Program Overview

Health Informatics Program Overview

The Health Informatics program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to work in the field of health informatics. This field involves the use of technology, clinical guidelines, information systems, and data management practices to optimize the collection, storage, and use of information in healthcare.

Program Description

The program focuses on the fundamental theories, principles, and ethical standards of health informatics, as well as technical foundations for effective systems analysis, design, and implementation. Students will also learn about project management, quality control, and performance evaluation.

Program Highlights

• Diploma program that teaches in-demand skills in the health sector
• Flexible online courses that fit your schedule
• Taught by industry experts

What You'll Learn

• 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

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

Career Opportunities

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

Academic Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

1. Identify the types of health information and analyze the information systems used to collect, store, assess, distribute, and protect health records and information
2. Integrate policies, procedures, and professional standards to the management of health information and information systems
3. Analyze the relationship between healthcare systems, health information management, and health informatics and its impact on the decision-making process and risk management of personal health information
4. Research and propose creative and critical solutions that align with the professional roles of health informatics
5. Demonstrate awareness of ethical practices applicable to the healthcare system and Health Informatics
6. Understand the skills, attitudes, and behaviors required to work and collaborate with people and develop personal management skills

Program Requirements

• Academic Credit – 27 Units
• Students must be accepted into the program before enrolling into courses
• Program Prerequisites:
  • Knowledge and skills with introductory level courses in computer applications, such as spreadsheets, word processing, and programming
  • Database knowledge
  • Mathematical literacy with basic statistical understanding
  • For applicants without a background in the Canadian Healthcare system, it is highly recommended that you take HTH 100 Understanding the Canadian Healthcare Course, either before you start the program or within your first two terms of the program

Application Requirements

• Admission Requirements:
  • 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, and 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
• Language Requirements:
  • If English is not your native language, you must meet McMaster University’s English proficiency requirements by passing a McMaster approved English test or qualifying for an exemption

Diploma in Health Informatics

• 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
• Program Prerequisites:
  • Knowledge and skills with introductory level courses in computer applications, such as spreadsheets, word processing, and programming
  • Database knowledge
  • Mathematical literacy with basic statistical understanding
  • For applicants without a background in the Canadian Healthcare system, it is highly recommended that you take HTH 100 Understanding the Canadian Healthcare Course, either before you start the program or within your first two terms of the program

Core Courses

• HTH 101: Health Information Management I
• HTH 104: Privacy, Confidentiality, Security
• HTH 105: Information Systems & Technology
• HTH 109: Systems Analysis & Evaluation
• HTH 110: Health Informatics Data Analysis
• HTH 111: Project Management for the Health Sector
• HTH 120: Foundations in Health Informatics
• HTH 121: Health Data Standards & Classifications

Elective Courses

• HTH 103: Professionalism, Ethics & Professional Standards
• HTH 114: Health Informatics Practical Experience
• HTH 122: Quality and Performance Evaluation

Health Informatics Schedule

• Registration: Fall and Winter terms open in mid-July and Spring term opens in mid-March
• Program Requirements: Review certificate or diploma tab
• Time Zone: Courses run in the Eastern Time (ET) Zone
• Course Fees: A McMaster Part Time Student fee is included in the cost of academic credit courses
• Additional Fees: New students pay a one-time, non-refundable $39 activation fee for their first academic-credit course

Application Process

• 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 enroll in courses

Payment Options

• Payment must be made in full at the time of enrollment
• 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

Land Acknowledgment

McMaster University recognizes and acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the Dish With One Spoon wampum agreement.