Software Training Specialist, eClinicalWorks

“The knowledge gained and the network of supportive peers, mentors and instructors have been instrumental in my professional development. I am so immensely grateful for the HIHIT Program. I am excited to leverage this knowledge in the healthcare industry and contribute to improved patient care and data-driven solutions.”

Associate Consultant, Innova Group

“Throughout my time as an undergraduate public health student, I was always open-minded as to where my major might lead me. I knew I wanted to stay in the realm of public health, but I had no interest in exploring it in a clinical setting. A combination of jobs, courses, and experiences in undergrad led me to become increasingly concerned about and frustrated by the lack of effective technology in the world of health. When a professor directed me toward HIHIT, I jumped at the opportunity.

The program completely exceeded my expectations. I found myself feeding off the eagerness to teach and learn from my professors and peers respectively. I learned big-picture thinking about health systems, health policy, and project management while simultaneously learning meticulous skills in SQL, Tableau, and Excel. The program not only gave me a broad and strong foundation of knowledge about health IT but also provided me with a toolkit for professional development. I left the program with networking skills and a newfound confidence I could never have imagined. I truly believe doing HIHIT is one of the best choices I have ever made!”

Strategic Account Manager, eClinicalworks

“Doing the HIHIT certification through UT is one of the best decisions I have made. Going in I was nervous and not sure where this path was going to lead me. I am from a clinical background, so the IT world seemed daunting at first however the instructors in this program made me feel very comfortable with the information and were always available to help me with my many questions. Amanda and Erin helped me gain the confidence I lacked in job interviews and professional settings. The entire faculty were so helpful and is one of the main things that make this certification program the best! HIHIT went above and beyond any expectations I had going in. Upon graduating, I felt assured that I was going to find a job and my career was about to take a big turn. Thankfully I was offered a position shortly after graduation. If you are thinking about going into the health IT world, you will not find a better program than this one!”

Application Analyst, UT Southwestern 

“The HIHIT program truly helped transform my life and was instrumental in helping me kickstart my career in the healthcare industry. From the initial interview process all the way through graduation, and even beyond, I always felt like the staff and faculty took genuine interest in my success and were always available when I reached out for help. The curriculum provides great insight into the current state of healthcare and where things are trending, which helped me understand and prepare for finding my role in the industry. Additionally, the practical labs gave valuable hands on experience in developing the necessary technical skills for a variety of different programs used in healthcare. The time dedicated to professional development was not something I expected going into the program but turned out to be vital in actually landing a job by teaching me how to network, build a resume, and of course practice and prepare for interviews. Beyond the amazing faculty they also set me up with a mentor who was a previous HIHIT alum who imparted a lot of great advice and wisdom on a more personal level. Overall, I would say going through this 9 week program was immensely helpful in starting my career in health IT and would definitely recommend it to anyone else looking to do the same.”

Application Analyst, UT Southwestern

“The HIHIT team gives you absolutely everything you need to not only be successful in the program but also after graduation when you start your new career in Health IT. Once I completed the program, I felt completely prepared and knew that I had the knowledge and tools to do well in whatever position I was applying for because of the intense courses, labs, and professional development. All of these resources that they provide were incredibly useful and essential to succeed. I’d strongly recommend future students make the most out of their experience in this program because it is truly an amazing one!”

Associate Epic Grand Central Analyst, AdventHealth

“As someone who’s worked in different healthcare fields, the HIHIT program is an excellent way to pivot into a tech career. This program really showed me just how big Health IT already is and how much its growing in today’s healthcare environments.”

Senior Project Associate, Athenahealth 

“HIHIT gave me the tools to pursue the career change I was longing for. I was able to transition smoothly into the health IT field with all the resources I was equipped with by attending the HIHIT program. No one believed in me more than the team did and I am so grateful Paz, the colleague who referred me.”

