Online Student Testimonials

"I am only two years into the program, however, when dealing with technology vendors I now feel more prepared for the discussions. I also found that as I discuss options or have IT related questions, the IT analysts respect my knowledge and they tell me I am more knowledgeable in this area than the facility's previous HIM Director. It has also been nice to bring back fresh ideas to my colleagues and superiors. The ability to make those positive contributions feels encouraging. I know that I could not have made those contributions had I not been involved in the coursework this master's program provides."

-- Liz Bechtle, Nebraska

"I chose The College of St. Scholastica because of the excellent reputation for HIM studies and of the staff members themselves. The staff is active in both state and national organizations and are leaders in the HIM profession. I had been looking for a master's program for many years, and this program had what I wanted. It also had it in a format that was doable -two weeks in summer with projects to take home and Internet classes. I came to the program with a good HIM and technical background, but soon learned that this program took me well beyond what I knew. Even the first year classes challenged me and made me grow in both HIM and information systems knowledge. The staff is knowledgeable and kind.As a student progresses, there are personal and professional challenges which can get in the way of the education. The staff works with you to ensure that your plan is reasonable and that due dates can be met or adjusted. I now can speak from a knowledge base and have more confidence in my abilities. The sky is the limit because of the summers that changed my life."

-- Maida Herbst, California

"I actually looked into several graduate programs before deciding upon St. Scholastica. My main reason for selecting CSS was the curriculum -I liked the technical emphasis and focus on health information. Most of the graduate programs I was finding had emphasis on health care administration. Even though I am not the traditional HIM professional, I have been involved with health information for seven years, and wanted to continue my career track. I have benefited from getting to know my fellow classmates, and have profited from the knowledge and experiences they bring to the program.Being able to get to know my classmates has made the on-line class experience more valuable. There is no doubt that this curriculum requires effort, but I can honestly say that it has been worth it in terms of knowledge gain."

-- Dana Kimmel, Minnesota

"There are no graduate level programs in HIM in Canada (we are just organizing our undergraduate programs) so I was thrilled to learn of the St. Scholastica distance education model. Course materials and class participation have expanded my horizons considerably and renewed my enthusiasm for the profession. I now have a more rewarding (and better paying) position and have the privilege of being involved in some high level informatics committees.Faculty and students alike are welcoming and encouraging. I wouldn't trade the experience."

-- Charmaine Shaw, Ontario, Canada

As an educator, I feel my experience in the graduate program at St. Scholastica provided me with exposure to the top professionals in the HIM field as instructors; and the latest, cutting edge information. Meeting professionals from across the country as fellow students only enhanced the experience.

-- Valerie Bond, Arkansas

"It's taken me twelve years to find a master's program I can commit to. As a health care consultant in the systems integration line of a big five consulting firm, I travel more than 45 weeks each year. This program has enabled me to maintain a work-life balance I could have never achieved in a weekend or evening program. I can remotely complete courses while I am on the road and still spend time with my family on the weekend. The curriculum's emphases on combining classroom theory with projects that are completed for and at the workplace are wonderful for my professional advancement and benefit my company and my clients!"

-- Lynette Kramer, Illinois