Collin College

• 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
• 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.

      

 

 

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. 
• Overall GPA (2.5 or higher)
• Essay
• Letters of reference

 

Considerations before you apply..

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:

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

• Application
• Student Handbook (Acknowledgment and Confidentiality Statement)
• HIPAA Acknowledgment Form

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 $40 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 student. 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.

• Health Information Management Technology by Sayles/Gordon, 6th 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