I think what I find most rewarding is the transformation that I see in students. From day one, they come in unsure. And by the end of the two years, they're confident. Most of them have jobs. And they can really see how their life is going to change.
Q&A with Patty Saccone
How did you become interested in Health Information Technology?
I didn't have a background in healthcare – somebody gave me an opportunity. I found out that I really valued sharing my knowledge with others and helping others learn.
Why should someone consider Health Information Technology?
It's one of the fastest growing careers and it offers people the option to work from home or in any place in the community. Health care and technology are two fields that are always changing week to week, day to day sometimes. And so I always tell students, you are going to be forever learning. This is a lifelong learning career. It's perfect for someone who would like to be in health care but wants to be behind the scenes.
How would you describe your teaching style and what can students expect in class with you?
I teach with the heart of a coach. My role is to guide and to challenge, but also is to believe in them. At the root of everything, I believe in every student's potential.
What should students know about studying HIT at Waubonsee?
We have data or the business side with analytics and revenue. We also have the legal aspects and the information systems, the technology. In the last semester we offer what we call a professional practice experience. That is more or less an internship, where students actually go into the field and have a mentor, making connections and gathering experience.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to stay physically active. Most recently, I have been riding a horse. I'm learning these new skills, and to me, it very much correlates to the classroom. You have to first have the emotional connection with the horse. I'm a swimmer and also a cyclist and a runner, and I've been coaching for almost 35 years.
