Health Information Management

Candidates for admission to the Health Information Management degree-completion program must meet the minimum requirements outlined below.  The program is intended for two separate, distinct applicant streams.  The university welcomes and encourages applications from both of these groups.

Given that this is a degree-completion program in Health Information Management, the curriculum dovetails and aligns with the current learning outcomes for Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) recognized health information management practitioner programs.

Stream A:

1. Graduation from a health record/health information CHIMA-accredited or recognized diploma program from a public Ontario College (or equivalent), a grade average of 'B' or higher.
2. Documentation of professional registration/certification with the CHIMA.
3. At least two years of cumulative, current professional experience in health information management or health information technology.  

Stream B:

1. Graduation from a three-year Advanced Diploma program in applied health sciences (e.g. nursing, medical laboratory technology, chiropody, radiology) from a public Ontario College (or the equivalent), with a grade average of 'B' or higher.  The diploma must include a one-year introductory, university-level humanities course or equivalent.
   
   OR
   
   Completion of at least two years of study in a health-related  undergraduate degree program, or completion of a degree in another field, from an accredited university.
   
   
2. At least two years of cumulative, current professional experience in health information management or health information technology.|
   
   Potential students with other post-secondary academic backgrounds and extensive professional experience in the field of health information management will be considered on an individual basis. 
   

Admission Procedures

In addition to the online application and Supplementary Form, applicants must submit the following to Undergraduate Admissions at Ryerson.

Visit Submission of Documents (opens in new window)  for access to the Document Upload page and instructions:

1. Academic transcripts including promotion/graduation status of all post-secondary studies (including studies in an applied health science program). High school transcripts are not required.
   
2. A detailed and separate resume of previous work experience, academic experience (including continuing education), and professional activities.
   
3. Documentation of professional registration/certification, where applicable.

Each applicant will be reviewed by the department admissions committee to ensure academic and practice suitability for the program.

Students who wish to enrol in any Faculty of Arts course that has a prerequisite must first obtain permission from the appropriate teaching department.  Students are required to provide the teaching department with a course outline and proof of completion of the appropriate prerequisite.

Students are admitted three times a year, in the fall, winter and spring/summer semesters.

The Health Information Management part-time degree completion program is designed to allow health practitioners to upgrade their education to the level of an undergraduate degree in theory and management of health information.

The primary target group is individuals who have graduated from the Health Information Management diploma/certificate and related programs offered by the Ontario Colleges or equivalents as currently recognized by the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA).

The design of the curriculum incorporates the following goals: responding to societal needs and emerging trends in health information management; developing individuals with the balance of knowledge and practical skills required to effectively manage in the environment of health information management; providing individuals with a clear understanding of the role of health information in health and related environments; preparing individuals to apply data analysis techniques to assess clinical outcomes and assure the cost effectiveness of the health care services; preparing individuals to apply organizational management techniques to improve the efficiency of departmental functions and services; preparing individuals to address emerging legislative, regulatory or other external party actions that could impact the collection and use of health data; assisting individuals in developing ethical and professional ideals which foster success, self-respect and harmonious interpersonal relationships; and preparing individuals in meeting the educational requirements of the governing body for health record professionals.

Program requirements include courses in the Professional, Professionally-Related and liberal studies categories. Professional courses examine the health system and management roles in health service organizations as the basis for specialized courses in management, health law, finance, program planning and evaluation, research methods and human resources. Professionally-Related courses include required and elective courses in accounting, communications, ethics, policy, psychology, economics, occupational health and marketing. liberal studies courses are chosen from a wide range of humanities and social science subjects. A Practicum designed to facilitate the integration of management theory and practice in a work setting, constitutes the 'capstone' of the program.

Courses may be offered in one of three formats: evening, web-based or modular. Selected Professionally-Related and liberal studies courses also run in the evening. A limited number of spaces may also be available in the day sections of Professionally-Related and liberal studies courses. Part-time students may be accommodated in day sections if space is available. Selected Professional, Professionally-Related, Required, and liberal studies courses may also be offered each semester.

Once accepted into the program students receive assistance to develop a program plan.

Students may take up to a maximum of eight years to complete the program requirements.

Part-time courses are administered by either the program department or The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. The mode of delivery is not reflected in this calendar. Continuing education courses are identified in your course enrolment package with a 'C' prefix. These identifiers are for internal use only and do not affect the equivalency.

Students who have completed courses at an accredited university may be eligible for transfer credits. Ontario College courses that are not used as a basis of admission, may also be eligible for transfer credit. These courses must be reviewed by the appropriate departmental chair before credit can be assigned. We strongly recommend that you commence the collection of officially certified transcripts, course descriptions/teaching outlines as soon as possible.

Please note that students who receive transfer credits(s) must complete studies that normally include at least one-half of the curriculum. No more than 50 percent of a program’s requirements may consist of advanced standing/credits (transfer credits, challenge credits, credits granted on a Letter of Permission).

Students must complete three upper-level liberal studies courses to graduate. If an upper level liberal studies course requires a prerequisite, students MUST apply for a transfer credit for that prerequisite. This will only serve as proof of prerequisite and will not apply toward the degree.

Please refer to the liberal studies chapter of this calendar for more information on the Liberal Studies Policy. Further information on liberal studies can also be found at the Faculty of Arts' Liberal Studies website (opens in new window) .

Table B Restrictions

Students may pursue any Minor offered by Ryerson (with some exceptions). Please refer to the Minors chapter of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and exclusions.

Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible program exclusions. Please refer to the Certificate Registration section of the Curriculum Advising website (opens in new window)  for complete details.

Revised curriculum begins 2017-2018. Students admitted before Fall 2017 see previous curriculum (opens in new window) .

REQUIRED:

LIBERAL STUDIES:
Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED: Two courses from Table I.

REQUIRED:

REQUIRED GROUP 1: One of the following:

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course (not chosen in Level 1) from Table I.

* This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

A Program Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of volunteers that provides expert advice to a school or department on program related matters such as curriculum, program review, technology and trends in the industry, discipline or profession. For more information, see  (PDF file) Senate Policy #158 (Program Advisory Councils).

Kim Baker
Chief Executive Officer
Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN)

Akeela Jamal
Senior Engagement Manager
3M Health Information Systems

Melanie Kohn
Director, Hospitals Branch, Health System Accountability and Performance Division
Ministry of Health and Long-term Care

Johanne Léveillé-Schirm
Vice President,  Customer Services
Karos Health

Paul Williams
Professor, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation
University of Toronto

Please see department website (opens in new window)  for updated information.