other regions were more likely to indicate they would seek a bachelors degree. Figure 53 Additional Degrees Planned by Region Associate Bachelors Graduate Northeast East MidCentral South North MidCentral Southwest West 1.9% 2.0% 1.0% 0.0% 3.4% 3.5% 19.3% 44.2% 53.8% 49.7% 48.3% 59.3% 39.8% 32.3% 67.7% 42.0% 54.5% 77.2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 5-14

49 5. The degrees expected by students planning further education are provided in the table below with breakouts for type of program and region. Table 3 Degrees Expected By Students Planning Further Education By Program and Region Program REGION If Yes, Which Degree? Total Northeast Associate Degree 0.0% 2.6% 1.7% Bachelors Degree 0.0% 73.7% 48.3% Specialty Certificate 5.0% 7.9% 6.9% Masters Degree 85.0% 10.5% 36.2% Doctorate 10.0% 0.0% 3.4% Other 0.0% 5.3% 3.4% East MidCentral Associate Degree 0.0% 2.6% 1.9% Bachelors Degree 0.0% 62.1% 44.4% Specialty Certificate 4.3% 7.8% 6.8% Masters Degree 93.5% 25.9% 45.1% Doctorate 2.2% 0.0% 0.6% Other 0.0% 1.7% 1.2% South Associate Degree 1.3% 0.0% 0.7% Bachelors Degree 3.9% 79.3% 36.6% Specialty Certificate 5.3% 6.9% 6.0% Masters Degree 84.2% 13.8% 53.7% Doctorate 1.3% 0.0% 0.7% Other 3.9% 0.0% 2.2% North MidCentral Bachelors Degree 17.4% 80.0% 60.3% Specialty Certificate 0.0% 14.0% 9.6% Masters Degree 78.3% 2.0% 26.0% Doctorate 4.3% 2.0% 2.7% Other 0.0% 2.0% 1.4% Southwest Associate Degree 2.6% 3.3% 3.0% Bachelors Degree 0.0% 80.0% 48.5% Specialty Certificate 7.7% 8.3% 8.1% Masters Degree 89.7% 3.3% 37.4% Other 0.0% 5.0% 3.0% West Associate Degree 0.0% 3.4% 3.0% Bachelors Degree 0.0% 75.9% 65.7% Specialty Certificate 0.0% 13.8% 11.9% Masters Degree 77.8% 3.4% 13.4% Doctorate 11.1% 1.7% 3.0% Other 11.1% 1.7% 3.0% 5-15

50 6. Regional differences in field of study for those reporting an intention to pursue additional education are shown in the figure below. The largest percentages reported were for health information management, followed by health services administration and business administration. 80% Figure 54. Field of Study of Further Education by Region 60% 40% 3% 3% 3% 7% 5% 3% 4% 10% 15% 8% 5% 6% 13% 12% 21% 15% 10% 16% 1% 9% 9% 5% Health Informatics Info/Computer Science Business Administration 20% 44% 31% 17% 21% 40% 42% 37% Health Srvcs Admin Health Info Management 0% Northeast East MidCentral South North MidCentral Southwest West Region 7. The degrees expected by students planning further education are provided in the table on the next page with breakouts for type of program and region. students were significantly more likely to pursue Business Administration, Health Informatics, and Health Services Administration, while students were significantly more likely to pursue Health Information Management. 5-16

51 Table 4 Field of Study Expected By Students Planning Further Education By Program and Region Program REGION If Yes, In Which Field? Total Northeast Health Information Management 23.8% 55.3% 44.1% Business Administration 9.5% 2.6% 5.1% Health Informatics 14.3% 2.6% 6.8% Health Services Administration 19.0% 7.9% 11.9% Other 23.8% 7.9% 13.6% Not sure 9.5% 23.7% 18.6% East MidCentral Health Information Management 6.5% 39.7% 30.8% Business Administration 23.9% 9.5% 13.4% Information/Computer Science 2.2% 4.0% 3.5% Health Informatics 8.7% 4.0% 5.2% Health Services Administration 19.6% 14.3% 15.7% Other 15.2% 7.9% 9.9% Not sure 23.9% 20.6% 21.5% South Health Information Management 12.0% 30.6% 20.6% Business Administration 18.1% 23.6% 20.6% Information/Computer Science 10.8% 8.3% 9.7% Health Informatics 4.8% 0.0% 2.6% Health Services Administration 21.7% 11.1% 16.8% Other 12.0% 5.6% 9.0% Not sure 20.5% 20.8% 20.6% North MidCentral Health Information Management 20.8% 47.4% 39.5% Business Administration 37.5% 5.3% 14.8% Information/Computer Science 0.0% 3.5% 2.5% Health Informatics 0.0% 3.5% 2.5% Health Services Administration 16.7% 14.0% 14.8% Other 8.3% 8.8% 8.6% Not sure 16.7% 17.5% 17.3% Southwest Health Information Management 18.9% 55.4% 42.2% Business Administration 10.8% 3.1% 5.9% Information/Computer Science 10.8% 6.2% 7.8% Health Informatics 8.1% 0.0% 2.9% Health Services Administration 18.9% 4.6% 9.8% Other 16.2% 10.8% 12.7% Not sure 16.2% 20.0% 18.6% West Health Information Management 0.0% 43.1% 37.3% Business Administration 20.0% 7.7% 9.3% Information/Computer Science 0.0% 10.8% 9.3% Health Informatics 10.0% 0.0% 1.3% Health Services Administration 0.0% 6.2% 5.3% Other 50.0% 12.3% 17.3% Not sure 20.0% 20.0% 20.0% 5-17