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| OIT adds health informatics program
The Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) recently introduced a bachelor of science degree option in health informatics. With the growing reliance on electronic medical records and administrative systems, health care information technology is seen as one of the key components to an improved, higher-quality health care system. Health informatics is one of the fastest growing—and highest paying—jobs available for college graduates. OIT is the first Oregon university to offer a baccalaureate program that prepares students for this field. Instruction will be at OIT’s Beaverton and Clackamas locations. A graduate of OIT’s health informatics program will be able to design, analyze, implement and support emerging technologies needed in many areas of health care, from hospitals and health systems to insurance companies and research institutions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, employment of health informatics professionals is expected to grow by over 30 percent nationally through 2016, more than twice the growth rate for all occupations. Starting salaries for graduates in this field can range from $45,000 to $75,000. For more information on the program, read the full story or visit the OIT web site. In related news, a bill just introduced by U.S. Rep. David Wu, D-Ore., would help OIT expand the program. The bill would allow OIT and other higher-education institutions apply for National Science Foundation grants. Dr. Michael Kirshner, program director, says 10 students are enrolled now, and OIT would like to have 50 students in the program within the next few years. Pain management tops continuing education agenda Health providers in Oregon—all current licensees of the Oregon Medical Board (except lapsed, telemedicine and teleradiology licensees)—must complete mandatory continuing education on pain management and/or the treatment of terminally ill and dying patients before Jan. 2, 2009. The requirement applies to:
One of the seven hours must be taken from the Oregon Pain Management Commission. The commission has this training in an online format. See the commission’s web site for details and a portal to the training. Numerous organizations have launched extensive training programs to help medical professionals meet this requirement. Here are some of the programs: OHSU School of Nursing For more information about the CE licensure requirements for nurses, download information from the Oregon State Board of Nursing’s web site, or a copy of the OSBN Sentinel newsletter. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing and the OHSU Hospital Patient Care Division offer an Internet-based Pain Management CE course that meets the six hours of education required for licensed nurses. The course can be completed any time, and registration is online. You may download and print a copy of OHSU’s brochure. Oregon Medical Association (OMA) The OMA is offering its members its “Challenges in Pain Management” course at locations around the state, including videoconferencing locations. Course dates and locations are:
For more information about the program, registration or locations, you may download the course brochure. Please direct questions about registration to Christi Donaugh, 503-619-8000 or christi@theoma.org. Foundation on Medical Excellence The Foundation on Medical Excellence has an all-day symposium on chronic pain, which it is offering twice in Portland: October 3, Downtown Marriott Hotel, or December 12, Hilton Hotel. The fee for the program is $225. For more information, you may download the brochure. |
Other opportunities
Links to CME providers:
Portland Community College Institute for Health Professionals.
Portland State University Professional Development Center HealthCare Management program.
Oregon Health & Science University, Division of CME.
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