WISCONSIN RAPIDS - During the Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) Board of Directors meeting held Monday evening, the Board viewed a demonstration of Electronic Health Record (EHR) software by Kerry Heinecke, an instructor in the Biomedical Informatics Technician (BIT) program. BIT is one of three unique programs new to the college. According to Heinecke, using EHR is a large part of the program's curriculum and key to all aspects of electronically capturing a patient's health profile and status. "The web-based program allows students to access real health records of test patients whose records have been de-identified." During the demonstration, Heinecke showed an accelerated journey of a patient presenting health complaints using a convertible Tablet PC with EHR software. "MSTC received a grant to purchase Tablet PCs that convert from a laptop to a notebook and are easy to transport." Heinecke said current health trends are moving toward EHR and using Tablet PCs to capture data at the point of care. "MSTC can offer this state-of-the-art technology in software to prepare our students for current workforce needs. In addition, Tablet PCs are wireless devices that connect to our network. This replicates the wireless environment in a professional medical setting," said Heinecke.

The BIT program prepares individuals for the emerging world of electronic health record management and application. Biomedical informatics technicians use computer programs and established methods to securely process, compile, maintain and report electronic health information data for patient care, reimbursement, facility planning, marketing, risk management, utilization management, quality assessment and research.

In other news, the Board approved pursuing a three-year contract with Blackboard Enterprise Learning System for online course management system needs. According to Dr. Sue Budjac, Vice President of Academic Affairs, enrollment in MSTC's online courses has grown dramatically. "The ability to provide increased access and options to meet student needs is critical." Dr. Budjac said the implementation of Blackboard's Enterprise System as MSTC's course management system would meet college standards, strengthen the online experience for students and faculty and allow for continued growth of online courses.

The next Mid-State Technical College Board of Directors meeting will be held Monday, February 18 at the Wisconsin Rapids campus. Committee meetings are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m., with the regular board meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. To learn more about MSTC programs and services, please call 888.575.6782 or visit the college's website at mstc.edu.