IS Clinical Application Specialist, Baylor Scott & White Health 

“I didn’t know what to expect when I decided to apply for the HIHIT program but I’m so glad I took that chance. Everyone in the faculty was just amazing and genuinely willing to make sure that I understood the topic and materials. Dr. Nauert and Bob were awesome professors and gave great insight in the realm of healthcare and technology. Erin and Amanda are absolutely amazing and were always available to provide help. I was excited for morning brew every day before class. The professional development portion really gave me the knowledge and experience to ace my interviews. I believe that without the advice from Erin and Amanda, I would have never landed the role I’m currently in. The chance to be part of the HIHIT program allowed me to find lifelong friends and the amazing opportunity to be part of the HIHIT Alumni network. Even though this program is only 9 weeks, the 9 weeks I spent online with my classmates and the faculty really shaped my future trajectory and allowed me to grow as a young professional!”

IS Application Specialist, Baylor Scott & White Health

“I found my way to this program right after graduating undergrad with a Biology degree. When I started college, I initially wanted to study medicine as a physician, but at the end of my junior year, I made a decision that practicing medicine was not the right path for me. I coincidentally took a genomic data visualization class that completely shifted my interests towards the data/IT side of healthcare and science. After graduating Baylor, one of my advisors recommended the UT HIHIT program, which I was previously unaware of. After doing some research on the program, I was shocked when reading how applicable and relevant the program was to my career interests. I signed up for the Fall 2021 semester without hesitation.

The career transformation that happened for me during this program is due to the amazing staff that actively works with each student the entire semester. Going through the fall semester is one of my most valued experiences because I was able to learn under some great people involved with the program. While there is a lot of work that’s required, it never feels over cumbersome due to the support that the staff give you the entire time. The staff are readily available to meet at hours on end. Their willingness and availability to help was a major factor in my success during my time there. The material they teach is also incredibly relevant and insightful for the health IT and informatics field. The knowledge you get from this program will constantly be referenced and even required in the jobs that you apply for. 

Another major benefit I got from this program was the ability to meet some amazing people. From the staff, to my classmates, to the alumni network that we had access to from week 1. These people were the reason that the hours that I spent on the program that fall never felt overwhelming. In the HIHIT program – everyone is in it together, which creates a great environment for the students.

I am now working with Baylor Scott & White Health as an application specialist (a role I found through the program). I could not have seen myself in this role when I first started the program, but receiving help and guidance from all of the staff gave me the confidence I needed to align with my current position. I am incredibly indebted to this program for giving me everything that it has. I could not recommend this program enough to anyone out there even remotely interested in the field of health IT. This program is truly one of a kind, and doing things that very important people are noticing! I had a conversation with a Sr VP at Baylor Scott & White, and he mentioned how impressed he is with the students that come out of HIHIT and all of the knowledge they have. If you are looking for a career in Health Informatics and Health IT, this program is undoubtedly the right move.” 

Program Analyst, OZ Systems

“When I began college at the University of Texas at Austin as a premed student, I was very certain after graduation I was going to attend medical school. However, after a couple years into my degree, I realized the med school track was not for me. This left me slowly approaching graduation, certain that I wanted to work within healthcare, but entirely uncertain in what capacity. I knew enjoyed data analytics and healthcare and wanted a career that could merge my two interests but had no idea where to begin. That’s when I remembered a flyer I had received from a career fair a year prior about the HIHIT program. A certificate in Health Informatics and Information Technology seemed like the perfect answer to my dilemma and I decided to take a leap of faith and apply for the Summer 2021 cohort. 

Joining the HIHIT program was the best decision I have made in my college career to date and the experience has given me the knowledge and resources I needed to truly step into the health informatics field. From the excellent professors and classes to the incomparable professional development resources from Erin and Amanda, I was able to truly thrive in a field that I did not even know existed prior. Through the program I gained valuable knowledge regarding project management and the business side of healthcare as well as technical skills in Excel, SQL and Tableau. Further, I began the program very unsure of my interview skills and with Erin and Amanda’s help I was able to really break out of my shell and gain the confidence I needed to nail the job application interview process. Finally, the program really allowed me to bond with the peers in my cohort and gave me the opportunity to gain a community of like-minded individuals that now truly feel like a family.

