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About Our Program

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Health Information Management - Home

About Our Program

Health information management (HIM) professionals lead efforts to ensure the availability, accuracy, integrity, and security of all data related to patient healthcare encounters resulting in better clinical and business decisions to enhance healthcare quality. HIM professionals work in a variety of settings throughout the healthcare industry including hospitals, physician offices and clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies, home care providers, and companies providing services to the medical community. 

The Health Information Management program at Collin College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management, a certificate in Data Forensics and Informatics, and a certificate in Medical Coding and Billing.

 

Major Degree/Certificate Credit Hour Requirement Special Admission Available Online
Health Information Management AAS Degree 60 Yes Yes. There is a professional practice component. 
Health Information Foundations for Data Forensics and Informatics Certificate 18 No Yes
Computer Applications for Forensic Informatics Certificate 16 No Yes
Medical Coding and Billing Certificate 27 No Yes

 *All classes are conducted online. There is a professional practice experience that is satisfied in a healthcare facility within Texas. Due to state authorization requirements, Collin College is currently not offering the HIM program to students residing outside of the State of Texas. We regret that we are unable to meet your educational needs and encourage you to continue to pursue your educational goals. In the event you relocate to Texas, we encourage you to reconnect with us.

 

 The AAS-HIM program is selective and based on a point system. Admission is limited to 25 students per semester. Please read the information and follow the steps below by clicking on the "+" signs.

  

Interested in Health Information and would like to learn more? Please attend one of our Information sessions on the dates listed below or click on the link to watch an info session presentation. Admissions criteria, program expectations, career options, curriculum, and pre-requisites are outlined. If you have questions, please email the Director, ldanton@collin.edu.

Information Session Presentation 

 

Eligibility Requirements for application to the Health Information Management program. 

  • Minimum of 2.5 Collin College GPA
  • "C" or better in the pre-requisites courses (HITT1305, HITT2430, BIOL2404)
  • Minimum 60% on the TEAS test
  • Resident of Texas*

 

  • Complete Collin College reading, writing, and mathematics assessments, placing at the College-Level (TSI Testing)
  • Complete all pre-requisites for the HIM Program (HITT1305, HITT2430, BIOL2404) with a "C" or better. To be considered for the program, the applicant should have a 2.5 GPA or better. Please note: a 2.5 GPA or better is required to progress through the HIM program once a student is admitted.
  • Completion of the HIM Admission Packet by deadline (2nd Friday in November, for Spring eligibility; 2nd Friday in July, for Fall eligibility.)
  • Submit a 500 word essay on the subject, "Why Health Information?" The essay should demonstrate a working knowledge of health information management.
  • Two letters of reference. These letters should be e-mailed directly to: Lydia Danton at ldanton@collin.edu
  • Schedule and complete the TEAS exam prior to the application deadline. It is a proctored exam. A minimum score of 60% is required for eligibility.
  • Please attend one of our Information Sessions on the dates listed under upcoming events. Admissions criteria, program expectations, career options, curriculum, and pre-requisites are outlined. For a brief overview, take a look at the HIM Information presentation.  
  • Eligible applicants must meet with program director to complete program admission.

      

 

TEAS Exam is being waived for Fall enrollment due to COVID-19

 

Scheduling the TEAS Exam

TEAS exam is an ATI product*. Collin College conducts testing a few dates per semester. Students may contact ATI for other locations/available dates. To schedule testing at Collin College – McKinney campus, contact Rueles, 214.491.6215, SRueles@collin.edu.

 

*There are 2 version of the TEAS exam: Allied Health and Nursing. HIM students will be taking the Allied Health version. It is only offered on the dates listed above.

Payment is to be made the day of the exam via credit card. The test fee is currently $65.00. Please go to www.atitesting.com to create your login information. Username and password MUST be remembered on the day the exam. 

Include your name, Collin ID (if you have one), your phone number and your test date preference. Use your Collin email address if you have one. The test dates will be filled on a first come/first served basis so place your requests early. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the director of HIM, Lydia Danton.  

TEAS Information

No calculator or outside material is allowed in the test area. Scratch paper will be provided. Only bring a photo ID and pencil with you the day of the test, all other materials will not be permitted. The exam is hosted at the McKinney Campus. 

