Photo Caption: Bonita Payne, Columbia State health information technology program director and Nashville native.

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - August 30, 2017) - - - Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce Bonita Payne as the new health information technology program director.

"Payne has over 10 years of experience in health information management including teaching at the collegiate level and practical experience in health care industry," said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of health sciences and professor radiologic technology. "Payne's initial focus will be on developing additional courses for local delivery, connecting with interested students to develop personal academic plans and engaging with area health care providers to ensure program content exceeds regional expectations."

Payne comes to Columbia State with a wealth of knowledge in the health informatics and higher education fields, with her most recent position at Tennessee State University as a full-time advisor and instructor in the health information management program. She previously served as the HIT program director at National College in Madison, TN.

"My plan is to share my zeal for health care information/informatics with my students," Payne said. "I want them to make a positive impact on the community and industry alike."

HIT specialists are responsible for managing, organizing, planning, developing and implementing systems designed to control, monitor and track health information and records. These specialists capture patient health care information and transmit it across health care networks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average job outlook for all occupations in the nation will increase by 7 percent between 2014-2024. The job outlook for medical records and health information technicians will increase by 15 percent.

"Columbia State is committed to introducing additional degree options for students who desire careers in health care," Fleming said. "Anyone who wants to obtain a post-secondary credential has access to affordable learning opportunities. Payne's expertise opens new career doors for Columbia State students."

"My goal is for students to be able to go into society prepared," Payne said. "I want them to learn differently, come out with a different perspective and be well-versed when they show up for their first interview."

Payne is credentialed as a Registered Health Information Administrator. She earned her associate degree in office administration with a medical concentration from Nashville State Community College, a bachelor's degree in health information management and a master's certification in health care administration and planning from Tennessee State University. Payne earned a master's degree in health informatics and information management from the University of Tennessee - Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, and is also a candidate for a doctoral degree in health care outcomes and policy with a concentration in informatics from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

.