Through the HIHIT program I have both grown in terms of my education as well as a person and I can fully see myself using the skills I have gained through the experience in my future professional endeavors. Not to mention, I was offered a job straight out of the program, so I really cannot recommend the HIHIT certificate enough! Overall, the program was truly an amazing experience and has allowed me to jumpstart my career in a field that I genuinely love and I am excited to see how HIHIT impacts others for years to come!”

Customer Success Associate, Luminare Inc.

“Choosing to attend the HIHIT program was one of the best decisions I have made and has played an immense part in my ability to obtain a professional role in this field. The professors and faculty did an excellent job informing and educating me on the various topics of the Health IT space, which I truly believe gave me an edge when entering into the workforce. The professional development team was also exceptionally helpful in preparing me for interviews and supporting me throughout the application process. Before entering the program, I had very minimal experience in the Health IT field but was able to acquire a full-time position and excel in it thanks to the guidance from the HIHIT program. I would strongly recommend the HIHIT program to anyone that is eager to have a career in this field and succeed in it!”

Clinical Solutions Architect, Babylon

“As a registered nurse, I never considered myself “techy.” While I was an Emergency Department nurse in the pandemic, I began to appreciate the symbiotic relationship between healthcare and technology. As I transitioned into a Family Nurse Practitioner student, I started to peer beyond the brink of the EHR. I found myself wondering who was on the other side of my charting. I questioned whether this invisible entity could help bridge the gap between the patients I saw and my desire to give the best care possible.

 I followed my feet into the HIHIT program, genuinely unsure of what I would learn. Ultimately, I hoped to acquire the skills necessary to work on healing the healthcare system. During HIHIT, I learned many technical skills. Yet, more importantly, I began to grasp the depth of the problems that surround healthcare. HIHIT did not shy away from discussing the daunting issues that plague the system. Instead, the program welcomed innovative and collaborative dialogue that fostered potential solutions. These discussions renewed my love for medicine, and I found hope.

I graduated HIHIT invigorated, equipped with the knowledge it takes to make a difference. Now, I wake up each day feeling like I have the power to impact current clinical practice. My only fundamental limitation is my imagination. While I will always love helping people individually, it is exceptional to be able to devote my work to the design of a better healthcare system. HIHIT did much more than give me nine weeks of education. It empowered me to steer the future of healthcare.” 

Ambulatory Consultant I, Cerner

“When I graduated from UT Austin in May of 2020, I was extremely nervous about my future. It was the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I had hopes of going into hospital administration. Unfortunately, most hospitals and health care delivery centers put a hiring freeze on administrative personnel, as they had much more pressing matters to deal with. Knowing that it was probably going to be a while before anyone started hiring again, I decided the best use of my time would be to grow my skills and to learn more about the industry. For months, I searched for programs that would “scratch this itch,” and finally came across HIHIT, placing me right back home at my alma mater. 

This program gave me all the tools I needed to succeed, and allowed me to land a consulting position at Cerner not long after instruction ended. Keep in mind, I had zero previous experience with consulting, working in healthcare, or health IT in general. But because of HIHIT, I was able to speak with my interviewers knowledgeably about project management, revenue cycle management, SQL databases, and operational models of healthcare systems. The interviewers were genuinely impressed with everything I had learned and verbally mentioned “I wish I had a program like that when I was starting my career.” This program has truly given me a leg up in the industry, and I feel confident that I will be able to succeed anywhere across the health IT spectrum.

My overall favorite aspect of HIHIT, though, were the people that I met! I felt completely supported by the staff, and I knew that I could go to them for anything if I needed help. They truly want to see each-and-every student succeed and have a fulfilling career. My classmates were also a major part of my success, and I’m confident in saying that I have made some lifelong friendships through this program. 

In summary, enrolling in this program will give you valuable knowledge about the industry, hands on experience with SQL/various EHR softwares, and a large support network of staff and alumni who want to help you succeed. I cannot recommend HIHIT enough!”

Project Manager/Clinical Transformation Specialist, Ascension

“I have worked in healthcare as an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years. Prior to entering the Health Informatics and Health Information Technology program at the UT McCombs School of Business, I had considered transitioning away from direct patient care but was not sure how to go about it. In August of 2020, I was informed that the company I worked for was being sold and the clinic where I worked would close. I found myself at a crossroads. That is when I came across the HIHIT program. 

I have always had an interest in technology and using technology has been a part of my job for most of my healthcare career. When I came across the HIHIT program, I thought it was a great marriage of my interest in technology and my interest in healthcare. I saw the HIHIT program as a great opportunity to use technology to continue to try and make a difference in people’s lives.

Getting my HIHIT certification was one of the best decisions of my life. I believe it was instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of transitioning away from direct patient care to start a career in health information technology as an Academy Consultant. Professor Ligon and Dr. Nauert were great and always willing to answer questions. Amanda and Erin made it clear they were there to help us succeed. I don’t think I would be in my current position without all their help and encouragement!”

Consultant, Cerner

“When I first started college, my end goal was physical therapy school. However, throughout my collegiate career, I had the opportunity to learn about various career paths that I previously knew nothing about. Because of this exposure, especially within the broadcasting industry, my aspirations shifted. I developed my passion for broadcasting after joining and working in student radio, which eventually led me to working at a local radio station where I was able to cultivate my creative side. 

However, broadcasting, like many other industries, was severely affected because of the pandemic. Now that the job outlook in the entertainment industry was bleak, I had to reconsider my options. It was a scary time to enter the job market, but because of my pre-physical therapy track, I had a strong healthcare background that I could leverage in my job search. I never imagined that I would become a consultant for a health technology company, but I was able to find the perfect place that integrates my pre-physical therapy background and the knowledge I learned from the HIHIT program. I am honored to be a part of the driving force that will work towards the advancement of technology in the healthcare field.

The HIHIT program checked off all the boxes on the list of what I was seeking in an academic program. I was able to curate a well-balanced skill set through learning in program areas including healthcare, technology, project management, and professional development. Not only was I able to become versed in health informatics and health IT, but I was able to further grow as a professional. The faculty and staff genuinely care about helping their students succeed by going above and beyond to provide resources and mentorship for students to achieve their goals. I’m incredibly that I had the opportunity to participate in a program where I was able to learn, network, and form lasting friendships.”

Technical Support Engineer, Lyniate

“Like most people, I entered the new year with several goals that I wanted to achieve both personally and professionally. By March, things were not looking the way I had envisioned. I lost my well-paid internship due to COVID-19 lay-offs, and I had no backup plan. Almost immediately after this unfortunate event, I learned about the UT HIHIT program. Although I trusted the quality of education that came from my alma mater, I was still a bit skeptical that in just 9 weeks I could attain the skills needed to land a job in a new career field. I was desperate, so I applied with an open mind.

After just the first day, I knew that I had made a great decision. Not only were the professors and coordinators knowledgeable and encouraging, but they held us to such high standards that failure was simply not an option. I was pleasantly surprised by the intensity and rigor of the classes and accompanying assignments. I was constantly challenged, but always had access to help whether it be from my peers, professors, or new found professional network. By the end of the program, I had made lasting relationships with my mentor, classmates, guest speakers, and program coordinators. Most importantly, I was well equipped to interview with an amazing company that offered me a job less than two weeks after graduation. The Health Informatics program allowed me to reach the goals I thought would be impossible to achieve given the setbacks I encountered. I am so grateful that I have been able to dive head first into a career field that is experiencing continuous growth despite the challenges of the pandemic.”

Chief Medical Officer Emeritus, Director of Clinical Innovation, Research & Development, Medcor, Inc. 

“Raw data is the stuff of stories waiting to be told.  In the University of Texas McCombs Health Informatics and Information Technology (HIHIT) program you will learn to tell those stories.

Data are just data.  Data are without meaning until transformed into actionable information. 

