By WNCC
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - The Western Nebraska Community College Foundation has been awarded $32,356 from the AHIMA Foundation to support students enrolled in WNCC’s Health Information Technology program.
The grant will help reduce financial barriers for primarily non-traditional students pursuing careers in health information and medical coding. Many of these students are returning to school for a second degree while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Funding from the AHIMA Foundation grant will be used to support key program costs that enhance student success and workforce readiness, including:
- Scholarships to encourage students completing the medical coding certificate to continue into the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.
- Assistance with professional certification exam fees such as the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credentials.
- Support for required textbooks and educational materials.
“These funds will make a meaningful difference for our students,” said Nicole Danielzuk, Health Information Technology instructor and program director at WNCC. “By helping cover certification, textbook, and learning tool costs, we are increasing access to education and preparing students for in-demand healthcare careers.”
Jennifer Reisig, executive director of the WNCC Foundation, emphasized the broader impact of the award.
“We are grateful to the AHIMA Foundation for investing in our students and our region’s workforce. This grant directly supports student persistence, career advancement, and the growing need for skilled health information professionals.”
The HIT program at WNCC prepares graduates for employment in healthcare organizations across the region and nationally, supporting critical workforce needs in health information management and medical coding.
For more information about the Health Information Technology program or how to support students through the WNCC Foundation, visit www.wncc.edu or www.wnccfoundation.org.
About Western Nebraska Community College
For more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.