For Immediate Release September 12, 2025
Iḷisaġvik College is pleased to announce it has signed an agreement with the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) outlining a pathway for students transferring into the Health Information Management (HIM) Program. The pathway will allow Iḷisaġvik students to transfer the maximum number of credit hours when they move into the UAS program.
UAS Sitka’s Health Information Management program prepares students for a fast-paced, high- paying, in-demand field that offers the chance to blend an interest in medicine with the multifaceted information management challenges of tomorrow. The HIM Program at UAS is the only Alaska program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Iḷisaġvik College offers a certificate in Medical Coding as part of its Allied Health Program. This agreement will enable interested students to transfer up to 27 eligible credits. The UAS Sitka Associate of Applied Science in HIM requires 62 credit hours to complete and is offered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online courses.
“We are always trying to make the transition as smooth as possible for our students who want to continue their education beyond what we offer at Iḷisaġvik,” said Iḷisaġvik President Justina Wilhelm. “We’re excited to offer a clear pathway into this dynamic and in-demand career.”
UAS echoed the sentiment, saying in a statement, “The University of Alaska Southeast Sitka Campus is thrilled to formalize this pathway with Iḷisaġvik College. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to student success, creating a seamless transition for students seeking to advance their careers in the high-demand field of Health Information Management (HIM). The collaboration not only benefits our students but also strengthens Alaska’s healthcare workforce, ensuring they are well- prepared to enter the HIM workforce through the only accredited program in Alaska.”
The new agreement is just part of the ongoing relationship between Iḷisaġvik and the University of Alaska system. The College has an existing agreement with UAF for Liberal Arts students entering the UAF education program, as well as an agreement with the UAF College of Business and Security Management.
About Iḷisaġvik College
Iḷisaġvik College is Alaska’s only tribal college and is located in the northernmost village in the United States, Utqiaġvik (Barrow). Iḷisaġvik College provides quality post-secondary academic, career, and technical education in a learning environment that perpetuates and strengthens Iñupiat culture, language, values, and traditions. It is dedicated to serving its students and developing a well-educated and trained workforce who meet the human resource needs of North Slope employers and the state of Alaska.
About University of Alaska Southeast
The University of Alaska Southeast – Sitka Campus specializes in distance-learning opportunities for students throughout Alaska and beyond. We aim to provide a place where everyone can enrich their lives and build a path to their future. The University of Alaska Southeast operates from two locations in Juneau—Auke Bay and downtown Juneau. The main UAS campus is located in Auke Bay, 12 miles from downtown Juneau. Housing, campus services, the library, and most classrooms are located in Auke Bay. The Technical Education Center in downtown Juneau houses the UAS School of Career Education, offering health care, construction, welding, mining, and power technology programs.
Iḷisaġvik College Contact:
Debbie Mekiana
Dean of Academic Affairs 907.852.1825
University of Southeast Contact – Sitka:
Jeremy Rupp
Sitka Campus Director 907-747-7704