Overview
Apply to start the Health Informatics Diploma program in Winter 2025!
Applications will be accepted from Oct 7, 2024 – Dec 10, 2024.
For more information on submitting your application, please click here.
Work in the field where health and information technology intersect
Learn to use technology, clinical guidelines, information systems and data management practices to optimize the collection, storage and use of information in healthcare. Gain in-demand skills that can be applied to nursing, clinical care, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, occupational therapy and medical research. Here you’ll examine:
- The fundamental theories, principles and ethical standards of health informatics
- Technical foundations for effective systems analysis design and implementation
- Project management, quality control and performance evaluation
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Program highlights Learn More
- Diploma program that teaches in demand skills in the health sector
- Flexible online courses that fit your schedule
- Taught by industry experts
Health Informatics program features:
- Up-to-date knowledge and skills that today’s employers are looking for
- Convenient online instructor-facilitated courses
- Networking opportunities where you can connect with health informatics professionals
What you'll learn Learn More
- Fundamentals in theory and ethical standards
- The foundations in technical systems, analysis and design
- How to leverage IT systems to collect, code and classify data and information in the healthcare sector
Through our Health Informatics program, you’ll learn to:
- Critically examine the fundamental principles and theories of health information management
- Investigate the parameters of legal and ethical duties as a Health Informatics professional
- Build on technical foundations by incorporating project management elements and managerial strategies, for various stages of system design, analysis and evaluation
- Examine the role of the Health Informatician to develop, maintain and retrieve critical data from the information systems commonly found in health care
- Use project management skills for the health sector including applying the project life cycle within the context of IT as issues of outsourcing, quality standards, cost and risk management
- Demonstrate the impact of health informatics within the components of the healthcare system such as eHealth, telehealth, research and others
- Collect, code and classify health data
- Use health technologies to meet organizational goals
Learn more about the Health Informatics program
- Healthcare professionals seeking a second career or new career path
- Individuals with related study or a background in computer science or IT
- Individuals who are currently employed or seeking employment in the field of health informatics
- Health informatics professionals looking to upgrade previous educational background
- International professionals seeking Canadian education in health informatics
Earning a Diploma in Health Informatics opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities including:
- Data Analyst
- Healthcare Manager
- Health Systems Planner
- Quality Performance Specialist
- Health Information Systems Analyst
- Research Coordinator
- Health Policy Analyst
- Healthcare Advocate
- Health Systems Designer
- Healthcare Software Developer
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Identify the types of health information and analyze the information systems used to collect, store, assess, distribute and protect health records and information
- Integrate policies, procedures and professional standards to the management of health information and information systems
- Analyze the relationship (interprofessional roles and responsibilities) between healthcare systems, health information management and health informatics and its impact on the decision-making process and risk management of personal health information
- Research and propose creative and critical solutions that align with the professional roles of health informatics
- Demonstrate awareness of ethical practices applicable to the healthcare system and Health Informatics
- Understand the skills, attitudes and behaviours required to work and collaborate with people and develop personal management skills
Are you a current McMaster University undergraduate student?
Explore the ElevateYourSkills option to learn how you can earn a Health Informatics diploma as part of your degree.
- Use your electives to earn a professional certificate or diploma
- Fully online courses that you can fit into your schedule
- Providing you with real-life career skills and experience before you graduate
This educational offering has been approved for the following continuing education credit/professional development credit by the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists. McMaster University Continuing Education maintains all responsibility for this offering and its content.
HTH 101: Health Information Management I (36 credits)
HTH 103: Professionalism, Ethics and Professional Standards (36 credits)
HTH 104: Privacy, Confidentiality and Security (36 credits)
HTH 105: Information Systems & Technology (36 credits)
HTH 109: Systems Analysis and Evaluation (36 credits)
HTH 110: Health Informatics Data Analysis (36 credits)
HTH 111: Project Management in the Health Sector (36 credits)
HTH 120: Foundations in Health Informatics (36 credits)
HTH 121: Health Data Standards and Classifications (36 credits)
HTH 122: Quality Performance Evaluation (36 credits)
Check out our latest Info Session webinar to learn more about the Health Informatics program
What our recent graduates say
Krystal
Health and Social Service Skill Development graduate
I wanted to reinvent myself and change my career path and I was able to do that.
