*School of Health Sciences*

Most of our eBooks can be found in the eBooks and Academic Books via EBSCO collection, and we are also building a collection in Ebrary. You can click into either database to search. 

For your convenience, a sampling of eBooks related to general health information technology and health information management can be accessed via the links below. 

Most of our eBooks can be found in the eBooks and Academic Books via EBSCO collection, and we are also building a collection in Ebrary. You can click into either database to search. 

For your convenience, a sampling of eBooks related to coding can be accessed via the links below. 

Most of our eBooks can be found in the eBooks and Academic Books via EBSCO collection, and we are also building a collection in Ebrary. You can click into either database to search. 

For your convenience, a sampling of eBooks related to revenue cycle and billing can be accessed via the links below. 

The article below from AHIMA is also an excellent resource for learning about the revenue cycle.

Most of our eBooks can be found in the eBooks and Academic Books via EBSCO collection, and we are also building a collection in Ebrary. You can click into either database to search. 

For your convenience, a sampling of eBooks related to HIPAA, compliance, privacy, and security can be accessed via the links below. 

Need help registering for the AHIMA Virtual Lab? Check out this great tutorial from HIT Program Coordinator Eunice Carlson!

Creating an account in the AHIMA Virtual Lab

Boolean Operators connect keywords or concepts logically to retrieve relevant articles, books, and other resources.  There are three Boolean Operators:

• AND
• OR
• NOT

Using AND 

• Narrows search results
• Connects two or more keywords/concepts
• All keywords/concepts connected with "and" must be in an article or resource to appear in the search results list

Example: The result list will include resources that include both keywords -- "distracted driving" and "texting" -- in the same article or resource, represented in the shaded area where the circles intersect (area shaded in purple).

Using OR

• Broadens search results ("OR means more!")
• Connects two or more synonyms or related keywords/concepts
• Resources appearing in the results list will include any of the terms connected with the OR connector

Example:  The result list will include resources that include the keyword "texting" OR the keyword "cell phone" (entire area shaded in blue); either is acceptable.

Using NOT

• Excludes keywords or concepts from the search
• Narrows results by removing resources that contain the keyword or term connect with the NOT connector
• Use sparingly

Example: The result list will include all resources that includes the term "car" (green area) but will exclude any resource that includes the term "motorcycle" (purple area) even though the term car may be present in the resource.

A library database searches for keywords throughout the entire resource record including the full-text of the resource, subject headings, tags, bibliographic information, etc.

Keywords:

• Natural language words or short phrases that describe a concept or idea
• Can retrieve too few or irrelevant results due to full-text searching (What words would an author use to write about this topic?)
• Provide flexibility in a search
• Must consider synonyms or related terms to improve search results
• TIP: Build a Keyword List

Example:  The keyword list above was developed to find resources that discuss how texting while driving results in accidents.  Notice that there are synonyms (texting and "text messaging"), related terms ("cell phones" and texting), and spelling variations ("cell phone" and cellphone).  Using keywords when searching full-text requires consideration of various words that express an idea or concept.

Subject Headings

• Predetermined "controlled vocabulary" database editors apply to resources to describe topical coverage of content
• Can retrieve more precise search results because every article assigned that subject heading will be retrieved.
• Provide less flexibility in a search
• Can be combined with a keyword search to focus search results.
• TIP: Consult database subject heading list or subject headings assigned to relevant resources

Example 1: In EBSCO's Academic Search Complete, clicking on the "Subject Terms" tab provides access to the entire subject heading list used in the database.  It also allows a search for specific subject terms.

Example 2:  A subject term can be incorporated into a keyword search by clicking on the down arrow next to "Select a Field" and selecting "Subject Terms" from the dropdown list.  Also, notice how subject headings are listed below the title of the resource providing another strategy for discovering subject headings used in the database.

When a search term is more than one word, enclose the phrase in quotation marks to retrieve more precise and accurate results.  Using quotation marks around a term will search it as a "chunk," searching for those particular words together in that order within the text of a resource. 

Examples:

"cell phone"

"distracted driving"

"car accident"

TIP: In some databases, neglecting to enclose phrases in quotation marks will insert the AND Boolean connector between each word resulting in unintended search results.

Truncation provides an option to search for a root of a keyword in order to retrieve resources that include variations of that word.  This feature can be used to broaden search results, although some results may not be relevant.  To truncate a keyword, type an asterisk (*) following the root of the word.

For example:

Library databases provide a variety of tools to limit and refine search results.  Limiters provide the ability to limit search results to resources having specified characteristics including:

• Full text
• Resource type
• Publication date
• Language
• Geographic location
• Subject

In both the EBSCO and ProQuest databases, the limiting tools are located in the left panel of the results page.

                                                 EBSCO                                                     ProQuest

The short video below provides a demonstration of how to use limiters to refine a list of search results.