TEAS is the preferred exam for the HIM Program. If you have scores from the HESI or PSB exams within the last three years, submit them to the HIM program director for consideration. 

ATI TEAS Study Guide is available at the McKinney Campus Library. 

 

 

What Happens Next?

Once you've submitted your application, eligible candidates will be contacted for an interview with HIM faculty/staff. Continue to check your CougarMail for details. Once the interview is complete, a formal "Welcome to the program" will be sent to your CougarMail. Retain this information for verification.

All applications are evaluated in the same manner.

  • Pre-requisites: BIOL2404, HITT1305, HITT2430. A grade of "C" or better in each course. 
  • TEAS evaluations: 60% or better overall score
  • Overall GPA (2.5 or higher)
  • Essay
  • Letters of reference

 

Considerations before you apply..

Immunizations, insurance, a drug screen and background check are required in order for HIM students to be placed in a Professional Practice Experience (PPE) setting. PPEs will be conducted in a Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm time frame. Students who work should make arrangements with their employers. More information regarding PPEs can be found under the "Current Students" heading. 
Note: It is strongly recommended that applicants self-disclose any potential infractions that may hinder PPE placement and career opportunities. 
 
 

Castle Branch Portal

All documentation will be uploaded and maintained by our document management company, Castle Branch. The one time fee is $30.00. 

  1. Immunizations are required by our PPE partners. It is important students understand they will not be placed in a PPE setting without the proper documentation of immunity. The following immunizations are required:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella - 2 series shot/titer proving immunity
- Varicella - 2 series shot/titer proving immunity
- Hepatitis B - 3 series shot/titer proving immunity.**
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis - within the last ten years
 
The following should be completed only prior to PPE placement...
 
- Tuberculosis Screening - annual screening
- Influenza Vaccination - within current season
2.  Current Health Insurance is required for the PPE Placement
3. Drug Screens will be conducted prior to PPE Placement. The cost of the test is $29.87 payable by the HIM Student. 
4.  Background checks will also be conducted prior to PPE Placement. The cost varries depending on the number of previous employers, payable by the HIM Student.
 
** This series takes 6 months to complete. 

 ** Due to state authorization requirements, Collin College is currently not offering the HIM program to students residing outside of the State of Texas. We regret that we are unable to meet your educational needs and encourage you to continue to pursue your educational goals. In the event you relocate to Texas, we encourage you to reconnect with us.

 

Professional Practice Experience (PPE) Requirements
 
 
Students are required to satisfy immunization, documentation, drug/background screenings, and Health Coverage. PPEs will be conducted in a Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm time frame . Students who work should make arrangements with their employers to be available during those periods. Students will create an account $30.00 for our document management company, Castle Branch and upload all necessary documentation.
 
Once a student is cleared by Castle Branch, they should email the program director for a permit.

Immunizations are required by our PPE partners. It is important students understand they will not be placed in a PPE setting without the proper documentation of immunity. The following immunizations are required:

- Measles, Mumps, Rubella - 2 series shot/titer proving immunity
- Varicella - 2 series shot/titer proving immunity
- Hepatitis B - 3 series shot/titer proving immunity - 6 months to completion 
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis - within the last ten years

The following should be completed only prior to PPE placement...

- Tuberculosis Screening - annual screening
- Influenza Vaccination - within current season

