Speakers:

Dr. Fanny Hawkins, RHIA

Dr. Carla Tyson-Howard, RHIA

Dr. Debora Butts, RHIA

Due to COVID-19, the Virtual Professional Practice Experience (VPPE) Project was developed by the Health Information Program Directors from:  Houston Community College, Lee College, San Jacinto College, Texas Southern University, Lone Star College, Lamar Institute of Technology, and Midland College. The following Schools have also joined the VPPE Project: Saint Philip's College, Tyler Junior College, and Portland Community College. The VPPE Project has developed weekly access for students to Practicing RHIAs and RHITs. Current Professionals share their journeys to their current positions and their everyday activities to give students information about the Health Information Profession. Health Information Students interact with these Professionals to better understand the Health Information Profession. We are Evaluating and Expanding this original Model of VPPE to include the Health Information Practitioner (supervising projects/assignments, meeting weekly with students, and evaluating projects/assignments).

Learning Objectives: 

• Demonstrate Opportunities for Practicing RHIAs and RHITs to assist with student training.
• Demonstrate Opportunities for Practicing RHIAs and RHITs to share career opportunities with future Health Information Professionals.
• Demonstrate Opportunities for Practicing RHIAs and RHITs to assist with advancing the Health Information Profession.
• Provide Opportunities for Experienced RHIAs and RHITs to share career paths with future Health Information Professionals.