MD RUI, MCh and LM 1876, LRCSI 1876.
Collins studied at Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland and Queen's College Belfast. He was resident at Meath Hospital Dublin before moving to Manchester where he was appointed house surgeon at Hulme Dispensary. He occupied this position until he commenced private practice. He was later honorary consultant physician at the Hulme Dispensary and gave lectures for the Hulme Healthy Homes Association. Collins was a member of Manchester Medical Society and was honorary secretary of the Manchester Medico-Ethical Society for a number of years, reflecting his strong interest in medical politics. Collins died in February 1907.