Each resource in a library database is stored in a record.  In addition to the full-text of the resources, searchable Fields are attached that typically include:

• Author
• Title
• Journal title
• Date of Publication
• Abstract
• Subject Headings
• Publisher

Incorporating Fields into your search can assist in focusing and refining search results by limiting the results to those resources that include specific information in a particular field.

In both EBSCO and ProQuest databases, selecting the Advanced Search option will allow Fields to be included in a search.

For example, in the Advanced Search option in EBSCO's Academic Search Complete database, clicking on the down arrow next to "Select a Field" provides a list of fields that can be searched within that database.  Select the field and enter the information in the text box to the left to use this feature.

Stop words are short, commonly used words--articles, prepositions, and pronouns-- that are automatically dropped from a search.  Typical stop words include:

• a
• an
• and
• the
• also
• but
• for
• in
• is
• of
• so
• which
• when
• was

In library databases, a stop word will not be searched even if it is included in a phrase enclosed in quotation marks.  In some instances, a word will be substituted for the stop word to allow for the other words in the phrase to be searched in proximity to one another within the text of the resource.

For example, if you searched company of America, your result list will include these variatons:

• company in America
• company of America
• company for America

This short video demonstrates how to create a search string -- keywords connected with Boolean operators -- to use in a library database search to retrieve relevant resources for any research assignment.

Click the link below to view/save this document as a PDF.

Common Interview Questions

More often than not you will likely encounter a variety of standard interview questions no matter what your degree field and it is best to always be prepared; here are some common questions, as well as tips on how you will want to approach an answer, that you may see during your next interview!

Q. Tell me about yourself
A. This is a dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and likely to be amount the first. It’s your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, etc. Keep it mostly work and career related.

Q. Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you leave your last job?)
A. Be careful with this. Avoid trashing other employers and making statements like, “I need more money.” Instead, make generic statements such as, “It’s a career move."

Q. What are your strengths?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job and examples of what you have done.

Q. What are your weaknesses?
A. Everybody has weaknesses, but don’t spend too much time on this one and keep it work related. Along with a minor weakness or two, try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interview might see as strengths, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your work. (Avoid saying “I work too hard.” It’s a predictable, common answer.) For every weakness, offer a strength that compensates for it.

Q. Which adjectives would you used to describe yourself?
A. Answer with positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious, hardworking, honest and courteous, plus a brief description or example of why each fits you well.

Q. What do you know about our company?
A. To answer this one, research the company before you interview.

Q. Why do you want to work for us?
A. Same as above. Research the company before you interview. Avoid the predictable, such as, “Because it’s a great company.” Say why you think it’s a great company.

Q. Why should I hire you?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good job you’ve done in the past. Include any compliments you’ve received from management.

Q. What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?
A. Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back, promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement than reward.

Q. What make you work hard?
A. Naturally, material rewards such as perks, salary and benefits come into play. But again, focus more on achievement and the satisfaction n you derive from it.

Q. What type of work environment do you like best?
A. Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job you’re required to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player when needed, but also enjoy working independently. If you’re required to attend regular project planning and status meetings, then indicate that you’re a strong team player and like being part of a team.

Q. Why do you want this job?
A. To help you answer this and related questions, study the job ad in advance. But a job ad alone may not be enough, so it’s okay to ask questions about the job while you’re answering. Say what attracts you to the job. Avoid the obvious and meaningless, such as, “I need a job.”

Q. How do you handle pressure and stress?
A. This is sort of a double whammy, because you’re likely already stressed from the interview and the interviewer can see if you’re handling it well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies. Saying that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog are not good answers. Exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends or turning stress into productive energy is more along the lines of the “correct” answers.

Q. Explain how you overcame a major obstacle.
A. The interviewer is likely looking for a particular example of your problem-solving skills and pride you show for solving it.

Q. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
A. Explain your career-advancement goals that are in line with the job for which you are interviewing. Your interviewer is likely more interested in how he, she or the company will benefit from you achieving your goals than what you’ll get from it, but it goes hand in hand to a large degree. It’s not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that you’ll be going after his or her job, but it’s ok to mention that you ‘d like to earn a senior or management position.

Q. What qualifies you for this job?
A. Push your skills, experience, education and other qualifications, especially those that match the job description well. Avoid just regurgitating your resume. Explain why.

Q. Why did you choose your college major?
A. The interview is likely fishing to see if you are interested in your field of work or just doing a job to get paid. Explain why you like it. Besides your personal interest, include some rock-solid business reasons that show you have vision and business sense.

Be sure to practice your interview skills before you have to use them.

Log in to Optimal Resume and use the Interview feature to continue to work on your interview skills!

Click the link below to view/save this document as a PDF.

Optimal Resume Instructions

Career Services recommends the use of this platform, as described below, to be able to provide you with resume, cover letter, thank you letter or mock interview feedback.
Upon completing a submission to the Review Center, you will receive feedback via email within 72 hours.

