March 2022 Member Spotlight

Tina Cikanek, MBA, RHIA, CCS

Professional Shares

Where do you work and what is your job title?
Northwest Arkansas Community College, HIM Program Director

How long have you been a member of ArHIMA?
Since September 2001

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive?
Received RHIT and then sat for the RHIA exam under the proviso, CCS

Which college/university did you attend?
For my associate of science degree in health information-UAMS, for my bachelors and masters-Arkansas State University.

What made you decide to pursue a career in HIM?
Learned about HIM through my friend Claudia Brigham. We took classes together through UAMS.

What other jobs and/or titles have you held prior to the present one?
Ophthalmology Practice Administrator

What are some of your responsibilities at your current position?
Oversee the program, maintain CAHIIM accreditation.

What is a typical day like for you?
Since COVID? I work remotely for the most part, so I am on the computer a lot.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The students!

Any other professional tidbit(s) you want to include?
Stay open to change and breathe.

Personal Shares

What is your favorite food?
Italian or Mexican

What’s something about you (a fun fact) not many people know?
Worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C. as a fingerprint examiner out of high school. I still maintain friendships with all of my roommates from back then.

What’s your favorite family tradition?
PJ Turkey Day! Get to wear new pajamas to lunch!

Who had the most influence on you growing up?
I had a lot of positive role models but probably my mother due to her strength and courage in raising 6 children mostly on her own.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Remember to breathe.

Where is one place in Arkansas you would suggest people to visit?
The Buffalo National River