The HIT program at Panola College has advanced me towards a flourishing career and aided in developing my professional footprint onto today’s healthcare atmosphere. I give the highest appraisal and gratitude to all my instructors during my time at Panola!
-Daniel Quetzala, RHIT Class of 2020
"I am currently employed with the Dept.of Homeland Security-ICE as a General Clerk III in Jena, LA. I have been employed since October of 2017. It's not in the medical billing and coding field but they did say they chose me because of the training I received with my Associate's Degree."
-Sarah Mendiola, CCA, Class of 2017
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology/Medical Coding Certificate
"[After graduation] I am indeed working...full time with CHI St.Luke- Lufkin, TX as a Patient Access Rep II in the Emergency Department (medical terminology, insurance, patient access records and knowledge used). I also work part time at Open Arms Counseling Services, LLC in Lufkin, TX where I am a Billing Specialist (coding and insurance billing, coordination with 3rd used daily for psychological services mainly for the CPS and local law enforcement) and work from home 80% of the time.
Panola College granted me the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge for both jobs in August 2017. I am blessed to have been a part of Panola College and at the age of 50+, starting over and excited to know how to enjoy life again and earn money!!!"
-Priscilla Chumbley, CCA, Class of 2017
Medical Coding Certificate
"The HIT Department at Panola College prepared me not only for my certification exam but for a career in the medical field. Upon completion of my degree plan, I passed my Registered Health Information Technician certification exam through AHIMA and now work in a medical billing office where I am the lead biller. The HIT Department at Panola College offers a variety of online classes for those with busy schedules and their clinical rotations gave me experience in a wide array of facilities, all of which I was offered employment. Panola College and the HIT Department are great resources for a growing healthcare community."
-Kerri Vana, RHIT, Class of 2008
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
"I attended Panola to get my HIT degree and pursue a career in the Health Information field because it is a vast and rapidly growing industry. I actually got a job offer in the fall of 2003 while doing my second clinical at GSMC-Marshall (formerly Marshall Regional Hospital). About six months after graduation, I took my RHIT exam and passed. Two years later, I took my CCS exam and passed. Having my credentials has given me a sense of accomplishment and pride in what I do. I have been working for GSMC-Marshall as a coder/CDI analyst for almost 8 1/2 years and counting!!"
-Tarshay Ingram, RHIT, Class of 2003
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
"I had been a private caregiver for 14 years and wanted to stay in the medical field. I had taken some basic classes, and then had to put college on hold for a while because of a family situation. When I started back in the fall of 2007 I looked at what programs Panola College had to offer, I went and talked to the director of the (HIT) Health Information Technology program and decided that is what I wanted to get a degree in. I graduated in May of 2009 with an associate’s degree in HIT. I took the (RHIT) Registered Health Information Technology exam in August 2009 and passed. I was hired at Good Shepherd Medical Center - Marshall in Marshall, TX. in October 2009 in the medical record department. I am an out-patient coder right now and I am studying to get my (CCS) Certified Coding Specialist credential this year. I enjoy my job and going back to college was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
If you want to get into a good field of work, the HIT program at Panola College is a good choice because there are so many different jobs that can use the RHIT credentials. Check into it today."
-Cindy Wornat, RHIT, Class of 2009
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology