UW-Parkside and Wisconsin Technical College System Announce transfer agreement for Health Information...

Published: November 25, 2024

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) colleges have forged a new articulation agreement designed to facilitate a smooth transition for graduates from any WTCS institution into UW-Parkside's online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology (HIMT) from WTCS' Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology (HIT) program.

The agreement, tailored to support learners from across the state, is designed to offer students the flexibility to continue their education remotely while building upon the academic foundation achieved at any institution in the Wisconsin Technical College System.

The purpose of this program-to-program transfer agreement is to provide a seamless transfer opportunity for learners in the Wisconsin Technical College System who want to continue their education at UW-Parkside. Through the collaborative efforts of faculty, student services, and administration, learners will encounter a clear and supportive path at Parkside to reach their educational goals.

Students who successfully complete the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Technology (HIT) at a WTCS college and who meet the admission requirements of UW-Parkside will be admitted to the Health Information Management & Technology program with up to 64 credits toward a Bachelor of Science degree. UW-Parkside and WTCS institutions will provide dedicated academic advising to learners inquiring about UW-Parkside programs. Learners will be connected with a UW-Parkside advisor prior to transfer.

The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics & Information Management Education (CAHIIM)-accredited HIMT degree completion program provides the opportunity for students to learn and demonstrate essential skills in both health information management and technology. The program prepares students to sit for AHIMA's credentialing exam and become experts in RHIA skills that are rapidly growing in demand. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, the HIMT field is projected to see 8 percent growth from 2019 to 2029.

The agreement between UW-Parkside and the WTCS colleges signifies a collaborative effort between faculty, student services, and administration from both institutions to ensure a seamless transfer process for students.

Dr. Lynn Akey, Chancellor of UW-Parkside, expressed enthusiasm about extending educational access through this new agreement. "This agreement not only reflects our commitment to providing access to higher education for students across Wisconsin but also underscores UW-Parkside's dedication to being especially transfer-friendly," said Akey. "This partnership with the Wisconsin Technical College System not only amplifies the impact of UW-Parkside but also empowers learners to seamlessly transition into a program that prepares them for rewarding careers in health information management. We are excited to offer this opportunity to students who are eager to enhance their education and professional prospects."

"The Wisconsin Technical College System's 16 colleges aim to enhance educational access for all students through collaborative agreements like this," said Layla Merrifield, WTCS president. "With the high demand for health care professionals across the state, students and employers will continue to demand better, more seamless pathways to higher education credentials to fill critical roles."

Visit the UW-Parkside transfer guide page or the HIMT program page for more information.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside, 900 Wood Road, Kenosha, Wis., is committed to high-quality educational programs, creative and scholarly activities, and services responsive to its diverse student population, and its local, national, and global communities. We are a dynamic learning community grounded in academic excellence and focused on student success, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. The campus serves as a premier comprehensive public institution and a destination of choice, serving as a focal point of local, regional, and global progress.

The Wisconsin Technical College System's (WTCS) 16 colleges offer more than 500 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas, short-term technical diplomas and certificates. The System is the major provider of customized instruction and technical assistance for Wisconsin employers. With more than 284,000 people enrolling in a technical college each year, it is the largest higher education system in the state.

Media contact:

Scott Rudie
Executive Director of Communication and Marketing
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
[email protected] | (262) 300-9549