Health Information Management

Diploma

Program Overview

Health Information Management (HIM) professionals connect the worlds of health and data and ensure we accurately tell the health story of each patient. The importance of quality health information to make crucial decisions is ever present for health care professionals and leaders and as we now enter a new world of managing the Covid-19 pandemic we see our entire society dependent on health information to guide many aspects of our daily lives. Our HIM program will prepare you with the skills and knowledge to be at the forefront of managing critical health information.

HIMs work in a variety of settings. They are leaders of healthcare teams and work as practitioners, coordinators or analysts within health authorities, cancer and government agencies. They work as privacy and informatics analysts, in educational settings, and in public health surveillance. This unique skill set can also open doors to roles with police forces, law, insurance and pharmaceutical firms.

Specific competencies that you will develop through the program include:

  • Data collection and coding;
  • Electronic health information management;
  • Information privacy, security and confidentiality;
  • Interpretation and analysis of health data;
  • Access to and protection of health information; and
  • Record and systems management.

Delivery Format

Health Information Management is a nationally accredited two-year diploma program offered in a hybrid model. Theory components of your program will be delivered virtually and you’ll have many opportunities to connect with faculty and other students. You will participate in courses via your computer at a scheduled time of day, and/or pick up the lecture via a video link at your convenience. Your assignments will involve you working at home as individuals or in teams.

The program is designed in a flexible format to allow you to meet your own professional and personal goals. You can join us for a full-time schedule of classes and complete the program in two years, or you can choose a path to complete your studies in three, four, or five years. Our team is there to guide you along your journey and to assist you with designing the course plan that works for you.

Applied Learning

Applied hands-on learning is the cornerstone of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s vision for education and allows you to hone the skills you’ve learned throughout the HIM program. Our partners in industry are excited to work with and mentor our students and you’ll work on projects with them, gain real world experience and make important industry connections. We work with employers (where you live) to allow you to complete these experiences as part of your studies. At times some travel or a virtual experience is needed, but whenever possible we work with you to create engaging and on-site practice experiences.

Diploma to Degree

Ladder your diploma into the Bachelor of Applied Management degree at Saskatchewan Polytechnic with only two years of additional study. Remote classes and part-time options are available.

Your HIM diploma is a great start in your life-long learning journey and allows you to transfer into a variety of degree programs and to be considered for the graduate studies at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.

Get More Information

Learn more about this program and career at the Health Information Management (HIM) program virtual information sessions on December 5, 2022, February 28, April 26 and June 19, 2023. These sessions are for anyone interested in learning more about the HIM program and anyone who has applied to the HIM program. Students who are newly accepted into the program are invited to attend a New Student Information Session on May 9, 2023, to learn more about what to expect as a student.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Health Information Management graduates work as information management practitioners, coordinators and analysts in many different areas of health care including hospital admitting, quality management, research and statistics, information systems, utilization management and risk management. Look for positions with health regions, government agencies, community clinics, long-term care facilities, home care agencies and mental health or outreach programs. Or transfer your skill set into other areas such as education, law enforcement, insurance and research.

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Health Information Management PractitionerHealth Information Management Occupations (1252)$43,500 - $79,100
Information Management TechnicianRecords Management Technicians (1253)$41,600 - $76,900
Health Information AnalystHealth Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers (4165)$55,000 - $105,000

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):
  • Full-time studies (over 2 years) - September to June (71 weeks)
  • Part-time studies (over 3, 4, or 5 years) - start your studies with general courses in any term and then join the HIM studies in September

Length:

You can complete your studies in HIM over 2, 3, 4 or 5 years. If you choose to complete the program in 2 years, it is recommended that you study full-time and are not employed during this timeframe.

Completion requires 71 weeks (121 credits and 1815 hours) of study. Please contact our office at 1-306-775-7639 for more information about start dates and study options.


Locations

  • Online/Distance options available

  • Some programs offered online or otherwise by distance (i.e., correspondence) include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. They may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.

Part-time Delivery

In order to graduate and receive a credential for this program, part-time students must apply and be admitted to the program before taking CLIN 101 and PATH 272.

View the program page for a complete list of courses and additional information.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

  • Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 70% in the following subjects: English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30*, one 30-level science (one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
  • Minimum keyboarding speed of 30 words per minute with 90% accuracy (5-minute testing report to be submitted with transcripts). (Testing is available through a Saskatchewan Polytechnic Test Centre).
  • English Language Requirement for Health Information Management (See program-specific ELP)

Note

  • Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check upon admission into the program. At the discretion of the practicum/clinical agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check. The cost of the Criminal Record Check is your responsibility.
  • Practicum placements are located throughout Saskatchewan or in a student’s home province; therefore, all students must be willing to relocate in order to complete their practicum experiences.
  • Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility.

 

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

  • one 30-level math

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.



ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 258 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
  • 256 Reading
  • 250 Writing
  • 5 Writeplacer

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2022/23 Academic Year

Year 1 - $8,960
Year 2 - $7,650

Courses

Expand All +

Year 1 - Semester 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
APHY 100
Anatomy and Physiology 1
4
Show course details
You will develop an understanding of the human body, its structures and how it functions to maintain homeostasis. You will acquire knowledge of the interactions of the body's structures including cells, tissues, organs, and certain organ systems. You will learn the structures and functions of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): APHY 162
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning
CLIN 101
Clinical - Records Management and Professionalism
4
Show course details
In this clinical experience, you will apply basic health information management principles to theory and the clinical setting. You will focus on basic health record procedures including chart assembly and chart review. You will also learn about electronic records management. You will apply professionalism, employability skills and various health information management duties while in the workplace setting.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): HINF 160(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): CLIN 161
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
CLIN 102
Clinical - Coding 1
4
Show course details
Your clinical experience will focus on the introductory concepts behind coding with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision, Canada/Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (ICD-10-CA/CCI). You will learn how to code basic neoplasm and infection cases. You will also learn about the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 101(concurrent), MED 161(concurrent), APHY 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
COMP 174
Introduction to Microsoft Excel 1
1
Show course details
You will study the basic features of Excel. You will learn to create workbooks, format spreadsheet elements, manipulate multiple worksheets, create simple charts and use simple formulas and functions.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 117, COAP 138, COAP 197, COAP 344, COMP 120
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Work Based Delivery
COMP 179
Introduction to PowerPoint
1
Show course details
You will receive instruction and practice in creating, modifying and delivering a presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint. You will enhance the presentation by adding charts, tables, visual elements, multimedia, transition effects and animations. You will study how to present, distribute and customize presentations.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 138, COMP 120, COMP 173
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
ENGL 101
Critical Reading and Writing
3
Show course details
You will develop basic skills in critical analysis and effective reading by analyzing and evaluating materials from various disciplines. You will also refine your understanding and practice of the structures of composition by writing a research paper on a topic of your choice using APA-style.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
HINF 160
Health Record Systems
4
Show course details
You will explore the structure of the health care system and uses of health information. You will study federal and provincial legislation regarding health records and the ethical/legal considerations involved in the confidentiality of health information. You will examine basic health information management department procedures.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): ENGL 101(concurrent), COMP 179(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): HLRC 162
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MED 161
Medical Terminology
3
Show course details
Your studies will focus on medical language and its use in practical situations. You will be introduced to the structure and function of medical language and the medical terms relating to body systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): MED 160, MTER 200
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
PATH 161
Pathophysiology 1
2
Show course details
You will be introduced to various concepts and disease processes that can affect normal body structure and function. You will study the common diagnostic investigations and treatments associated with each disease process. You will also study the effects of drugs on the human body.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): MED 161, APHY 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
Total semester credits: 26

Year 1 - Semester 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
APHY 200
Anatomy and Physiology 2
4
Show course details
You will continue to study the anatomy and physiology of the human body, focusing on how its structures function to maintain homeostasis. You will learn the structures and functions of the endocrine, urinary, nervous, digestive, sensory, and reproductive systems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): APHY 100
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning
CLIN 236
Clinical - Coding 2
4
Show course details
Your clinical experience will focus on coding with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision, Canada/Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (ICD-10-CA/CCI). You will study body systems including: skin, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, blood and respiratory. You will examine orthopaedic trauma cases. You will also learn how to abstract acute care data.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 102, APHY 200(concurrent), PATH 272(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
CLIN 237
Clinical - Coding 3
7
Show course details
Your clinical experience will build on the skills developed in Clinical - Coding 1 (CLIN 102). You will focus on coding with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision, Canada/Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (ICD-10-CA/CCI). You will study body systems including: digestive, hepatobiliary, urinary, reproductive, nervous, special senses and endocrine systems. You will examine nutritional, metabolic, mental and behavioural disorder cases. You will also learn how to abstract ambulatory care data.
Credit Units: 7
Course Hours: 105.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 236, APHY 200(concurrent), PATH 273(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
COMM 262
Workplace Communication
2
Show course details
You will review effective writing skills and apply those skills to workplace documents: e-mails, memos, business letters, and reports. You will apply effective oral communication to individual presentations and meetings. You will examine interpersonal relationships in the workplace and demonstrate conflict resolution skills in individual and group settings.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning
HINF 161
Health Information Analysis 1
2
Show course details
You will learn how to retrieve, analyze and present data/information. You will also become familiar with the use and content of the basic Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reports, data presentation and graphic techniques.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): COMP 174, CLIN 236(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
PATH 272
Pathophysiology 2
3
Show course details
Building on the skills you developed in Pathophysiology 1 (PATH 161), you will study disease processes and the effects they have on the skin, breast, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, blood, lymphatic and respiratory body systems
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 161, APHY 200(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
PATH 273
Pathophysiology 3
3
Show course details
Building on the skills you developed in Pathophysiology 1 (PATH 161) and Pathophysiology 2 (PATH 272), you will continue to learn disease processes and the effects they have on the digestive, urinary, reproductive and endocrine body systems. You will also examine disorders of the eye and ear, neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 272, APHY 200(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
Total semester credits: 25

