Need some quick advice....

Hi, I am seeking a degree in Health Information Management; however I have a quick question.

Now, I'm a new student and I am awaiting the start of classes, however I am concerned about the length of the program. I'm 30 and really don't want to be in school for a long period of time but on the other hand school loans can be a hassle so I have a couple options about different schools.

1. Seek a Associates in Science in H.I.M from a community college, then transfer over to a state approved 4 year university to complete the bachelors (time in school = 5 to 6 years)

2. Seek entry in a bachelors degree program at a Vocational school (Devry was my #1 choice), complete the degree in Health Information Technology (Devry's version of Health Information Management program at state schools) time in school = 3 years.

While I have to admit, I'm not really a educated individual, I will admit that I am just hoping to land a great position, I might not be the guy to read a book every night but I do desire to ability to take care of my family and have money for my immediate needs.

Then again, I...like many others question these Vocational Schools since I don't know how their educational system stacks up to local universities so it's kind of a question.

So which one of these make more sense to you?

 

The following schools offer a bachelor's in health information management by distance learning.
College of Saint Scholastica www.css.edu (BG15, 157)
Stephens College www.stephens.edu (BG15, 174)
Weber State University www.weber.edu (BG15, 184)
WSU also offers the associate's, by the way.

 

If you want your Associate of Arts in General Studies, and if you are good with "testing out" procedures (ACT, AP, CLEP, DANTES, ECE, PEP, TECEP, etc.), you might get your associate's at Charter Oak State College www.cosc.edu , Excelsior College www.excelsior.edu , or Thomas Edison State College www.tesc.edu , and then transfer that into one of the health information management programs mentioned hereinabove.

 

Oh, and welcome to the boards!

 

When I was a very, very young man I had a terrible job (what other kind is there at that age?) and I earned an Associates degree in Engineering Technology. That degree allowed me to take a couple of big steps up the ladder into a position where I earned more money and gained some valuable experience (even if I didn't stay in the engineering field. I then entered a Bachelors degree program (in another field) which eventually led me into my current career. An Associates degree is a great start but many people discover that it won't take them as far as they'd want. If you're certain of your career choice and the logistics allow you to go for the BA then I'd say that's your best bet. If you're less than certain then the Associates degree might give you an opportunity to test the waters, perhaps earn some more money yet allow you the chance to switch if that seems a good idea. In any case, best of luck.
Jack

 

As I re-read your post, I'm not sure why you would spend 6 yrs in school going for the associate's in health information management and then the bachelor's vs. 3 yrs in school going straight for the bachelor's in health information management. Regardless of whether one goes: (a) straight for the bachelor's or (b) for the associate's in health information management first, then the bachelor's in health information management or (c) for the associate of arts first, then the bachelor's in health information management, I would think that one would still need the same total number of credits regardless and so fail to see the difference in the number of years to the bachelor's degree. Now, getting the associate's in health information management along the way might allow one to get some experience in the field while still working toward the bachelor's degree.