Health Informatics program application process

Admission requirements

In compliance with the Certificates and Diploma admission policy from Undergraduate Council, learners who wish to enter the Diploma in Health Informatics must have one of the following:

1. An undergraduate degree, diploma, or equivalent, from an accredited University or College
2. Submission of an application form including:
   • A letter of Intent
   • An updated resume
   • Submission of Official Transcripts from granting degree/diploma university/college
3. Be a mature learner as defined in the Undergraduate Calendar of McMaster University or be deemed an exceptional case by McMaster Continuing Education

Program prerequisites

In order to ensure that learners have the basic capabilities necessary to be successful in the program’s academic courses, it is recommended that learners have the following pre-requisite knowledge, skills, or course completion:

• Knowledge and skills with introductory level courses in computer applications, such as spreadsheets, word processing and programming
• Database knowledge
• Knowledge and skills in statistics and mathematical literacy
• Successful completion of a Healthcare Systems of Canada course or equivalent professional experience in the healthcare industry
• English Language Proficiency requirements: Completion of TOEFL exam with a 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

Winter 2025 application dates:

• Open date: October 7, 2024
• Close date: December 10, 2024

Please note: We do not accept applications for the Spring term as this program is a cohort program. You can enter the cohort in the Fall or Winter terms.

Please submit your application using our Online Application Portal.

To apply, you will need the following items:

• Current resume (Word or PDF)
• Official or copy of academic transcripts (PDF)
• Official copy of English language proficiency test scores/certificate (if applicable)
• One-page letter of intent (Word or PDF) describing previous training and experience; your assessment of your learning needs; and why you think this program will help you meet your learning needs
• Credit/debit card to submit the $59 non-refundable application fee

Please note: An application will not be reviewed until all required documentation is received. Program staff will notify you directly if additional information or documentation is required. Email confirmation is sent upon successful submission of the application and receipt of payment.

My OWN McMaster pathway application process

Admission requirements

To be considered eligible for the My OWN McMaster pathway, you must meet the following criteria:

• You are considered a mature student (as defined by McMaster University). This means you have not attended secondary school or college on a full-time basis for at least two years.
• You have not graduated from an undergraduate degree program. If you have completed more than one year of study, certain eligibility conditions apply.
• You meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years
• You have submitted the My OWN McMaster application form and completed all required documentation

Note:  

• Current undergraduate degree students at McMaster University are not eligible for the My OWN McMaster pathway. These students should consult with their Faculty Academic Advisor about the possibility of applying McMaster Continuing Education courses to their degree program.
• Previous undergraduate degree students with McMaster University who earned 30 units or less may be eligible under certain conditions.

Spring 2025 application dates:

• Open date: February 1, 2025
• Close date: April 30, 2025

Fall 2025:

• Open date: May 1, 2025
• Close date: September 30, 2025

Winter 2026:

• Open date: October 1, 2025
• Close date: January 31, 2026

Spring 2026:

• Open date: February 1, 2026
• Close date: April 30, 2026

Application process
The application process is a multi-step process. You must apply, receive your acceptance and then you can enrol in courses.

Please submit your application using our Online Application Portal.

To apply, you will need the following items:

• Current resume (Word or PDF)
• A letter of intent (250-500 words) outlining reasons for applying to this program, learning goals, and suitability for the My OWN McMaster pathway
• Official transcripts of all previous academic studies from accredited post-secondary institutions
• 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. You will be notified directly by program staff if additional information or documentation is required. Admission status is updated within 4-6 weeks of our receipt of your application package.

Professional Addiction Studies program application process

Admission requirements

There is a $59 fee to apply to the Professional Addiction Studies program. Students who wish to enter the Diploma or Certificate in Professional Addiction Studies are required to meet the following admission criteria based on their education and/or work experience:

• Undergraduate degree or three-year college diploma in a related field, or college diploma in a related field. Relevant fields of study include psychology, social work, health, social sciences, public health, community and social services, child and youth studies.
  OR
• A minimum of 2 years full-time (4,000 hours) supervised experience in fields such as addiction, mental health, social and community services, nursing, law enforcement/criminal justice, or first responders.

Spring 2025:

• Open date: January 12, 2025
• Close date: April 19, 2025

Fall 2025:

• Open date: April 20, 2025
• Close date: September 2, 2025

Winter 2026:

• Open date: September 3, 2025
• Close date: January 5, 2026

Spring 2026:

• Open date: January 6, 2026
• Close date: April 27, 2026

Application process
The application process is a multi-step process. You must apply, receive your acceptance and then you can enrol in courses.

Please submit your application using our Online Application Portal.

To apply, you will need the following items:

• Current resume (Word or PDF)
• 1-2 page Statement of Intent outlining previous training and experience in the helping field, your assessment of your learning needs and why you think this program will help you meet your learning needs. The purpose of the letter is to help us assess program fit.
  your background and reason for interest in the program
• Official/copy of academic transcripts (PDF); or letter from employer
• 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. You will be notified directly by program staff if additional information or documentation is required.