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January 10, 2013

Gwinnett Tech Launches Certificate Program in Health Information Technology

Program is Part of HIT Education Partnership with Georgia Tech; Special Tuition Assistance for Veterans Available

Gwinnett Technical College is launching a one-year certificate program in Health Information Technology (HIT), training professionals for one of the fastest growing fields in the healthcare sector. The program also offers special funding in the form of tuition stipends for veterans, the underemployed and those unemployed.

New students will be admitted to the program each semester. The priority application date for Fall Semester 2013 is June 19. Classes begin August 19. For more information, email abryant@gwinnetttech.edu or call 678-226-6966.

Health information technology professionals are responsible for organizing and managing health information data and its secure exchange between all users. They also need to be able to discuss patient information and discrepancies with other professionals, such as physicians and insurance personnel. A fast-growing field, HIT is increasingly viewed as the most promising tool for improving the overall quality, safety and efficiency of the health delivery system.

This program is part of a HIT education partnership between Gwinnett Tech and Georgia Tech, stemming from a $1.65 million grant to boost job creation in the field. The curriculum will include coursework in those aspects of medicine and IT which equip students to build the information technology world that future medical professionals will need to effectively delivery health services. Examples of courses include Health Management Information Systems and Planning Management and Leadership for Health IT.

The program is particularly suited to those who already have some experience in either information technology or the healthcare industry. Gwinnett Tech program director Victoria Albee describes the ideal candidates for an HIT career, "People who enjoy change, can learn quickly and are excited about bringing their IT or medical experience to a different kind of environment, while still making a tremendous difference in the lives of people."

The Atlanta area is often referred to as the world capital of Health Information Technology. The Georgia-based HIT sector employs some 15,000 people in the state and the sector's primary businesses are growing at a 40 percent rate, reports the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

As the health industry continues to advance, health information professionals can expect to be in high demand to successfully navigate patient data and healthcare research. Approximately 12,000 to 50,000 new jobs are anticipated by 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

GTC also offers an associate degree in Health Information Technology.

In all, Gwinnett Tech offers more than 45 degree, diploma and certificate student options that students can finish in two years or less. For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.

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About Gwinnett Tech
Gwinnett Technical College, one of Georgia's largest technical colleges, is committed to delivering relevant knowledge to meet the workforce training needs of its community. The college offers more than 50 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs and hundreds of seminars, workshops and courses providing specialized training. GTC is Gwinnett County's largest provider of corporate training and now serves residents and businesses in north Fulton County. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097,404-679-4500, www.sacscoc.org for questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College. For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu.

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.