Career Information
Integrity and safety of patient health records is fundamental to ensuring quality healthcare and positive patient outcomes.  And yet, it is continually attacked by cyber criminals for reasons of data ransoming, corporate espionage, fraud, financial crimes, identity theft, and intentional disruptions. 

Healthcare data breaches are increasing, and industry experts warn that cyber security investments must increase to keep pace with fast-changing threat environment.  The HIT Network Security Certificate and Degree provide the graduate with the opportunity to enter this exciting field in an entry-level position.  This can be done through different career roles, including:  Computer Security Specialist, Computer Specialist, Data Security Administrator, Information Security Specialist, and Information Technology Specialist.  And, with additional experience and education, graduates can advance their career to many senior level security positions. 

Network security applies to the protection of patient information, safeguarding networks, and keeping all healthcare data usage and exchange safe and free from corruption, theft, and interference.  This is all done while adhering to federal and state regulations, and organizational policies and procedures. The HIT Network Security profession supports the network information technology needs of healthcare members, in their applicable healthcare settings.  This includes clinical staff, ancillary services (dietary, radiology, lab, housekeeping, etc.), patient access, compliance/risk management, patient portal services, coding, accounting, and reporting.

According to ONetOnline, the entire field of Network and Computer Systems Administrators (of which HIT Network Security is one segment) is expected to develop rapidly at a rate of 23% in Colorado.  Starting salary estimates range from the low 30K to mid 50K per year, depending on the source and the location.  Job opportunities and salaries increase with a bachelor’s degree; and, there are a number of excellent institutions, online and otherwise, where students who so choose may continue their training.

What Will I Learn
This certificate and degree provide students the education needed to support healthcare information systems’ security and standards. It educates them in the assessment and resolution of network problems, breeches, encryption, disaster recover, and maintenance. Coursework includes training in PC hardware and operating systems, Windows servers, networking, routing, security, and virtualization. Students can prepare for industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Sec+, and CWNA, creating an important advantage in gaining employment in today’s job market.  Additionally, there are two certifications offered by AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) that can also be obtained. They are:  

• Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist - Implementation Support Specialist (CHTS-IS) 
• Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist –TS (CHTS-TS)

The network security certificate will also provide an opportunity for students to become valuable IT staff members.  They will be able to interact with end users to maintain and improve documentation efforts with confidentiality, decision support, security, and reliable/efficient Health Information Exchange (HIE).  An Internship will be an essential part of the educational process for the degree or certificate, allowing the student hands on experience in their field of study.

The Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Networking Technology (CNG), and Computer Science (CSC) classes are taught by the Computer Information Systems Department.  The CIS Department and their network security program have been awarded the prestigious designation of “National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education” by the National Security Agency of the United States of America (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Our Experienced Faculty
The PCC Health Information Technology faculty are all AHIMA and HIMSS members and have many years’ experience in various segments of the industry. Faculty knowledge and skills are continually updated through continuing education and participation in industry associations.

Our Cutting Edge Facilities
Students are provided hands-on learning experiences in sophisticated learning labs, simulating real-world situations, technology, techniques, and software programs.  Training resources using and teaching the latest technologies are accessed through memberships in national and international professional associations.

Employment Outlook