Undergraduate Adanna Okoro talks about the small but mighty health information management (HIM) major in the Department of Health Services Administration and Policy.

For those who aren’t familiar with the health information management major, how would you describe it?

Health information management is a mixture of healthcare and technology. We do a lot of work with electronic health records, so understanding the healthcare system, privacy and security, and all the tech surrounding it. We’re the facilitator between providers, insurance companies, and doctors when it comes to guidelines, hospital accreditation, health information, and data. We are a very important piece of the healthcare system.

What are some of the benefits of being at Temple’s HIM program?

The HIM program at Temple is small—that’s one thing I really love about it. There are only 80 of us altogether, juniors and seniors. And we have the same teachers for two years, so we get to know each other well. Those relationships help you in the classroom and in your career. I’m president of HIMSA the health information management student association, and we really try to network—we want to help our graduates get jobs, and we want to bring more students into the field. One of my goals this year was to raise awareness about what you can do with an HIM major. Another great thing about HIM is that our courses are very diverse. You learn about the healthcare system, and you also learn about technology – we use the same applications that management information systems and information technology majors use. We have leadership skills and tech skills on a healthcare background – which gives us a specific area of knowledge in a field that’s very complex.

Why did you pick HIM?

I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare—it affects everyone, and for me it’s just so interesting to learn about. But I never wanted to be hands-on with patients. I also like technology—so when I found out about HIM, I thought it would be a great major for me.

You’re a senior this year—what’s next for you?

I got a job with Deloitte Consulting as a business technology analyst. Deloitte is mainly known for recruiting engineers and business majors. But because I combine tech skills with knowledge of the healthcare system, I can be an asset to them on projects with major healthcare-related clients, like the Military Health System.

When it comes to hunting for jobs and internships, what has your experience been as an HIM major?

I think Temple’s HIM program definitely opens doors, especially in Philadelphia and around Pennsylvania. When recruiters see “HIM from Temple” on a resume, they know they have a good candidate. Our professors are also very respected in the field – they know everyone. So they let us know about internships and job opportunities we might not find out about otherwise. And if you’re interested in a company, they often can connect you with the right people or write letters of recommendation. The field is competitive, and we help each other with interviewing and networking skills. But having my professors and Temple in my corner really makes a difference.