5710/26/2026
In the heart of Houston’s world-renowned medical community, some of tomorrow’s healthcare champions are preparing for careers that patients may never see—but will certainly benefit from. Among them is Briauna Rivers, a Houston native, devoted mother and second-year Health Information Technology student at Houston City College’s Coleman College for Health Sciences.
A proud Jersey Village High School alumna and member of Coleman’s anticipated Class of 2027, Rivers is proving that purpose does not always follow a straight road. Sometimes, the scenic route leads exactly where you need to be.
Her journey began with a recommendation from her best friend, Jenna, a Coleman Respiratory Therapy graduate who spoke enthusiastically about the college’s reputation. Rivers initially explored diagnostic medical sonography and radiography, but a conversation about medical coding opened another door. After researching Coleman’s Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology, she discovered a field combining healthcare, technology and possibilities for professional growth.
It was more than a promising career choice. It was a plan to build a stable future for her daughter while remaining an engaged, present parent.
That ambition fits naturally into Coleman’s history. Founded in 2004 and rooted in the Texas Medical Center, Coleman College offers education across more than 20 health science fields. Its Health Information Technology program prepares students to organize, analyze, code and safeguard medical records—work that helps make healthcare accurate, efficient and accountable. The college says the associate-degree program’s specialized accreditation is reaffirmed through 2027.
For Rivers, however, the education extends well beyond software and spreadsheets. During her first two practicums, she learned directly from credentialed health information professionals, gaining clearer insight into possible careers. Just as important, she found professors who offered encouragement, listened to her concerns and recognized her potential.
And she brings plenty of talents to the classroom. In addition to working as a special education bus monitor and volunteering as a Bible educator, Rivers sings, paints and crochets. She even wrote and self-published a children’s book of positive affirmations inspired by her daughter.
That daughter remains the powerful heartbeat behind the journey. Rivers describes her as “my world and heart walking outside my body.” Returning to school later in life, particularly after an unexpected family turning point, required courage, discipline and the willingness to start again.
Her advice to fellow students is simple and enduring: “Know what your ‘why’ is.” She also urges students to manage their schedules carefully and make room for rest before exhaustion steals their momentum.
Rivers understands that dreams sometimes change direction. What matters, she believes, is staying flexible enough to recognize opportunity when it arrives in an unexpected form.
For Houston Style Magazine, her story captures something especially meaningful about Coleman College: healthcare education is not simply about preparing a workforce. It is about strengthening families, creating pathways to opportunity and helping determined Houstonians write their next chapter.
Briauna Rivers is not waiting for the perfect path. She is making her own—and giving her daughter a powerful example to follow.
Briauna Rivers — Coleman Champion Student Spotlight
Houston City College — Coleman College for Health Sciences
HCC Health Information Technology Degree Program
Health Information Technology Program
Houston City College — Official Website