Health Information Management Application | NorthWest Arkansas Community College
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Health Information Management

HIM Application

Admission into the online HIM program entails a number of requirements and recommendations. Please read all information before submitting an application.

Important Information:

 
  • View the all the admissions information listed below before applying. 
  • Before applying to the HIM program, you will need to have taken Anatomy and Physiology I and Math 1003.

  • You will need to apply to be an NWACC student before completing the HIM application. If you have not applied to be a student yet, please see "How to Apply" below.

  • Application period is open March 1 - July 1. All application materials must be received on the designated deadline date and time. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, then it will be the following business day.

  • HIM program courses are online and its two clinical internships are in-person.

  • Attention Out-of-State Applicants: NWACC's CAHIIM accredited Health Information Management Program graduates that successfully complete the academic requirements of NWACC's associate degree of applied science in Health Information Management are eligible to sit for the national registry: Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam. 

 

Program Admission Process

Please read all of the information below before applying to the HIM program.

The program director and faculty, in cooperation with appropriate institutional personnel, establish admissions procedures which are non-discriminatory, contribute to the quality of the program, and allow a selection of students with the potential to successfully complete the program. 

There is an established admissions committee which includes the program director and an advisory selection committee.

There are only 24 openings available during each application period.

  1. You must have the ability to communicate safely, accurately, and effectively in both written and spoken English. If English is your second language, you are encouraged to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) course to enhance your success.
  2. Before applying to the HIM program, you will need to have taken Anatomy and Physiology I and Math 1003.
  3. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
  4. Personal essay
    • One page, typed and double spaced
    • Explains why you are interested in the HIM program
    • Your personal goals, including how and when you became interested in this field of study
    • What personal strengths you have that support your acceptance in the program
    • Other areas of interest, extra-curricular activities and leadership experience may also be included
  5. Letter of recommendation. Must be from a college instructor/professor, recent employer/supervisor or peer/co-worker. References from family members will not be accepted.
  6. Overall GPA of 2.5

How to Apply

  1. Apply for admission to NWACC. - If you are not currently enrolled at NWACC, you need to apply for admission to the college in addition to applying to the Health Information Management program.  Apply now to NWACC.

  2. Complete your online application and submit your letter of recommendation and personal essay. Submit letter of recommendation and personal essay to the program director, Center for Health Professions, room 2002, phone: 479-619-4153

Selection of students into the HIM program is based on a point system. Students with the highest total points are selected for admission. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all eligibility requirements have been met.

  • Personal essay and reference letter- up to 10 points possible
  • Interview - up to 20 points possible
    • Students will be interviewed by a selection committee after the application deadline.

Health Information Management program applicants will be notified by email after completing the Summer I semester final examinations, completing the interview, and submitting the essay and application. Students are ranked highest to lowest, and 24 students are accepted each year.

Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to submit the following documentation, BUT WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE CLINICAL DIRECTOR:

  • Proof of medical insurance
  • Proof of current TB skin test
  • Proof of MMR immunization
  • Proof of Hepatitis B vaccinations or declination waiver
  • Proof of Tdap vaccination or declination waiver
  • Proof of Vacicella (chicken pox) immunization OR documented proof that you have had the disease
  • 10 panel urine drug screen
  • Criminal background check

Required needs/expectation:

  • Access to computer with Internet and printing capabilities
  • Reliable transportation to all classes, labs, and clinical sites

Note - other requirements may be mandated by the clinical sites

If English is your second language and you are seeking admission into the Health Professions programs, you are required to complete an English as a Second Language (ESL) listening test. 

Students can receive more information and/or schedule to take the ESL listening test through the NWACC testing center by calling 479-619-4354 or visiting the testing center page.

The ESL listening test is designed to assess a student’s ability to understand standard American English. A score of 92 or higher on the COMPASS ESL listening test (taken within the last three years) OR a score of 120 or higher on the Accuplacer ESL listening test is REQUIRED for students seeking entrance
into Health Professions Programs. A minimum score or higher indicates the ability to understand complex discussions, such as academic lectures and factual reports. Students scoring below the minimum will need to retest and successfully pass by July 1st.

 

Application Period: March 1 - July 1

Your application and all required materials must be received in the division office by 3:00 p.m. on the final day of the application period.  Make sure you have applied to be a student of NWACC before completing the Health Information Management application.

HIM Application

Note: Students who will be attending clinical rotations while enrolled in a professional program at the Center for Health Professions will be required to have a drug screen performed, either prior to admission, or prior to attending clinical rotations. Students who test positive for drugs (including medical marijuana) will be denied access to the clinical rotations and will consequently be either denied acceptance into the professional program or dismissed from the professional program.