Telling data’s story is not easy.  Data must first be collected, for example from an electronic health record or from any of the innumerable available databases.  In some cases, you must build those databases.  The data must be cleansed, structured and organized into usable forms. The data must then be skillfully interpreted using analytics tools such as Excel and SQL.  And finally, presented in a revealing, captivating way through a presentation tool like Tableau.  Developing the stories within data is not simple, nor is it easy.  Formulating information, knowledge and perhaps even wisdom from data is often a complex project that requires project management thinking and skills.

Only when you have learned all of these skills — skills you will master in the HIHIT program — are you able to tell the stories within data applicable to healthcare policy, technology and medical practice.”

Integration Project Manager, eClinicalWorks

“When you have a passion for a certain field but don’t know where you fit in career-wise, it can be a very stressful and uneasy feeling to battle. This was my exact situation as I was finishing up a bachelor’s in Health Sciences and Psychology. I loved what I was learning but did not know where I could apply these specific strengths. I wanted to find a career where I could use my people and organizational skills while making an impact on the world of healthcare. I had heard great things about this program from friends but was worried about it being switched to an online format during the pandemic because I was concerned that I would not be able to receive all of the benefits that others had gained such as connections and internship opportunities. But I decided to take the leap so that I could strengthen my skill set and see if the health technology field was right for me.  

And I am so glad I did! This program gave me experience in SQL and various EHR software and it taught me more about core concepts of the Health IT field, all of which I truly feel has helped prepare me for my current role at eClinicalWorks as a Software Training Specialist. Not only did this program provide valuable skills, but it also helped me gain a great community! Since completing this program, I have met several people from the HIHIT program in just my company alone! In 9 weeks, the professors and staff made sure to provide advantageous HIHIT knowledge, EHR software experience, and help us make several connections with industry leaders. This program also showed me how many non-clinical jobs there are in the Health field where I felt my strengths could be useful. And that’s what I love most about this field, whether you enjoy talking to people or working behind the scenes, there is a role for you! As someone who did not have much interview experience, I can honestly say that by the end of this program I felt well prepared. Erin and Amanda made sure to help with interview skills and resume prep so that every student felt confident about the interview process. 

Although the courses and online format may sound daunting, the professors and staff make the entire process seamless! They make sure to pay attention to every single student and definitely want you to succeed! As several others have mentioned, my absolute favorite part of this program was all of the people I have met and continue to meet! If you are passionate about the healthcare field but are unsure where you might fit in, I cannot recommend UT’s HIHIT program enough! This program gave me all of the tools I needed to land my first role at a company I love so much and I can’t thank this program enough!”

IT Integration Analyst, Caravan Health

“When I first decided that medical school wasn’t for me, I was panicked. I was a second-semester college senior and I’d spent most of college and high school preparing for a medical career. At that point, I had no idea what career paths were available to me or what my future was going to look like.

I had some knowledge about what happened in a doctor’s office, but I had little knowledge about the behind-the-scenes occurrences of healthcare or information technology. When I found out about the HIHIT program, it seemed too good to be true. I couldn’t believe that within a 9-week program, I could learn enough about healthcare technology and the healthcare industry to pursue a career in it; I wondered if most alumni had Health IT experience prior to participating in the program. 

I found that while some of the students in my cohort had healthcare experience, many, like me, were moving in a new direction. Through collaboration with the rest of the cohort, and with the help of the amazing HIHIT program faculty and staff, I learned about Data Analytics, Healthcare Systems, Interoperability, Project Management, Healthcare Policy, and more. This broad focus on all parts of the healthcare industry, from government involvement to private hospitals to technological advancements to individual patients, expanded my understanding of the complex healthcare structure in the US. Hearing from guest speakers and former graduates of the Health IT program helped me understand career paths within the healthcare industry. The fantastic professional skills coaching helped me review my resume, practice my interview skills, and prepare for the first steps into a Health IT career. All these elements of the HIHIT program allowed me to apply for Health IT jobs with confidence and awareness of my future role in the wider system.  

