Future Students
Hometown: New Bavaria, Ohio
Major: Health Information Management and Systems
Minor: Integrative Approaches to Health and Wellness
Class of 2021
Fun Fact: I was crowned Henry County’s 2019 Tomato Festival Queen, and won an amazing academic scholarship.
Career Pathway: I plan to start looking for jobs the last semester of my senior year. I can not wait to go into the workforce and continue my education in the healthcare field.
Why did you choose your major?
I took a test in high school that brought up the potential career path of healthcare administration. So, I decided to do some research on the major. My research led me to Ohio State’s Health Information Management and Systems (HIMS) major. I think this major is perfect for my career, as I feel like I am being prepared for any aspect of an HIM career. Ohio State’s program covers coding, reimbursement, management, privacy and so much more. And of course, the program prepares you for the RHIA exam which is a great credential that many employers require once you start looking for future jobs.
What advice would you give future student planning to pursue this major?
My advice to future students is to not give up. The prerequisites for this program are challenging, but they are truly prepping you for once you are in the program. Also, there are many activities outside of academics that can help you in your career goals. I am involved in Central Ohio’s chapter of HFM (healthcare financial management association) which has so many benefits to help build skills for the future, and the cost for a student membership is affordable and worth it.
Also, I want future students to know that this program is preparing you for the future. I love that our professors give us real-world scenarios to do for homework and projects. Also, we have had hands-on experience with some applications such as excel, SQL, and coding which is such a great experience to have when applying to potential jobs.
What has been the most helpful resource(s) or support to you at Ohio State?
One of the best resources at Ohio State’s Campus are the libraries. The Thompson Library is one that many know as it is so large in scale, but the Health Sciences Library in Prior Hall is great for healthcare students. You can rent books and anatomy parts to study, and even reserve study rooms for you and your friends. Also, advisors are wonderful resources for whenever you have questions about a major, minor or what classes to schedule. So, don’t be afraid to go ahead a reach out to your advisor, that's what they are there for! Advisors want to help you achieve your academic goals. The overall faculty are great resources too, they want to see you succeed; so if you have any questions about academics or the future, do not be afraid to ask. Networking and talking with faculty could help lead you to new opportunities.
What are you doing as a student at Ohio State that you never imagined you’d be doing?
I am becoming ready for the real world. Throughout my college career, I can truly say that I feel ready to enter my profession. My program, professors, and courses have all helped me prep for the future. Also, I never thought I would be a student ambassador for Ohio State, but here I am! I get to engaged with potential and future students about what makes Ohio State the right choice and how the HIMS program is a great fit for those that love healthcare but want to be more on the business side of things.
Do you feel prepared for the future of your profession?
I feel 100% prepared for my future profession. Through all the real-life projects and hands-on work with healthcare applications, I can genuinely say I feel ready. Also, in your senior year of the HIMS program, you are to go on and do a professional practice experience (PPE). Which basically is a glimpse of what working in a desired healthcare area after college will look like. Again, you are gaining hands-on experience from your PPE and it’s a great item to add to your resume too!
What does “The future of healthcare begins here” mean to you?
To me, this says so much. If you are looking to change the world of healthcare and work continuously to improve it, then starting your education at The Ohio State University is the first step in doing so. As the future of healthcare starts with the young professionals sitting through their courses in Atwell Hall.