Computer Competency Exam:
How do I arrange to take the computer competency exam?
You must succesfully compete the computer competency exam before you may register for your first matriculated course.
The Management Information Systems Department manages the computer competency examinations. Prior to the test you will need to purchase a myitlab COMPUTER LITERACY TEST ACCESS CODE which can be obtained from the Temple University Bookstore (13th & Montgomery) or Zavelle’s Bookstore (1520 N Broad Street). If you purchase the access codes from the Temple bookstore, the access codes are located behind the main front registers. If you purchase the access code from Zavelle’s Bookstore, the access codes are located behind Register 5.
The myitlab COMPUTER LITERACY TEST ACCESS CODE (# 055834741X) will cost you $19.25 at Zavelle’s Bookstore and $20.00 from the Temple University Bookstore. You MUST bring the myitlab Access Code with you on the day of the test as well as your Temple University ID. Your results will be displayed after completion of the FCLT and you can also log back into the registration system to view your results. Please allow 24 hours for you results to be uploaded.
For information related to the test contents, please refer to http://www.sbm.temple.edu/foxclt/.
The competency exam takes 50 minutes to complete. However, the entire process of the examination will take approximately 1.5 hours for logging in, creating an account, and taking a practice test.
The currently available exam times and locations are below.
| Day | Date | Time | Location |
| Thursday | 11/19/09 | 2:15 PM | Main Campus - Alter Hall 602 |
| Tuesday | 12/1/09 | 2:15 PM | Main Campus - Alter Hall 602 |
To schedule to take the exam, please send an email to Dustin Rodriguez at tua48942@temple.edu with your full name, TUID (if you have one) and your preferred date/time. He will arrange for you at your preferred time. You must have your product key prior to admission. Prompt arrival for the examination is required as it is proctored.
What is the passing score and what happens if I don't pass?
The passing score for the computer competency exam is 74%. If you do not achieve a 74%, purchase the @ MYITLAB COMPUTER LITERACY TRAINING AND RE-TEST ACCESS CODE. Once you purchase this access code you will need to review the concepts and work through each module. When you feel that you have mastered each skill you will be eligible to resit for the on-site exam.
NOTE: You must retake the exam on site at Temple. Successful competion of the FOX Computer Literacy Test which is built into the application will NOT BE ACCEPTED. You have three chances to pass the examiation.
Transcripts:
Do I need to send all of my transcripts even if I received my baccalaureate degree from Temple?
Yes. To apply to the MS in HI program you must submit all of your prior transcripts for any education beyond high school including courses taken at a community college or any other college, even if it was just one course or the course was taken at Temple Unviersity.
Where should transcripts be sent?
Official copies of each transcript should be sent to:
Department of Health Information Management
College of Health Professions
3307 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Attention: MS in Health Informatics Applications
If I already have a graduate degree, do I still need all my prior transcripts?
Yes. Temple University requires official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended.
Requirements for Admission:
Do I need to take the TOEFL exam?
Any student who does not have a baccalaureate degree that was taught in English needs to take the TOEFEL.
What should be included in my professional portfolio?
You should include an updated CV, a statement describing your career goals and how this degree will help you achieve this goal. An example of some professional writing that you have created on your job is also welcome.
Will my application for admission be considered if I am still taking course work or have to take my GREs or TOEFL examination?
We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible so that you can be considered for your preferred semester for admission. If you are still taking classes in preparation for entering graduate school, please submit all official transcripts for any colleges from which you have completed work. You may submit unofficial transcripts from colleges or universities at which you are currently enrolled. If you are waiting to take the GRE or TOEFL , please inform us of the date you are scheduled to sit for the examination. We will review your application and your admission will be contingent upon your successful completion of those courses and/or exams.
How do I submit recommendations?
The evaluator should submit the recommendation online through Apply Yourself. When you are completing your online application in Apply Yourself there is a link on the left panel for Recommendations. When the page appears there is a button to allow you to add evaluators and their contact information. Add the evaluator's name and email address and an email message will be routed to the evaluator with a link to Apply Yourself as well as a password. The evaluator can then complete the evaluation on line. This is the most efficient and quickest method of submitting recommendations.
If you did not select that the evaluator submit the recommendation online, you may have your evaluator email an electronic version to the Director of the Program at cindy.joy.marselis@temple.edu.
