PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Did you know that 2 percent of women are employed as carpenters? Or that approximately 9 percent of nurses are men? Gender stereotypes created by society and gender roles that are instilled in children at a young age have a significant impact on career choice.
It’s no wonder carpenters are predominately male and a majority of nurses are female. Contrary to these statistics, several students at Northern Maine Community College are defying the norm and breaking the mold, pursuing non-traditional careers, or careers in which less than 25 percent of the workforce is of one gender.
Meet Elmer Whittaker. When Whittaker came to NMCC last year to help his stepson apply for college, he wasn’t planning on completing an application for himself. An NMCC alumni from Presque Isle, Whittaker had already earned an associate in applied science degree in automotive technology 15 years ago. However, after speaking with staff and learning about the health information technology (HIT)* program offered at NMCC, Whittaker decided to return to college.
Before choosing a program, Whittaker had to carefully review all of his options, taking his age and health into consideration and choosing a career that he would be physically able to do.
“I chose HIT because it is not as physically demanding on the body as other professions are,” he said.
Throughout the years, Whittaker has had a variety of jobs in retail, construction and farming. “Because I have had different jobs throughout my life, I want to find a job that I can do and stay with it. I feel that I can work in the HIT field longer than in other fields.”
Whittaker’s interest in the medical field was heavily influenced by his family, as several of his family members work in health care. Unfortunately, Whittaker and his family have endured physical ailments in recent years, which also increased his desire to pursue a career in health care.
When Whittaker first entered HIT, he didn’t know what to expect.
“I wondered how I would react to being around younger, female students. I wondered if they would accept me. I have found that I can be myself and still be a part of the class,” he said. Although it took some time to become comfortable in class, Whittaker has realized that age and gender do not matter. “HIT is open to all ages. Age and gender have nothing to do with it.” Whittaker states that he is “just another student” and is treated well by both instructors and peers. “If you respect the people you work with, then you can expect that in return.”
Whittaker describes HIT as being a challenging program.
“Being an older student and being removed from school for so long, I have to put extra work into it,” he said. Whittaker has been able to apply what he is learning in his classes to his personal life, whether it’s participating in conversations with his family about health-related topics or while caring for his ill sister.
When Whittaker graduates in May of 2015, he may pursue medical coding with the option of working from home. He may also work in a hospital like his wife, who is a registered nurse.
“There are many jobs within HIT that you can do,” he said. “You don’t have to work in a hospital setting. It’s a very broad field with many opportunities.” Other roles within HIT include data analysis and electronic health record management, as well as positions as privacy officers and clinical documentation specialists.
Whittaker shares his secrets for success. “You need to have a basic routine, develop a schedule, and do your assignments regularly.” He also offers advice for males considering a career in HIT. “Don’t let your gender be the deciding factor for doing the program. It doesn’t matter.”
* In the fall of 2014, the Health Information Technology (HIT) program will be changed to Health Information Management (HIM) to represent the program content more accurately. Please visit www.nmcc.edu for more information.