About a month after the Summer 2020 program ended, I began working at a company with a great culture and opportunities to learn even more about Health IT. I will always be thankful to the HIHIT program for equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and excitement I needed to make the leap into a new direction.”

Account Specialist, VRL Eurofins

“In May 2020, I had just graduated and changed my plans to not pursue pharmacy school being a pre-pharmacy student throughout my whole undergraduate career. Unsure of what to do and panicking about not having a plan, my friend recommended I join with her the Health Informatics and Information Technology program offered by UT Austin. At first, I was hesitant looking at the website; I wondered how this program could set students up for success with lifelong careers. However, I had nothing to lose by joining this program. I was interested in learning more about health informatics and IT and how technology plays a vital role in the healthcare industry. And I would be able to expand my skillset as a professional. Thus, I wanted to give it a go.  

On the first day when we were doing introductions, I already felt a sense of community (hence being virtual)! I genuinely loved hearing everyone’s story, where they were from, and why they joined this program. I knew just from the first day that I had made the right choice by joining. This program was intense fitting the curriculum in just 9 weeks. However, Professor Bob, Professor Nauert, Amanda, Erin, and Alison made it possible.  We had lectures, discussions, projects, presentations and guest speakers. We learned everything from Health Informatics and Healthcare Analytics to Project Management to Interoperability and to Professional Career Development. This program not only taught us the skills in Informatics and IT for the healthcare industry but also taught us skills in professional development such as resume and cover letter critiques and mock interviews.  

I would recommend this program to anyone who is unsure of what their next step in life is. This program is the perfect place to start for that next step. Thank you to Professor Bob, Professor Nauert, Erin, Amanda, and Alison for your hard work and dedication to help your students become successful!”

Enterprise Account Manager, Oracle

“When the pandemic hit in 2020, I was a junior at UT with a very unprecedented summer ahead of me. With internship opportunities up in the air, I knew that I wanted to do something during that time that would help me grow my skills as a future professional. Little did I know that those 9 weeks would be some of the most transformative of my college career! My major at UT is Biology and Business, so while I knew I wanted to do the business-side of healthcare, I really had no idea the scope of careers that could come from that.  

When joining HIHIT as an incoming senior, I loved the fact that everyone I met came from a different background, industry, and job. I was able to learn so much from my group members and classmates. It was cool to be able to connect with someone who has been in the healthcare industry for 20 years, and someone else who had graduated a year ago. All these different experiences helped me shape what I wanted to search for in my future career. The professors also did a great job of making all the coursework relevant and impactful. They helped me feel confident enough in my knowledge of the healthcare industry to reach out to industry professionals and have insightful conversations about the future of healthcare. With the help of Erin and Amanda, I also expanded my professional skills to create meaningful connections and showcase my strengths in interviews. 

As a senior going into my job recruiting season, I felt so prepared to take on any interview process that came my way. Industry professionals who spoke to us through the program helped me navigate what kind of roles I would want in a company and inspired me to see the big picture of what I would want my career trajectory to look like. Throughout my senior year, I have kept up my network connections and have had a head-start on pursuing my dream career in healthcare. I look forward to graduating and beginning my career, and am excited to see how HIHIT impacts the careers of so many others!”

Quality Engineer, Stryker

“As a rising undergraduate senior, HIHIT was a very valuable program to a be a part of. Because health IT is rapidly growing, I felt that the program would both compliment my degree in engineering and also open up my career options to an entirely new field. Although I wouldn’t start looking for career options with the program until after graduation, HIHIT gave me the opportunity to learn relevant technical and professional skills to get a head start in the field. I also found that I was able to use many of these skills (SQL, Excel, Tableau, interviewing, resume building) in projects/work throughout my senior year.

I felt that I learned a lot from the program due to the (many) opportunities we had to do hands on work. I loved that we got to apply the theory learned in class to actual, real world examples and tasks. These involved technical assignments, projects/presentations, group work, networking with industry professionals, and the practicum experience. Overall, I was able to learn so much from my classes and peers. I look forward to a future working with health IT and am excited to see how the growing field takes on the world!”