Instructions for Registration

1. Go to https://rasmussen.optimalresume.com/
2. “Create New Account”
3. Follow the directions to validate your account using your student email address.
4. Check your student email for the code
5. Enter the code in the appropriate box on the website and click submit
6. Create your “User Profile” (input your information as you want it on your resume)
7. Then complete the “Education” portion; click save & continue button at bottom of page
8. Indicate which campus you are enrolled in; click save & continue
9. Once your account is started…

You will now be viewing the document center. This is where you can create a new resume, cover letter, utilize interviewing videos to practice answering questions; and all can be sent to your Career Services Advisor for feedback. IF YOU HAVE TECHNICIAL ISSUES, PLEASE CONTACT PERSONAL SUPPORT AT 1-866-349-4357

Resume Creation

1. Click Create New Resume
2. Name your resume and click on START RESUME
3. Click CONTINUE under the “Browse Samples” option
4. Select the Rasmussen School of Health Sciences
5. Review samples from your career field. Once you find a sample that you would like to use to create your resume, click USE THIS SAMPLE (green button at the top of your selected document)
6. Be sure to edit each section to assure that the information professionally represents YOU
7. Submit your resume to the Review Center (3rd button on blue tool bar above your document). Select the Review Group (your campus) and the Reviewer (your Career Services Advisor)

7 Helpful Tips

1. Include a strong professional statement at the top of your document and highlight any unique skills and traits that the employer is looking for (i.e. Bilingual; years of experience that can translate to the position; unique skill that helps you to standout) DO NOT USE AN OBJECTIVE STATEMENT. Objective statements speak to what you want. You need to speak to what the employer wants.
2. Utilizing the O Net tool can help to provide ideas on what skills and qualifications to highlight based on your specific field of study.
3. Use field-related skills in your Skills/Qualifications section. Stay away from statements such as “Hard Worker, Team Player, etc.” These are easy to say but hard to prove to an employer. Emphasized those healthcare skills that are specific to your profession.
4. Utilizing the action verb tool can really help you to develop strong accomplishment statement under each position that you have held.
5. Section Instructions – this will help you to identify what should be written in each area if you are stuck on what to include.
6. Avoid including “References Available Upon Request” at the bottom of your resume. This is assumed information and takes up valuable space on your document. References are to be put on a separate page and only given to the employer when requested.
7. Use spell check – always!

It is very important to apply for a variety of positions, along with coding positions. Depending on your location and the type of position you are looking for it can be challenging to find the perfect coding position, after graduation. 

Employers will often select candidates for coding positions that have some experience either in coding or in other areas of the revenue cycle, if they are available,  as their first choice.  Getting experience in an entry level position is important to moving forward to attain your desired position. Obtaining your coding credential can also position you better for these entry level positions.  At the bottom of this page, you'll find the “Revenue Cycle – Activities and Position Responsibilities” as a reminder of other entry level positions to apply for to start building an experience base. 

Remember to explore other job titles to get started in the industry as suggested by the AHIMA Career Map:
https://my.ahima.org/careermap

Hover over the dots on the inner rings to see the suggested entry level jobs, and search those jobs in www.indeed.com and Job Connect https://rasmussen-csm.symplicity.com for your area.  Some employers only post on their own websites, so remember to choose target companies in your area and search their sites directly as well.

Search keywords such as patient services, patient registration, medical claims, and medical records, to name a few. 

There are many job search sites out there for people to tap into in their search from the general job search sites to industry specific sites as well as pharmacy specific staffing agencies.

General Sites
https://www.indeed.com/
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/
https://www.simplyhired.com/

Rasmussen Sites
https://rasmussen-csm.symplicity.com/
https://www.liquidcompass.com/institutions/rasmussen

Pharmacy / Healthcare Specific Sites
https://www.ashp.org/menu/careerpharm
https://www.rxcareercenter.com/
https://go.inpharmacyjobs.com/
https://www.ihirepharmacy.com/
https://ahspharmstat.com/
https://www.healthecareers.com/
https://careers.ptcb.org/

Applying online is only the first step in the job search path. It is important that this is not the ONLY step that you take.

Be sure that:

• Your resume is updated, polished, and speaks to your skill set within the pharmacy field! Check out Optimal Resume pharmacy technician templates and the resume resources here in the guide! Submit your resume via the review center to Career Services for review / feedback!
• Follow up directly with the pharmacy after you apply, even go in and try to speak with the pharmacy manager, to let them know you applied and give them a copy of your resume. Show them your excitement and interest in the role!
• Are your state requirements set? Be sure this is taken care of by looking into your state board of pharmacy requirements!
• Network! Get away from the computer and get in front of people who work in the pharmacy field!

Professional Associations

Professional associations provide individuals with an important aspect needed for today’s working professional; a network. Belonging to a professional association goes much beyond that it provides you with

• Visibility / Networking
• Professional Growth / Development
• Relevance / in the know about industry trends and changes
• Ability to gain alterative perspectives

Here are just a few professional associations related to the pharmacy industry:

NPTA – National Pharmacy Technician Association

AAPT – American Association of Pharmacy Technicians