I wanted to be able to reinvent myself and change my career path and I was able to do that because of McMaster Continuing Education. Being a nurse, there are so many different avenues of nursing that I can try new things and continue to learn. The instructors were really understanding. When you’re working full-time, having someone that will promptly answer your questions and make time for you when you need it, they made it really easy.
Krystal
Health and Social Service Skill Development graduate
I wanted to reinvent myself and change my career path and I was able to do that.
I wanted to be able to reinvent myself and change my career path and I was able to do that because of McMaster Continuing Education. Being a nurse, there are so many different avenues of nursing that I can try new things and continue to learn. The instructors were really understanding. When you’re working full-time, having someone that will promptly answer your questions and make time for you when you need it, they made it really easy.
Krystal
Health and Social Service Skill Development graduate
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Diploma in Health Informatics
Diploma in Health Informatics
Pursue your Diploma in Health Informatics with McMaster Continuing Education
Explore the requirements below and register today!
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Diploma in Health Informatics Learn More
Earn a Diploma in Health Informatics when you successfully complete 8 core courses, plus 1 elective course* listed.
*Also: optional practical experience course in a healthcare setting
Diploma in Health Informatics Requirements
Academic Credit – 27 Units
Students must be accepted into the program before enrolling into courses. Please visit our Admission and Application Requirements page for complete details. Note for Future Degree Studies:
Program Prerequisites:
- 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 HTH 100 Understanding the Canadian Healthcare System*, equivalent course, or equivalent professional experience in the healthcare industry
Students who successfully graduate with the Diploma in Health Informatics and who wish to pursue degree studies at McMaster University, may be eligible to receive up to 24 units of undergraduate academic credit, as determined by the Faculty to which they are applying. Students must have completed their program and be accepted into the Faculty before this advanced standing is granted.
Core Courses (complete all 8)
Elective Courses (complete 1)
Health Informatics Schedule
Health Informatics Schedule
This schedule table displays courses planned to be offered this year and is a guide to planning your courses for the academic year. Please note: Spring term registration opens mid-March and Fall/Winter term registration opens mid-July.
For more information about our learning formats and to choose a format that works best for you, please visit our Learning Formats page. All times listed below are in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Course Name (Course Code) | Cost | Units | Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 | Spring/Summer 2025 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Health Information Management I (HTH 101) | $912.93 | 3.0 | Sep 9 - Nov 17 Format: Online | Jan 13 - Mar 23 Format: Online | — |
Professionalism, Ethics & Professional Standards (HTH 103) | $912.93 | 3.0 | — | Mar 10 - May 11 Format: Online | — |
Privacy, Confidentiality, Security (HTH 104) | TBD | 3.0 | — | — | May 26 - Jul 27 Format: Online |
Information Systems & Technology (HTH 105) | $912.93 | 3.0 | Sep 9 - Nov 17 Format: Online | — | — |
Systems Analysis & Evaluation (HTH 109) | $912.93 | 3.0 | — | Feb 10 - Apr 20 Format: Online | — |
Health Informatics Data Analysis (HTH 110) | TBD | 3.0 | — | — | May 5 - Jul 6 Format: Online |
Project Management for the Health Sector (HTH 111) | $912.93 | 3.0 | Nov 25 - Feb 9 Format: Online | — | — |
Health Informatics Practical Experience (HTH 114) | - | - | Currently Not Available | ||
Foundations in Health Informatics (HTH 120) | $912.93 | 3.0 | Nov 25 - Feb 9 Format: Online | — | — |
Health Data Standards & Classifications (HTH 121) | $912.93 | 3.0 | — | Feb 24 - Apr 27 Format: Online | — |
Quality and Performance Evaluation (HTH 122) | $912.93 | 3.0 | Sep 9 - Nov 17 Format: Online | — | — |
The schedule table is subject to change. Please visit the course pages to browse classes currently available for registration and the latest cost information.
*Health Informatics Practical Experience (HTH 114) start date is flexible and will be approved by the Program Manager once students secure their placement opportunity.
