Overview
Apply now for the new Health Information Fundamentals Diploma program! Applications are open for the Fall 2023 cohort.
Fall/Winter enrolment opens Tuesday, July 18, 2023. You must have applied and been accepted into the program prior to enrolling in a course.
If you are a returning student in the Health Information Fundamentals Certificate program, you can find your courses listed on the Courses tab.
If you have any questions, please contact the program team at mcehif@mcmaster.ca.
Become a key player in the delivery of quality healthcare with the unique and in-demand skills of a Health Information Management professional
Health Information Management professionals bridge clinical knowledge by ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and security of patient health information crucial in delivering quality patient care. Through the Health Information Fundamentals program, you will attain a strong foundation in the essential theories and principles of health information management and governance, while gaining a deep understanding of the Canadian healthcare system and data repositories. By leveraging valuable insights in privacy, health laws and technology systems, you’ll learn how you can contribute to improving the quality of healthcare services.
- 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)
- Gain the required knowledge to be prepared to achieve your Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) designation and become a certified professional
- Position yourself to take advantage of new career opportunities as you acquire in-demand skills and experience in information, data quality, clinical knowledge, analytics, privacy, technology and more
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Program highlights Learn More
- In-demand skills to achieve your CHIM designation and advance your career
- Accredited and fully online program to fit your life
- Earn a Diploma while networking with industry expert instructors
What you'll learn Learn More
- How to present patient health data to tell a holistic story through data analytics in the healthcare sector
- In-demand skills in the latest health information management technology and systems
- Health information standards that inform provincial and federal policies
Learn more about the Health Information program
- University graduates from any discipline who are interested in a career in health information management
- Healthcare, Health Information, or Health Informatics professionals seeking career advancement
- Any Health Information or Health Informatics professional 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
Health information professionals are on the frontline of health data – collecting, protecting and transforming it into the information needed in our healthcare system and beyond.
Earning a Diploma in Health Information Fundamentals could provide a pathway to rewarding careers, including:
- Health Information Manager
- Healthcare Security and Privacy Specialist
- Clinical Documentation Specialist
- Clinical Data Specialist
- Electronic Medical Records Specialist
Upon completion of the program, learners will:
- Describe the Canadian Health Information Management Lifecycle and how it is used to promote data and information governance, inform healthcare policy and procedures, and develop leading practices and principles related to managing health information across the continuum of care
- Apply knowledge of ethical data collection and preparation, quality and conformance, and standards policies and processes to ensure that data is linkable and fit for use in analysis and care and to foster data literacy
- Articulate clinical knowledge of medical terminology, anatomical body structures, physiological functions, and pathological conditions for the purpose of identifying risk factors and/or diagnostic interventions and/or treatment options in healthcare
- Manipulate and interpret health data and statistics using measurement, analysis, and statistical software systems, and utilize analytics, business intelligence, financial analyses, and informatics to support reporting and decision-making across the healthcare continuum
- Interpret federal, provincial, and territorial privacy and health legislation as it applies to policies and processes related to health information, security, privacy, confidentiality, external data sharing and access
- Summarize types of healthcare information systems, information flow, health information exchange standards and specifications, and the supporting principles, policies, and processes for health sector technologies
- Recognize and articulate how equity, diversity, inclusion, and ethics influence healthcare settings and patient outcomes
The Health Information Fundamentals Diploma is an intensive program which will help you succeed in your future career goals. You should plan on spending 4-6 hours per week on each course.
To fast-track your way to graduation we encourage you to take courses in the following order:
| Term 1 | HIF 101 and HTH 200 |
| Term 2 | HIF 102 and HTH 300 |
| Term 3 | HIF 103 and HIF 107* |
| Term 4 | HIF 102 and HIF 107* (continued) |
| Term 5 | HIF 104** |
| Term 6 | HIF 105 and HIF 106 |
*HIF 107 is a two-semester course (24 weeks)
**Instead of taking an additional course at this time, we recommend you start planning ahead for your CHIM national certification exam
Course availability is subject to change.
Canadian College of Health Information Management:
The Canadian College of Health Information Management is a national, not-for-profit corporation that sets the accreditation standards for educational institutions and certification standards for health information professionals in Canada.
The College, incorporated in 1972, protects the public interest by governing and regulating the professional practice. The college advances the professionalization of the health information industry and acknowledgement of its professionals as a key driver of policy, funding, and the care that Canadians receive.
Canadian Health Information Management Association:
Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) represents more than 5,800 health information members from coast to coast to coast. It advocates for the health information profession, monitors industry trends, creates networking opportunities and facilitates continuing education for their members. CHIMA also connects members with employment opportunities at organizations within health care and beyond. Access to career opportunities is available on the CHIMA website with your CHIM membership (a student or full membership is required for the program).
Check out our latest Health Program Preview webinar to learn more about the Health Information Fundamentals program
Other programs you may be interested in
Certificate in Health Information Fundamentals
Certificate in Health Information Fundamentals
Please note we are no longer accepting new applicants to the Health Information Fundamentals Certificate program.
If you are currently working toward the Health Information Fundamentals Certificate, you can continue taking the required courses listed below to complete your certificate.
Are you a new student? Explore the NEW Health Information Fundamentals Diploma launching Fall 2023.
If you have any questions, please contact the program team at mcehif@mcmaster.ca.
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Certificate in Health Information Fundamentals
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.
Courses (complete all 6)
3.0 UNITS
HIF 101
Introduction to Health Information Management & Records Management
(Currently Not Available)
Diploma in Health Information Fundamentals
DIPLOMA in Health Information Fundamentals
Pursue your Diploma in Health Information Fundamentals with McMaster Continuing Education
- Gain the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve your Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) designation and become a certified professional
- Graduates and current students in any discipline will be on the path to the Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) designation in nine courses
- Take one course each term or double up your courses as permitted to be eligible to write your CHIM exam in as little as four academic terms (subject to meeting program admissions and course availability)
Explore the requirements below and apply today!
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Diploma in Health Information Fundamentals
Earn the Diploma in Health Information Fundamentals by successfully completing all nine courses listed below.
Students who successfully complete the diploma are eligible to take the CHIM exam through the Canadian College of Health Information Management.
Courses (Complete all 9)
3.0 UNITS
HIF 101
Introduction to Health Information Management & Records Management
(Currently Not Available)
Health Information Fundamentals Courses
Health Information Fundamentals Schedule
Application Requirements – HIF
Application Requirements
This program has specific admission and application requirements outlined below.
Admission Requirements
The diploma is available to individuals who possess a three-year degree in any discipline and those who are actively pursuing their degrees while taking the Health Information Fundamentals program.
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
- 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 enrol in McMaster Continuing Education programs, you must:
- Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- Be a mature student as defined in the Undergraduate Calendar of McMaster University or
- Be deemed an exceptional case
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
Fall 2023 application dates:
- Open date: May 15, 2023
Close date: August 28, 2023
Winter 2024 application dates:
- Open date: September 22, 2023
Close date: December 10, 2023
Spring 2024 application dates:
- Open date: January 15, 2024
Close date: April 16th, 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.
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Online Application Portal
Ready to start your application?
Have you already applied and been accepted?
Congratulations! You can now register for your courses. Visit the Courses tab to select your course and proceed with the registration steps.