Craven CC Health Information Technology (HIT) student Brooke Priestley was featured in the Student Spotlight of this month’s North Carolina Health Information Management Association (NCHIMA) newsletter. Read the excerpt below:
Student Spotlight
Student name: Brooke Priestley
School/Program: Craven Community College
Program Director: Crystal Smith, B.S., RHIT
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2021
GPA: 3.875
What initially drew you to this particular profession?
I was drawn to this program because I have always wanted to work in the healthcare industry. The HIT program allows me to work in the medical field, but on the administrative side of the spectrum. The world relies heavily on healthcare services and I want to be able to say I was able to make an impact in the healthcare community.
What are your future plans?
My plan is to attend Eastern Carolina University to finish my bachelor’s in health information management, while going to school I want to work in an outpatient facility for the HIM department.
How did you decide this field was a good fit for you?
This field is a good fit for me because it presents many opportunities for improving the quality of patient care.
What advice would you present to those considering entering the HIM profession?
I would advise people that attention to detail is a crucial skill needed in this field because when errors occur in a medical record it can negatively impact patient safety, and a breach in patient data security could be detrimental to a healthcare organization’s reputation.
How does your AHIMA membership affect you and your career goals?
My AHIMA membership has helped by providing access to a variety of information and offers a discount on my first credential. Once I graduate, I will be able to use my membership to help me find my next job with early access to postings.
View the newsletter or visit the NCHIMA website to learn more.