(Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 25, 2003)— Cindy Keithley, Phoenix College student and Peoria resident was recently selected as the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) 2003 Foundation of Research and Education (FORE) Merit Scholarship recipient. Keithley’s academic achievement is a commendable result of her commitment to the Health Information Technology (HIT) field.

The Health Information Technology Programs at Phoenix College are designed to meet the increasing demands for trained health information specialists. Students earning HIT degrees complete a combination of medical, computer and health information application courses designed to prepare them for employment in any facility with healthcare information systems.

"I feel very honored to have received this award," said Keithley. "I’m not one of the younger students on campus, so I was surprised and excited to discover that I received the scholarship. This award has motivated me to stay an active member of AHIMA."

In 2003, a total of 50 FORE Merit Scholarships were awarded nationally to outstanding students pursuing degrees in Health Information Administration (HIA) and Health Information Technology (HIT), as well as credentialed Health Information Management (HIM) professionals pursuing advanced degrees to further their careers. Since the program’s inception in 1991, more than 225 students have been awarded $293,000 in scholarships.

"The FORE scholarships are a wonderful opportunity to recognize outstanding students like Cindy and to assist them in their educational efforts," said Bonnie Petterson, HIT Program Director. "We are proud of Cindy and the fact that this is the second consecutive year that a Phoenix College Health Information Technology Program student has received a national award."

For more information about the Health Information Programs at Phoenix College, contact the Health Professions Advisor at 602-285-7427.

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