In early 2022, ARHP member healthcare administrators discussed the pressing need for qualified staff to fill vacancies in medical billing and coding, insurance claims processing, and business operations. By fall 2022, ARHP secured HRSA funds to launch a four-year training program to increase the number of local, skilled administrative support professionals while directly supporting and strengthening the financial viability of rural health systems.
The Opportunity. ARHP has partnered with the University of Arkansas Grantham to offer individuals (predominantly existing healthcare staff) with access to online certificate, associates, and bachelor’s degree programs in 1) health information management, 2) medical coding & billing, 3) clinical documentation improvement, and 4) business operations for healthcare organizations. The program features rolling monthly admissions to make training accessible for non-traditional students and is offered in an exclusively online format to decrease access barriers related to work schedules, transportation, and childcare. Individuals with demonstrated financial need receive tuition, fees, and a laptop. Participants commit to working in an Arkansas Delta health system upon successful program completion. To date, 43 individuals have enrolled in the program with $156,449 awarded in scholarships.
