Beatrice Avila, M.Ed., RHIA, CCS-P
Biography
Beatrice Avila, M.Ed., RHIA, CCS-P is an experienced Health Information Management (HIM) professional and dedicated educator with more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She currently serves as the Program Director and Assistant Professor of the Health Information Technology (HIT) program at St. Philip’s College, where she plays a key role in developing and maintaining CAHIIM-accredited curriculum, mentoring students, and preparing graduates to meet the dynamic demands of the healthcare workforce.
A proud alumna of St. Philip’s College, Beatrice began her academic journey by earning her Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology, followed by additional certificates in Medical Records and Coding. Her academic pathway continued at Texas State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. She later completed her Master of Education, Career Technical Education degree at Concordia University, further strengthening her expertise in instructional design, digital learning, and student engagement. She also holds a Cancer Data Management Certificate from San Jacinto College.
Beatrice holds the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Based (CCS-P) credentials through AHIMA and is a strong advocate for professional certification and lifelong learning. Her areas of expertise include clinical coding, electronic health records, healthcare compliance, revenue cycle management, and workforce development.
An active member and volunteer at the local, state, and national levels of the AHIMA community, Beatrice is a consistent presence in professional associations such as Alamo Area HIMA, Texas HIMA, and AHIMA. She has served on the Texas HIMA Board of Directors. She has held the TXHIMA Presidential role along with Chair of Education and Programs, participated in student outreach initiatives like the Student Academy, and contributed to numerous committees dedicated to education, credentialing, and professional development. Her leadership and passion have helped build bridges between HIM professionals and emerging students across Texas and beyond.
In addition to her academic and professional commitments, Beatrice serves as a textbook reviewer and subject matter expert for national healthcare and educational publishers. Her insight helps shape learning materials that support the development of future HIM professionals. She has also presented at industry conferences and educational forums, sharing her knowledge on topics including health data, medical coding, revenue cycle and HIM pedagogy.
A passionate mentor and community advocate, Beatrice dedicates time outside of her professional life as a volunteer CASA advocate, supporting the well-being of children in foster care. Her guiding philosophy “giving back to the profession and the community” drives both her career and her volunteerism, ensuring that she not only teaches but leads by example.
Through her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to excellence in HIM education, Beatrice Avila continues to make a lasting impact on the field, preparing the next generation of professionals to thrive in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Position Statement
What makes you uniquely qualified as an educator or practitioner to serve on the Council for Excellence in Education (CEE)?
My name is Beatrice Avila, MEd, RHIA, CCSP and I am seeking a position on the AHIMA’s Council for Excellence in Education (CEE) because I am deeply passionate about advancing education in the health information management (HIM) field and addressing the growing demand for a well-prepared, credentialed workforce. My qualifications reflect a strong foundation in both academia and healthcare leadership with a demonstrated commitment to educational excellence and workforce collaboration.
As Program Director of a CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Technology (HIT) program at the associate level, I have led initiatives in curriculum design, educational program development, and aligning educational outcomes with evolving workforce demands. These experiences have allowed me to develop meaningful partnerships with healthcare providers and industry leaders, furthering my understanding of the intersection between education and the needs of the workforce.
My academic background includes a master’s in career and technical education, a bachelor’s in health information management, and an associate in health information technology. In addition, I hold multiple professional certifications that reinforce my expertise as a subject matter expert in health information. Under my leadership, our academic program has continuously met CAHIIM's annual accreditation standards and currently participates in the Future Education Model, reflecting our commitment to innovation and quality in HIM education arena.
My involvement with AHIMA at the national, state, and local levels has enriched my perspective and broadened my impact. I actively participate in HIM student mentorship, lead Student Academy sessions, and frequently serve as a guest speaker to promote AHIMA credentials and resources. I am dedicated to fostering student advocacy and engagement across all levels of education.
Healthcare leadership and collaboration are central to my work. I have successfully developed partnerships with credentialed AHIMA professionals, vendors, graduates, healthcare facilities, and peer institutions to strengthen the HIM profession and remain responsive to the changing healthcare landscape. I believe in the power of collective efforts to create sustainable educational strategies that serve both learners and employers.
My vision for the CEE is to contribute to forward-thinking initiatives that align with healthcare community demands, while ensuring that education remains adaptive and inclusive. I advocate for continuous professional development, lifelong learning, and increasing the number of credentialed professionals to meet the needs of our communities.
My personal motto is: “Giving back to the profession and the community.” I am a team player, a strategic problem solver, and an effective communicator. I am confident that my leadership experience, collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence make me a strong candidate for the CEE. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and support AHIMA’s mission through this vital role.