UIC among top 20 for online bachelor’s degree

UIC ranks 18th in the nation among schools offering an online bachelor’s degree, according to new rankings in U.S. News & World Report.

The magazine compiled the 2013 rankings according to graduation rates, faculty credentials, indebtedness of new graduates and academic and career support services offered to students. It ranked 160 institutions and listed 65 others without rank.

UIC offers two bachelor’s degrees online, both in health-related fields: nursing and health information management.

The bachelor of science in health information management is an alternative to the campus-based degree program that began in 1965, said Karen Patena, director of health information management programs.

“This is a hot, important field, and students are changing,” Patena said.

“They’re working, and many can’t be on campus every day.”

Students learn to manage and use data and information systems for health care planning, provision, resource allocation and executive decision-making.

Graduates may take the American Health Information Management Association certification exam for registered health information administrators.

“We first offered an online post-baccalaureate certificate in 2009, and we started hearing from students who needed on online bachelor’s program. Ours includes the same courses, taught by the same faculty, as the campus program,” she said.

The bachelor of science in nursing is designed for licensed nurses. The program requires 30 semester-hours toward the credential of registered nurse.

“Online, we can expand as enrollment grows, and we’ve created an effective pipeline for nursing students who have graduated from community colleges throughout Illinois,” said Cordelia Maloney, executive director of UIC’s School of Continuing Studies.

“A significant portion of the faculty are tenured. The program delivers content in a variety of ways, including collaborations and projects like videotaping a health assessment,” Maloney said.

“And the students are well supported throughout, with online academic advising and substantial technical support.”