The following is from Central Oregon Community College:
Established in 1972, the Health Information Management (HIM) program at Central Oregon Community College has a distinguished history of preparing professionals who bridge clinical care, technology, and the integrity of patient data. Over the decades, the program has evolved alongside the healthcare industry-advancing from paper-based record systems to complex electronic health record environments-while remaining dedicated to academic excellence, data integrity, and workforce development.
Enrollment in the HIM program has fluctuated throughout its history, reflecting national trends in healthcare and information management. In recent years, the program has seen renewed growth, with student enrollment nearly doubling between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years and further increases projected in the years ahead. This upward trend highlights both the growing importance of health information professionals and the program’s commitment to accessible, high-quality online education designed to meet diverse learner needs.
The program offers a fully online Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management and a Medical Coding Certificate, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Graduates are well prepared to take their professional certification through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and for diverse roles in data governance, privacy, analytics, compliance, and revenue cycle operations.
The HIM program is led by a team of highly credentialed professionals dedicated to advancing the next generation of health information leaders.
- Mandalynn Marcus, MHI, BSHS, RHIA, CAPM, CMAS, LSSYBC, AHI, IQCI, serves as Program Director and full-time faculty member, bringing more than two decades of experience in healthcare operations, electronic medical record implementation, and workforce development.
- Christi Lemire, MSHIM, RHIA, CCS, CHC, CPC, CPB, CPMA, full-time faculty, contributes extensive expertise in compliance, auditing, and claims management.
- Crystal Clark, MS, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, FAHIMA, part-time medical coding faculty, provides advanced insight into coding, documentation integrity, and leadership within the HIM profession.
Together, the faculty bring a breadth of knowledge in governance, compliance, clinical coding, and leadership-preparing students for meaningful and adaptable careers that support the future of healthcare.