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Computer Science vs Information Technology vs HIM - me

Posted: Aug 18, 2013

If you were starting school and had narrowed it down to these three choices to major in, which would you choose, and why?

Your question - Anonymous

[ In Reply To ..]
Computer science and information technology are the same thing, that would leave 2 choices.

No, IT and CS are not the same - See Wikipedia. . nm

[ In Reply To ..]
NM

anything that revolves around computer programming - FOR THE MONEY, BABY. NM

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just show me the fcking money. (don't blow a gasket - thats "fricking" money)

Money? ROFLMFAO - CanadianMT

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The top 0.5% makes good money. The rest are working 80 hours a week just to keep from being laid off (and it still happens). I worked in the industry from 1985 until 2005 and got laid off 7 times. There is no job security and employers burn you out even worse than as an MT. The skills you use on the current job are irrelevant in any other job so you are constantly having to upgrade while working your 60-80 hours a week. I would take even MT over that life.

Even if you get a job that pays a decent amount, it rarely lasts for more than 1-1/2 years and then you use all your savings to retrain because the market has changed.

That is EXACTLY how it is. - sm

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Not only do they offshore, but they bring Indians HERE in person because they work cheap and 24-hours a day.

Computer science without a doubt - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I was in this position and asking myself this question a few years ago. I went back to school and got my degree in HIM. I am now a RHIT, but the only job I can get is a medical records clerk and I'm making 13 bucks an hour which is hard to live off. I wish I would've gotten my BS in computer science - so many jobs out there in this field with excellent pay.

Computer science is largely going offshore now too. There are - just me

[ In Reply To ..]
jobs available, but I don't know how secure they will be. I know someone who just graduated from one of those expensive tech schools (ITT Tech I think) and she has not been able to get a job. I would go the HIM route or practice management, or something similar with maybe a minor in IT.

Question: Do you mean a 2 or 4 year degree? - Makes a difference

[ In Reply To ..]
NM

4-year degree nm - me

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

In that case . . . - RHIA in Informatics

[ In Reply To ..]
HIM is the most practical, easiest to achieve the best job opportunities -- especially you are female and not still 12. It will seem familiar to you and you can use your background to good advantage. This field is expanding rapidly right now with the move to EHRs, information systems, data analysis, and the emphasis on security and privacy. Technology is changing the field.

If you are interested in CS and IT, that is great, because they form an important part of HIM today and will become more so in the future. HIM programs now include some courses in that. Some programs offer more than others. A few, like the one at Western Governors University, are focused on it, offering both HIA and IT in a mix that qualifies you for the RHIA, coding certifications, and a number of computer certifications, maximizing your abilities and chances of getting a job.

An RHIA in informatics, like WGU, leads into advanced degrees in informatics and healthcare administration.

I would strongly consider WGU because you can complete it in about 3 years. That is about the same as an RHIT program.

I do not recommend 2-year RHIT programs because jobs are becoming more limited for them. The growth of online RHIA programs is producing more 4-year graduates, who then go on to online graduate programs. The educational expectations in HIA are becoming higher. At the same time, EHRs are eliminating jobs that RHITs could do, leaving them with limited opportunities.

AHIMA has a career map online. They also have an article this month about "HIM's Evolving Workforce." You should look at those to get a realistic view of the field. It isn't a records room anymore.

I should also point out that those jobs are very difficult to offshore. They involve too much on-site activity.

None of the above - CanadianMT

[ In Reply To ..]
I already have credentials in both computer science and information technology. Those jobs shipped overseas a long time ago, even the minimum wage call centre jobs are gone.

If I were starting out, I would get a trade...something working with my hands that cannot be shipped overseas. I'd consider electrician, but plumber, carpenter, etc. works too. Apparently, masonry is almost a lost art and those with the skills are in great demand where there are historical buildings needing repair.

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