New career options in geographic systems, health information

AUSTIN, Texas – May 28, 2009 – Austin Community College has added two new associate degrees in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Health Information Technology (HITT) for the fall semester.

“The new degrees are ACC’s response to growing industry demand, and they meet the college’s mission to develop skilled workers who can earn a good living while filling a community need,” says Mike Midgley, vice president of workforce education and business development.

The degrees are awaiting approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Shorter certificates are available in the meantime, Midgley says.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a computer-based data collection, input, storage, analysis, and cartographic technology that integrates data from diverse sources. GIS is a rapidly growing technological field that can assess real-world problems, such as determining the effects of future development on the environment or analyzing crime risk in a city. GIS professionals are trained to interpret and visualize geospatial data to aid in decision making and provide an intuitive visual explanation of phenomena.

“About 80 percent of all data have a spatial or location-based component,” says Mary Beth Booth, program chair. “Using GIS, private-sector companies and public organizations can integrate their resources more efficiently and make better strategic decisions. GIS is an enabling technology that continues to see robust growth and utilization in every discipline. This growth will translate to continued employment opportunities for our graduates.”

Health Information Technology spans a broad range of activities in the healthcare setting. Most importantly, Health Information Technology professionals preserve the integrity of the medical record as a legal document, in either paper or electronic form, and understand the importance of documentation as a support to patient care and communication among healthcare providers.

“This degree program offers many benefits to the healthcare community,” says Cynthia Colovas, health information management director at St. David’s Medical Center. “Graduates will be equipped to work in the healthcare field, and employers will have pool of applicants who have a broader and deeper knowledge base.”

ACC developed both degrees due to industry and market demand. Learn more about the Geographic Information Systems degree at austincc.edu/geog and the Health Information Technology degree at austincc.edu/health/hitt.

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About the Austin Community College District (austincc.edu):
ACC, Central Texas’ community college, is the primary gateway to higher education and career training for residents in eight counties. The college provides access to affordable, quality education. ACC enrolls more than 35,700 credit students, offering university transfer courses, two-year associate degrees, certificates, Early College Start, access programs that get students “college-ready,” and continuing education. At ACC you can “Start here. Get there.”