Recommended: Hepatitis A - 2 series shot/titer proving immunity


Current health coverage is required for PPE Placement
Random drug screens will be conducted prior to PPE placement. You will be given a short window to provide your sample so be looking for the announcement in your PPE class. The cost of the test is $29.87 payable by the HIM student. PPE instructor will provide more information.
Background checks will also be conducted prior to PPE placement. The cost is covered by the HIM program. Instructions will be provided by the HIM office and facilitated through Castle Branch
Note: It is strongly recommended that applicants self disclose any potential infractions that may hinder PPE placement and career opportunities.
 BOOKLIST/EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
  • HITT1301 - Essentials of Health Information Management: Principles and Practices w/Mindtap ISBN: 9780357018200, Health Information Management Technology w/ Access ISBN:978-1-5842651-7-7
  • HITT1305(online) - Medical Terminology for Health Professions ISBN: 9781337123099, Cengage Unlimited, 1 term - 4 months ISBN: 9780357700006
  • HITT1311 - Health Information Management Technology w/ Access ISBN:978-1-5842651-7-7
  • HITT1353 - Fundamentals of Law for Health Informatics and Information Management ISBN: 978158426506
  • HITT2339 - Health Information Management Technology with access ISBN: 978-1-5-842651-7-7
  • HITT2346 - Revenue Cycle Mgmt. Best Practice w/ access ISBN:9781584265269, Encoderpro.com, Expert-Access (3 months) ISBN:9781285498249
  • HITT2435 - Understanding Health Insurance, A Guide to Billing and Reimbursement (Bundle) ISBN: 978-1-3371459-1-6, ICD 10 CM Expert F/Hosp. 2019 Guidelines ISBN: 9781622544349
  • HITT2443 - Quality and performance Improvement in Healthcare ISBN:9781584266631, Calculating and Reporting Healthcare Statistics ISBN: 9781584265955
  • HITT2272 - 

The following will be used in multiple areas of the program and are good resources. It is in your best interest to make sure you have access to them.

  • Health Information Technology by Sayles, 5th edition. Publisher: AHIMA
    Fundamentals of Law for Health Informatics and Information Management by Brodnik. Publisher: AHIMA
  • VLab
  • Necessary web conference accessories (webcam, camera, microphone, etc.)

LIBRARY:

https://collin.libguides.com/him

Reading Recommendations

Healthcare is constantly changing and it is important for students to have a working knowledge of the current issues. 

Below are recommended sources for the most current relevant reliable information. 

The following are good resources: It is in your best interest to make sure you have access to them. 
  • Health Information Management Technology by Sayles/Gordon, 5th edition. Publisher: AHIMA
  • Fundamentals of Law for Health Informatics and Information Management by Brodnik, 3rd Edition. Publisher: AHIMA

 

  • Emperor of All Maladies, by Siddhartha Mukherjee
  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot
  • *Complications: A surgeon's notes on an imperfect science, by Atul Gawande
  • The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, by Anne Fadiman
  • Cybermedicine: How Computing Empowers Doctors and Patients for Better Health Care, by Warner V. Slack
  • Outliers; The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell
  • My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey, by Jill Bolte Taylor, PhD
  • The Social Transformation of American Medicine, by Paul Starr, PhD
  • Designed to Adapt: Leading Healthcare in Challenging Times, by John Kenagy, MD
  • Wall Street Journal
  • The Journal by AHIMA (The Journal of AHIMA is available through the library in digital format. Click on the library tab through your CougarWeb.)
  • Modern Healthcare
  • HealthData Management

Healthcare is constantly changing and it is important for students to have a working knowledge of current issues. 


Students should petition for graduation once they have registered for their final courses. The petition should be scanned and emailed to Diana Platt (dplatt@collin.edu).

The petition can be found at:

Petition for Graduation

Degree will not be awarded unless a petition has been filed and evaluated. 

 

Collin College encourages the participation of our Alumni in the Collin College HIM Alumni organization. Information regarding events and activities is sent via email so if interested, provide your current personal email to the Director. Any questions regarding the group should be sent to Patricia Pierson PPierson@collin.edu, Alumni coordinator.

CAREER RESOURCES:

Just Graduated

LinkedIn

http://hicareers.com/careermap

Interested in pursing additional education?

Check out our partnerships.....

http://www.collin.edu/transferu/

http://ntxccc.org/pathways?field_career_cluster_tid%5B%5D=27&field_aas_school_tid%5B%5D=4&field_degree_path_tid=All

 

 Program Performance Indicators              CAHIIM Seal

The Collin College HIM program boasts:
Graduation Rate: 93.3% (August 2016 - May 2018)
RHIT Exam Pass Rate: 93.75% (Spring 2016 - Fall 2016)
Graduate Satisfaction Rate: 100% 
 
The Health Information Management Degree Program at Collin College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
(http://cahiim.org)
 HIMSS Approved Education Partner Seal
As a HIMSS Approved Education Partner, Collin College has met HIMSS’ rigorous standards for delivering world-class, effective healthcare and health IT education. Collin College is a member of an exclusive group of others that are authorized to offer HIMSS-approved education programs that prepare candidates for advanced knowledge in health IT or healthcare.
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