Application Requirements – HI
Application Requirements
This program has specific admission and application requirements outlined below.
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 all of the following:
- An undergraduate degree, diploma, or equivalent, from an accredited University or College
- Submission of an application form including:
- A letter of Intent
- An updated resume
- Submission of Official Transcripts from granting degree/diploma university/college
- 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
To ensure you are successful in your online courses, you are required to have knowledge and skills with general computer applications, such as keyboarding, file management, video conferencing and word processing.
Language Requirements
If your first language is not English, you must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements. Completion of TOEFL exam with a minimum acceptable score of 20 on each of the four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening), valid for 2 years.
Expandable List
Winter 2025 application dates:
- Open date: October 7, 2024
- Close date: December 10, 2024
You must submit a completed application package. McMaster Continuing Education does not evaluate admission documentation unless an application is submitted. Please do not use Hotmail addresses to apply.
The application process is a multi-step process. You must apply, receive your acceptance and then you can enrol in courses.
Steps to complete your application:
- Please submit your application using our Online Application Portal.
- Select the box titled ‘McMaster University Continuing Education Application’.
- Create an application account if you have never been a student, employee or researcher with McMaster University (i.e. you do not have a MacID) or sign in with your MacID.
- Identify the specific program for which you are applying
- Select the term in which you wish to begin your studies. If the program is not offered in the term you selected, or if the program is no longer accepting students, a notice will be shown.
- Follow all of the steps to enter your information and upload the required documentation. Be sure to save the information on the application pages before you proceed to the next page.
- Pay the application fee (payable by credit or debit online).
- Submit your application.
You may return to a partially completed application to edit or add new information. Once an application is submitted, no further edits can be made. You will receive an email confirmation of payment and successful application submission. Another email will notify you of the application admission decision after the application data has been reviewed.
Please note: You may experience longer than usual application response times during the months each term begins (May, September and January). Rest assured we will review your application and provide a response as soon as possible.
If you wish to pay by cheque, please contact us to request a paper application which you may submit by mail, with payment. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
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.
- Visit continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs to find your program of choice
- Click on each tab on the program page to learn about credential options and requirements, schedule and fees, and a list of all courses in the program
- Select a course and then select an available offering, noting important information such as cost, delivery format, and start/end dates; then click ‘add to cart’
- Once you have added your courses, click the shopping cart icon at the top right-hand corner of the page (bottom of the browser screen on mobile)
- Review your cart and, once you’re ready to proceed with enrolment, click ‘proceed to checkout’
- As the next step, you will be redirected to Mosaic – McMaster’s Administrative Information and Enrolment system
- Once you are in Mosaic, select ‘new to McMaster’ or log in with your existing MacID and password (if applicable)
- Complete all required fields and select a program of study when prompted (i.e., a specific program or open studies for standalone courses)
- Finally, payment is required in full to secure a spot in your course(s)
A payment receipt email will be issued to you immediately after registering, and a course confirmation email will be sent to you overnight. Within approximately 24 hours of registering, you will also receive an important email containing credentials used to activate your MacID, which you must do before you can access courses in Avenue to Learn. Please review our Getting Started page to learn more about the next steps for beginning your studies after registration, and our Help Centre for our Refund Policy and other frequently asked questions. Please note that on average, each course requires 6-8 hours of study per week, per course (sometimes more) and some courses may have listed prerequisites. Please plan your schedule accordingly. Most students take 1-2 courses per term across a few different terms and a full-time equivalent course load is typically 3-4 courses per term.
For more information and a walkthrough on how to register, please check out this video.
- Payment must be made in full at the time of enrolment
- Online credit card or debit payments are preferred
- Accepted credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and American Express
- Accepted debit cards: Visa Debit and Debit Mastercard
- Google Pay is available for faster checkout
- Payments can be made from a Canadian Financial Institution and can take 2 to 4 business days to arrive in your McMaster student account. Once payment has arrived, you can register for your course. Please note that if the amount of the course fees owing is more than what was transferred to your student account, you will be dropped from the course.
- Problem processing your payment? Please reach out to your credit card company if your payment was declined. Otherwise, wait two hours before attempting your registration again.
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