Overview
Apply to start the Health Information Fundamentals Diploma program in Winter 2025!
Applications will be accepted from Septemeber 23, 2024 – January 3, 2025.
For more information on submitting your application, please click here.
Deliver quality healthcare with in-demand skills as a Health Information Management professional
Health Information Management professionals bridge clinical knowledge by ensuring patient health information’s accuracy, completeness, and security, which is 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
- Recognized by the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA)
- Gain the required knowledge to achieve your Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) designation and become a certified professional
- Acquire in-demand skills and experience in information, data quality, clinical knowledge, analytics, privacy, and technology to advance your career
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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
Health Information Fundamentals program features:
- Earn a Diploma with flexible online courses that teach you the skills to prepare for the CHIM national certification exam
- Learn from instructors with industry expertise
- Grow your network as you learn alongside professionals from various disciplines
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
Through our Health Information Fundamentals program, you’ll learn to:
- Apply health analytics and business intelligence tools, including cloud storage, blockchain and virtual care technology, to support the management and presentation of evidence-based health information
- Communicate professionally and collaboratively with stakeholders and as a member of a diverse professional team to enhance the quality of health information and its impact on patient care
- Interpret key Canadian health legislation as it applies to policies and processes related to health information, security, privacy, confidentiality, external data sharing and access
- Navigate project management concepts in the technology system development lifecycle and the standards related to the exchange of health information within and across systems
- Assess the accuracy of patient health information using knowledge of medical terminology, the anatomical body structures and their physiological functions, pathological conditions, risk factors, diagnostic interventions and available treatment options
- Recognize how equity, diversity, inclusion and ethics influence healthcare settings and patient well-being
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 combined with existing professional experience could provide a pathway to rewarding careers, including:
- Project Manager/Director
- Information and Privacy Specialist
- Decision Support Specialist
- Analytics & Reporting Manager
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 102 is recommended to be taken in either Term 2 or Term 4
**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
What our recent graduates say
Krystal
Health and Social Service Skill Development graduate
Tyson
Business Administration - Marketing 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
The flexibility of the course helped me a lot to balance my work.
The flexibility of the course helped me a lot to balance my work. Our field in data is continuously changing. I found that sweet balance in terms of the focus of the course. It’s a life cycle of how the data is coming in all the way to make it a service or a product. The course gives you that 360 spectrum.
Zaki
Big Data graduate
The instructors worked in the marketing field and taught us real-life experiences.
Obtaining an education with McMaster Continuing Education helped me reinvent my career. I was a former banker and I wanted a career in marketing. Through this program, I was able to bridge that gap and get into the career that I wanted. The instructors were working in the marketing field, teaching us real-life experiences and that was very valuable to me.
Tyson
Business Administration - Marketing graduate
Other programs you may be interested in
Diploma in Health Information Fundamentals
Diploma in Health Information Fundamentals
Pursue your Diploma in Health Information Fundamentals and get ahead
- 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 Learn More
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.
Diploma in Health Information Fundamentals Requirements
Academic Credit – 30 Units
- To qualify for the diploma, students must complete all nine (9) core courses, 30 units of study
- We recommended the following pathway for course completion: HTH 200, HTH 300, HIF 101, HIF 102, HIF 107*, HIF 103, HIF 104, HIF 105, HIF 106
- 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
- Graduates of the diploma program will be eligible to write the Canadian College of Health Information Management’s national certification examination to earn the designation of a Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) professional
*HIF 107 is a self-study 6-month online course that can be taken at any time in the program, after successful completion of HTH 200 & HTH 300
Note: Students must be accepted to the program prior to enrolling. Please visit our Application Requirements page for more information.
Before enrolling for Health Information Fundamentals courses, please ensure you have completed any course prerequisites or equivalencies.
Courses (Complete all 9)
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Health Information Fundamentals Schedule
Health Information Fundamentals 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Health Information Management & Records Management (HIF 101) | $912.93 | 3.0 | Sep 9 - Dec 1 Format: Online | Jan 27 - Apr 20 Format: Online | — |
TBD | 3.0 | — | — | May 5 - Jul 27 Format: Online | |
Information Governance, Finance and Research (HIF 102) | $912.93 | 3.0 | Sep 23 - Dec 1 Format: Online | Jan 27 - Apr 6 Format: Online | — |
TBD | 3.0 | — | — | May 19 - Jul 27 Format: Online | |
Privacy & Health Law (HIF 103) | $912.93 | 3.0 | — | Jan 27 - Apr 6 Format: Online | — |
Quality in Health (HIF 104) | $912.93 | 3.0 | Sep 23 - Dec 1 Format: Online | — | — |
TBD | 3.0 | — | — | May 19 - Jul 27 Format: Online | |
Information Technology (HIF 105) | $912.93 | 3.0 | — | Jan 27 - Apr 6 Format: Online | — |
TBD | 3.0 | — | — | May 19 - Jul 27 Format: Online | |
Statistics & Analytics (HIF 106) | $912.93 | 3.0 | Sep 23 - Dec 1 Format: Online | — | — |
TBD | 3.0 | — | — | May 19 - Jul 27 Format: Online | |
Pathophysiology (HIF 107) | $1,305.06 | 6.0 | Sep 9 - Feb 23 Format: Online (Self Study) | — | — |
TBD | 6.0 | — | — | May 5 - Oct 19 Format: Online | |
Medical Terminology (HTH 200) | $912.93 | 3.0 | Sep 9 - Dec 8 Format: Online | Jan 13 - Apr 13 Format: Online | — |
TBD | 3.0 | — | — | May 5 - Aug 3 Format: Online | |
Anatomy/Physiology (HTH 300) | $912.93 | 3.0 | — | Jan 13 - Apr 13 Format: Online | — |
TBD | 3.0 | — | — | May 5 - Aug 3 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.
Application Requirements – HIF
Application Requirements
Admission into the Health Information Fundamentals program occurs 3 times a year and closes one month prior to the start of the upcoming term.
Admission requirements
The diploma is available to individuals who possess at minimum 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, and course completion:
- Knowledge and skills with introductory level courses in computer applications, such as spreadsheets, word processing and successful completion of a secondary/high school grade 12 level mathematics course
- 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.
Please submit your application using our Online Application Portal.
Expandable List
Winter 2025 application dates:
- Open date: September 23, 2024
Close date: January 3, 2025
Spring 2025 application dates:
- Open date: January 13, 2025
Close date: April 15th, 2025
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 all of the following items:
- Current resume (Word or PDF)
- Official or copy of academic transcripts (PDF)
- 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
- Official copy of English language proficiency test scores/certificate (if applicable)
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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