BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Partners with TN HIMSS and Belmont University to bring HIT Workforce Education to Chattanooga Region

The Tennessee HIMSS Chapter and the Center for Executive Education at Belmont University will partner with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to bring a 14-week certification program to healthcare information technology (HIT) professionals in the Chattanooga region.

“The program is consistent with our commitment to community service, which extends beyond our role as a healthcare company to make a positive impact on the communities we serve,” said Nick Coussoule, senior vice president and chief information officer of BlueCross. “Healthcare information technology professionals in Chattanooga will learn the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and meet the requirements of emerging positions.”

Designed for healthcare professionals of all levels, backgrounds and careers, the workforce accelerator program teaches students how the blending of healthcare and IT can affect care outcomes, the future of healthcare and business processes in healthcare. With educational opportunities in the healthcare provider, payer and vendor settings led by HIT professionals, students experience real-life challenges and determine best practices to bring into their careers.

“I immediately applied the concepts and lessons I learned,” said Taylor Robinson, a BlueCross employee who graduated from the program in spring 2017. “With the constantly evolving technology being used by the healthcare industry, it was important to improve my skills to remain competitive in my field.”
“Tennessee remains at the forefront of the healthcare industry and is well positioned to be America’s HIT hub,” said Tod Fetherling, CEO of Perception Health and VP of Workforce Development at TN HIMSS. “All regions of Tennessee and sectors of healthcare should work together to accelerate the adoption of technology to improve care in our communities.”

The accelerator certifies workforce-ready professionals pursuing careers in the HIT sector through specialized training with industry professional and HIMSS member companies. Curriculum is taught by healthcare professionals and aims to help students understand HIT. The training offers a detailed view of the U.S. healthcare system and policies, along with specialized knowledge about HIT systems and processes. Participants gain an understanding of vendor solutions using team-based skills and real-life situations. There is now an option to attend the class virtually through live, remote capabilities, providing even greater opportunities for participation.

“The workforce accelerator program provides Tennessee’s HIT professionals with foundational tools and knowledge needed to design and influence the future of healthcare,” said Melanie Adams, executive director of the Center for Executive Education, Belmont University.

The first class will be held August 28, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. EDT at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee headquarters in Chattanooga. Register at https://form.jotform.com/53084471159155.

For more information about the program, visit http://tnhimss.org/education/hit-accelerator-program/.

About TN HIMSS

The Tennessee Chapter of HIMSS is dedicated to educational programs and advancement of HIT professionals. TN HIMSS is one of the leading chapters in the nation with nearly 2,000 members. The chapter and its members are focused on professional growth, workforce development and advocacy related to HIT in the state of Tennessee. You can find us at www.tnhimss.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About BlueCross®

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s mission is to provide peace of mind through better health. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on serving more than 3.4 million members in Tennessee and across the country. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s website at bcbst.com.

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