Certificate in Health Information Fundamentals
Description
Developed using the Canadian College of Health Information Management's Health Information Fundamentals Curricular Standards and recognized by the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA), this streamlined online program teaches fundamental theories and principles of health information management. The program also prepares students to write the CHIM national certification examination.
Learn the fundamental theories and principles of health information management and governance, the structure of the Canadian health system and data repositories. You will also explore privacy and health laws to sustain quality in health and the technology solutions that make it possible.
Achieve your Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) designation faster and become a certified professional with the help of our streamlined online program. Demonstrate your credibility and commitment to the health information management industry and get ahead in this rewarding profession.
You’ll learn to
- Understand the fundamental theories and principles of health information management
- Understand the structure of the Canadian health system and health data and information repositories
- Prepare, collect and process health data for analysis using statistical software
- Understand the development of data standards, their application within health information management and organizational practices for maintaining data quality and data integrity
- Assess key Canadian federal and provincial privacy and health laws that affect policies and processes related to health information
- Navigate project management concepts in the technology system development lifecycle and the standards related to the exchange of health information within and across systems; technologies such as cloud storage, blockchain, virtual care will be highlighted
- Comprehend the medical terminology used in a healthcare environment, the anatomical body structures and their physiological functions, pathological conditions, risk factors, diagnostic interventions and available treatment options
Who should take this program?
- University graduates from any discipline interested in a career in management or health analytics within the health information management industry
- Healthcare professionals seeking a second career or a new career pathway
- Health information managers, health informatics or information professionals looking to upgrade their education and acquire a designation
- International professionals seeking Canadian education in health information management
- Data analysts, business analysts, researchers and managers looking to work in the healthcare industry
- Professionals responsible for the privacy, security and confidentiality of client records and information
For students registered prior to Fall 2022, you can continue taking the required courses listed below to complete your certificate.
If you have any questions, please contact the program team at mcehif@mcmaster.ca.
If you have any questions, please contact the program team at mcehif@mcmaster.ca.
Admission Requirements:
Program pre-requisites and admissions criteria
In compliance with the Certificates and Diploma admission policy from the Undergraduate Council, students who wish to enter the program should meet the following requirements based on their education and work experience:
1. Potential students MUST have completed the following courses prior to applying to the Health Information Fundamentals Certificate program. If the above courses have been completed at another institution, please provide proof of equivalency.
- HTH 100: Understanding the Canadian Healthcare System OR work experience in Canadian Healthcare
- HTH 200: Medical Terminology
- HTH 300: Anatomy & Physiology
- HTH 116 and 117 (Pathophysiology 1 and 2)
2. Be a mature student as defined in the Undergraduate Calendar of McMaster University; or be deemed an exceptional case by the Centre for Continuing Education
3. English Language Proficiency requirements: Completion of TOEFL exam with minimum acceptable score of IBT: 86 overall with a minimum score of 20 on each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening), valid for 2 years
4. The completion of a degree at a recognized university (in any discipline) OR be currently working towards the completion of an undergraduate degree
Application process
The application process is a multi-step process. You must apply, receive your acceptance and then you can enrol in courses.
You will need the following items:
- Official Transcripts to support the academic requirements listed above
- Current resume (Word or PDF format)
- 1-2-page Statement of Intent outlining your background, reason for interest in the program and future goals
- Credit/debit card to submit the $59 non-refundable application fee
Please note, your application will not be reviewed until all required documentation is received. Applicants will be notified directly if additional information or documentation is required. You will be advised through email of your admittance to the program within two weeks of receiving a complete application package.
Earn the Certificate in Health Information Fundamentals by successfully completing all 6 specialist courses listed below.
Students who complete the certificate are eligible to sit the CHIM exam through the Canadian College of Health Information Management.
Certificate in Health Information Fundamentals
COURSES (COMPLETE ALL 6)
- HIF 101 Introduction to Health Information Management & Records Management
- HIF 102 Information Governance, Finance and ResearchHIF 103Privacy & Health Law
- HIF 104 Quality in Health
- HIF 105 Information Technology
- HIF 106 Statistics & Analytics
Note: Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.
Overview
- Institution: McMaster University
- Program type: Certificate
- Language: English
- Program Code: HTINFMCERT
- Delivery Method: Fully Online/Distance
Disclaimer:
Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.
Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.