Saroja KC, La Trobe Undergraduate Student
What interested you in studying the HIM course?
My experience had primarily been in frontline roles within the nursing and aged care sector prior to finding the health information management course. I was searching for career options that didn’t involve direct clinical care and leaned more towards administrative and technology-focused roles. That’s when I came across the health information management course, which immediately piqued my interest. The health information management course offered a chance to contribute to the healthcare field without being directly involved in patient care.
Sharing a bit about yourself – your interests, your goals..
I am Saroja Kc, a final year Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Classification)/Bachelor of Health Information Management student from Latrobe University (Sydney Campus). I currently work part-time in HIS at Liverpool Hospital.
I’ve just completed my first block of final year placement at Calvary Hospital (Sydney), which provided me with invaluable insights into the daily operations of HIS. During this time, I had the privilege of shadowing an experienced HIM, where I gained firsthand experience in data reporting and error correction within the context of SNAP data at the hospital level.
Currently, I am on my second placement block at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) within the Metadata, Information Management, and Classification Unit. This experience is further enhancing my knowledge and skills in these areas.
As I progress through my final year, my primary objective is to complete my degree. Beyond that, I look forward to exploring the diverse opportunities that lie ahead and applying the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in shaping my future career path.
What are your favourite subjects?
Casemix & Health Classification, and Data Analytics stand out as my preferred subjects in the course. While my passion for these fields certainly contributes to my enthusiasm, I find the content genuinely captivating and enjoyable to study.
Any challenges you faced in the course?
One of my most significant challenges during this course was effectively managing my time. Balancing my work life, family responsibilities, which included caring for my 3-year-old daughter, and the demands of being a student (assessments, practical placements), proved to be quite a juggling act. However, I consider myself fortunate to have received immense support from my lecturers, placement supervisors, and university friends throughout this journey. Their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support, combined with my commitment to continuous learning, played a pivotal role in helping me overcome these challenges and as a result, I’m very close to successfully completing my double degree.