Rural Health Information Technology (RHIT)

Introduction

The Montana Area Health Education Center will lead a network of networks in creating and sustaining a collaborative model that addresses health information technology workforce issues for all of Montana’s rural and frontier health care providers; aiding or accelerating their meaningful use of Electronic Health Records to improve quality care and lower costs. The purpose of the network is to address the need for HIT workforce and workforce development in Montana’s rural and frontier counties. The network members include pre-existing networks that serve the needs of their hospital and clinic members, and quality and performance improvement networks.

Please visit the Montana Rural Health IT Network website to view more information.

Goals

The Rural Health IT Network will support students as they pursue a certificate (in HIT) through one of four colleges in the state.  Certificate programs are offered online —a significant consideration in our vast state.  Student recruitment has focused on incumbent workers in Critical Access Hospitals and rural/frontier clinics, as well as veterans.  The goals of the program include education and training, employment for the student completers, and program sustainability after grant funding ends.