Holland College, in partnership with ACOA, Innovation PEI, the City of Summerside, and the Summerside Regional Development Corporation, will offer an enhanced version of the Computer Information Systems program on the Summerside Waterfront Campus in the fall of this year.

The Computer Information Systems program prepares students to work in the field of information systems. Students develop managerial, interpersonal and technical skills that enable them to operate and manage computer-based information systems. The Summerside program’s content will be enhanced to include a concentration on health IT systems management to assist in sector-based education, a key element to growing the health IT sector in Summerside.

“Holland College has always been responsive to the needs of industry and of the communities of Prince Edward Island,” said Dr. Brian McMillan. “If the sector is to thrive in Summerside and across the Island, it is essential to support the expansion of the firms already located in the area, and to encourage other health IT businesses to locate here. In order to do that, it is essential to have a pool of well trained workers. I commend both the federal and provincial governments for their participation in the Holland College e-Health Training and Industry Support Centre.”

Dave Perry, Director of Software Development with RMIS Imaging Services, a subsidiary of RadNet Managed Imaging Services, one of the longstanding employers in the sector, says the program will be an integral element if the health IT sector is to prosper in the area.

“In today’s competitive market, a highly skilled workforce is vital to success of companies to deliver the products and services our customers are demanding.”

Students enrolled in the Computer Information Systems program in Summerside will participate in on-the-job training at local e-health companies, giving them the opportunity to apply their skills in a real workplace, and providing invaluable networking opportunities.

An information night will be held on Tuesday, February 7 at 7 p.m. in the Summerside Holman Centre. Representatives from Holland College, Innovation PEI, the City of Summerside, the Summerside Regional Development Corporation, and e-health companies in the area will be on hand to discuss the province’s goals and the college’s new program.