Year 1 - Semester 3

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
PRAC 165
Health Information Practicum 1
11
Show course details
You will apply your previously learned theory and experience in health information management while working in a health care agency. Your practicum will focus on coding. You will have an opportunity to practice abstracting and presenting data.
Credit Units: 11
Course Hours: 165.0
Prerequisites(s): HINF 161, PATH 273, COMM 262, APHY 200, CLIN 237
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 11

Year 2 - Semester 4

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
COMP 175
Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2
1
Show course details
You will study the intermediate features of Excel. Using the skills and knowledge you acquired in COMP 174 (Introduction to Excel 1), you will learn to use more advanced spreadsheet functions, create and modify several chart types, and perform data manipulation.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Prerequisites(s): COMP 172 or COMP 174
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 344, COMP 284
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
COMP 176
Introduction to Microsoft Access 1
1
Show course details
Your studies will focus on the basic features of Microsoft Access. You will create simple tables, queries, forms and reports. You will also modify database elements such as fields and records.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): CDBM 190, COAP 138, COAP 197, COAP 345, COMP 120, COMP 284
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Online - Individual, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
COSC 262
Database Programming
4
Show course details
You will learn the structure of program design, development, testing and documentation. You will learn to design single and multi-table databases using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Access. Your course content will include the fundamentals of algorithms and algorithm analysis.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): COMP 176
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning
HINF 260
Epidemiology and Population Health
4
Show course details
Your studies will include the nature and scope of epidemiology (especially as these relate to health information systems). You will study the distribution of diseases in populations and factors that influence the occurrence of disease. You will learn the steps involved in writing a research paper and apply the steps to a specific disease model.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 165
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
HINF 261
Health Information Analysis 2
2
Show course details
Building on the skills you developed in Health Information Analysis 1 (HINF 161), your studies will focus on the research, design and methodology of health information analysis and utilization. You will also review various health information sources and documentation. You will be introduced to data analysis, nomenclatures, various classification systems and Management Information Systems (MIS) standards.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 165
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
HINF 262
Health Care Law and Ethics
4
Show course details
You will become familiar with health law (especially as it pertains to health information) and the issues associated with the privacy, confidentiality and security of health information. You will identify appropriate ethical conduct in pursuing your professional role and gain an overview of legislation relating to health care and health information. You will examine the legal responsibilities and ethical situations for Indigenous peoples under health law. You will be able to design policies related to privacy, confidentiality, security and participate in risk management activities.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): HINF 264(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
HINF 264
Theories and Concepts of Program Management
3
Show course details
You will gain an understanding of health information systems, project management, policies and procedures and needs assessment. Your studies will prepare you for business and strategic planning and introduce you to program management concepts.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 165
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
HINF 265
Health Information Systems
3
Show course details
Your studies will prepare you to manage and evaluate changes in computer technology and information systems. You will acquire the skills to participate in analyzing and planning for system changes that affect health information files.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): COMP 175(concurrent), COMP 176(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
STAT 260
Statistics for Health Sciences
4
Show course details
You will learn statistical methods of analysis and inference including descriptive measures, frequency distributions, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and correlation and regression techniques. The emphasis in this course is on statistical applications, with problems chosen from the health sciences field.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): STAT 190
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 26

Year 2 - Semester 5

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
CLIN 288
Clinical - Coding 4
10
Show course details
You will build on your skills in International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision, Canada/Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (ICD-10-CA/CCI) coding and abstracting. You will study human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), infections, sepsis, viral hepatitis, pregnancy/childbirth and newborn coding cases. You will also study complex coding cases. Your studies will include a review of coding practices and guidelines, data quality issues, report writing and data presentation.
Credit Units: 10
Course Hours: 150.0
Prerequisites(s): HINF 261(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
HINF 263
Human Resource Management and the Employee
2
Show course details
Your studies will focus on management theories, maintaining collaborative relationships, managing and evaluating staff development, examining self-performance and development, and discussing human rights and labour standards.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): HR 120
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
HINF 266
Health Standards and Informatics
2
Show course details
Your studies will involve learning about health informatics and how eHealth impacts the health information management professional. You will study common health informatics standards, including Health Level Seven (HL7).
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): HINF 261(concurrent), HINF 264(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
PRAC 262
Health Information Practicum 2
19
Show course details
Your practical experience will help you acquire experience working in the health information field. You will develop your professional skills by promoting both the health information profession and program.
Credit Units: 19
Course Hours: 285.0
Prerequisites(s): CLIN 288, HINF 266, COSC 262, HINF 260, HINF 262, HINF 263, HINF 264, HINF 265, STAT 260
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Online, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 33
Note: Students must be admitted to the program before taking CLIN 101 or PATH 272.

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.


Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer of 36 credit units toward a Bachelor of Health Administration Post Diploma degree program.
Graduates of this program is granted a maximum of 60 transfer credits into the Bachelor of Health Science.
Graduates of this program with a 70% GPA may earn credit in the Bachelor of Health Administration.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Accreditation

Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA)

CCHIM accredited

Health Information Management is the only diploma program in Saskatchewan 
accredited by the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA). Having a CHIMA-recognized diploma qualifies you to write the national certification exam and gain industry recognition as a Health Information Management (HIM) professional.

Additional Information

Cart