The evaluator can also route a hard copy to the HIM Department office although this approach is not preferred and may delay the prompt processing of an application while the paper document is in transit.
Do I need a prior faculty member as a recommendation?
No. Although many applicants do ask prior faculty members for evaluations, professional recommendations are accepted and encouraged.
Do I need to take the GREs?
Applicants are required to take the GRE. An applicant may be waived from the exam if the student's cumulative baccalaureate GPA is at least 3.25 or the student has a graduate degree. Alternatively, you can waive out of the GRE requirement by enrolling in the three pre-requisite courses and obtain a cumulative GPA in those three classes of 3.25.
What is the required GPA for admission into the MS in Health Informatics?
An applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be accepted into the program. However, the student may elect to take the 3 pre-requisite courses which provide an overview of required health information management body of knowledge. If the student receives a cumulative GPA of 3.25 in these 3 courses, the minimum GPA requirement will be waived.
Do I need to take the 3 pre-requisite courses?
You will need to take the 3 pre-requisite courses if one of the following conditions exists:
- You do not have a GPA of 3.0 in your baccalaureate degree
- You wish to waive out of the GRE exam and you do not have a GPA of 3.25 (and you do not already have a graduate degree)
- Your prior education and experiences were not health information management focused. A faculty member will work with you to evaluate your prior experience to advise you on this requirement based on your professional portfolio.
If I am a practitioner who is fluent in the material offered in the pre-requisite courses but want to take some of the required classes to waive the GPA requirement. May I take different courses in the program?
The MS in HI Admissions Committee in collaboration with the applicant will determine if the student demonstrates the necessary body of knowledge to take alternative graduate courses in lieu of the three pre-requisites. The Admissions Committee may offer approval for the student fluent in the material covered in the pre-requisite course toenroll in three alternative graduate courses at Temple University. Under these circumstances, the cumulative GPA received in these three courses may be used to waive the GPA requirements for admission.
When do I need a TOEFL exam and what is the acceptable score?
Information pertaining to the Graduate School's requirements for and acceptable scores for the TOEFL exam are available on the International Applications page.
Admission Policies:
How many courses may I take as a non-matriculated student?
A student may take up to 9 credits as a non-matriculated student with prior approval by the MS in Health Informatics Admissions Committee. Any pre-requisite information for the course will apply. Any additional credits taken over the 9 credits will not apply towards the degree. You should have your application ready midway through the third course.
Can I take a course in the MS in Health Informatics program for personal enrichment?
A student may enroll in a course in the program for personal enrichment with permission of the instructor.
How does the admission process work?
Interested candidates in the program must complete the online application through Apply Yourself and must include a career development statement, resume or CV, 2 recommendations, and transcripts from all colleges attended. Once the recommendation is complete and submitted online, your application will be reviewed by the MS in Health Informatics Admissions Committee. You will then be contacted for a personal interview onsite at the College of Health Professions campus. Based on your qualifications, a recommendation will be made to the Graduate School. You will receive a notification of the university's decision.
Who do I speak to about visa issues?
Please contact the International office at Main Campus
How do I submit an application?
Applications are to be submitted online to Temple's Apply Yourself program. (Click on the Apply Yourself link to access Temple's online system Apply Yourself ). You will be asked to create a username and the password and PIN will be sent to you. Complete the form online. You can submit your resume, your career goals essay, as well as your recommendations online, as well.
How long do I have to complete this graduate program?
A student has 5 years from the time of matriculation to complete a graduate degree.
Is there an application deadline for Fall 2009 admissions?
There is no application deadline for the Fall 2009 semester. However, applications received prior to March 31, 2009 will be given priority. Applications received after March 31, 2009 will be processed based on available space. Applications are currently being accepted on line.
Program Logistics:
When and where will courses be offered?
The program is designed to be a part-time program for working professionals. Accordingly, classes will be offered in the evenings at one of Temple's conveniently located campuses including: Center City (TUCC) , Main, College of Health Professions, or Fort Washington.
Is the program offered online?
One of the key differentiators of this program is the collaborative design between the Health Information Management Department at the College of Health Professions and the Management Information Systems Department at the Fox School of Business. Classes will taught in a multi-disciplinary approach. The classroom interaction is critical. Accordingly, the program is designed to be on-site. Individual classes may be taught online or in a hybrid approach periodically.
