Fast-Track Program in Health Information Management Propels 2004 Outstanding Graduate

When Tom Falen became the undergraduate program director of the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM) program two years ago, his vision was to increase enrollment by changing the way the program was offered.

Falen’s plan would include targeting students who had already earned an associate’s degree in HIM and had a head start in understanding the field and work place, while developing a curriculum to “fast track” these students to their bachelor’s degree.

The ideal candidate for the program would be a highly motivated student, currently employed in the field, with a desire to move up in the profession -- a candidate like Lisa Libby.

Libby had already earned her associate’s degree and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Certified Coding Specialist credentials and had risen to a senior coder position at Central Florida Regional Hospital (CFRH), all in just two years.

Her desire to continue excelling led her to enroll at UCF to pursue a bachelor’s degree in HIM, which would help her earn a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential. After only one year and one summer as a full-time student, Libby completed her bachelor’s degree, while pursuing a full-time coding career, bringing her goal and Falen’s vision to life.

According to Falen, “Good things always start with one. Lisa Libby was the first one [to complete the fast-track program]!”

Libby’s 3.8 GPA, straight A’s in all HIM courses, hard work and positive attitude were recognized this summer as she was named the 2004 Outstanding UCF Health Information Management Graduate. She was also named the 2004 Outstanding HIM student at the Florida Health Information Management Association (FHIMA) 2004 Annual Convention, July 12-15 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando.

Libby is currently pursuing her RHIA credential. In her position at the hospital, she is working on quality improvement programs, as well as developing best practices for patient care. Falen says she exudes enthusiasm in both the classroom and workplace, and he is sure she is going to continue doing great things.

“Sometimes we don’t understand that a student’s success is all our success,” said Falen. “For Lisa, her success lies in her bachelor’s degree. But her success helped me establish a new curriculum and offers CFRH a more qualified employee.”

In the future, Falen would like to see this fast-track program capture students throughout the state. He is also interested in raising the level of professionalism and education in the field.

“This program gave me an opportunity to work with people in the community who are already doing what I want to do and to learn from their experiences,” said Libby. “The department is very flexible and fully interested in a student’s professional development, and that support and awareness helps students succeed.”

Lisa Libby was already halfway there, and a little help from UCF and Tom Falen’s vision helped guide her toward her goal.