Group Awards Scholarship to Health Information Student

Published 02.20.2014

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Jessica A. Long, a student in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s health information technology major, was named a 2013 Merit Scholarship recipient by the American Health Information Management Association Foundation.

Long, a sophomore from Shoemakersville, received the foundation’s Undergraduate Merit Scholarship.



Jessica A. LongApplicants were evaluated based on their GPA and academic achievement, volunteer and work experience, commitment to the health information management profession, quality and relevance of references, and completeness and clarity of thought.

Among her achievements, Long has been named to the Dean’s List throughout her college career and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. She is president of the college’s Health Information Association, through which she has participated in many community and college service events. She is a mentor to fellow students through the college’s Penn Pal program and serves as a student representative for the Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association.

In 2013, 149 students submitted applications for review; out of that pool, 47 qualified candidates received scholarships from the AHIMA Foundation for a total of $72,000 in awards. The 2013 award recipients included three doctoral candidates, 14 master's degree students, 15 bachelor's degree/post-baccalaureate certificate students and 14 associate degree students. The scholarship recipients represent 24 states and had an average GPA of 3.8 (out of 4.0).

Founded in 1928, AHIMA has played a leadership role in the effective management of health data and medical records needed to deliver quality health care to the public. The association is working to advance the implementation of electronic health records by leading key industry initiatives and advocating high, consistent standards.

Penn College offers a certificate in health information coding specialist, as well as an associate degree in health information technology and a bachelor’s degree in health information management. To learn more about these and other academic programs offered by the School of Health Sciences at Penn College, call 570-327-4519.

For more about the college, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.