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Overview

Personal health information about Canadians is being collected, recorded, reviewed and transmitted daily.

Informed decisions affecting health services can only be achieved with the best information available. The role of health information management goes beyond managing health records to managing the information contained in those records.

Using computer skills and knowledge of healthcare fundamentals, critical medical information is translated from patient health records into data following national data standards. The health information management professional interprets the data to provide comprehensive quality information for patient care, resource allocation, statistics, research, planning and education.

The Health Information Management program provides classroom instruction, laboratory practice with industry-specific software, and clinical practicum placements at established healthcare facilities. With these resources and support, you will be trained to become a competent health information management professional.

You'll experience success in this program and profession by developing the following traits, skills and aptitudes:

  • critical thinking
  • effective communication skills (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
  • ability to work independently or work well with others
  • ability to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
  • ability to use technology
  • attention to detail
  • ability to maintain professional behaviour and emotionally self-regulate
  • sit for long periods of time (3-4 hours)
  • ability to type at 30wpm with high accuracy.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Health Information Management Professionals as well as the governing body’s competency profile for the profession to ensure you understand the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession.

The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.

There may also be opportunities to further your education by transferring to another institution once you graduate.

Learn more about program and institution transfer options.

This program includes two practicum placements. 

Practicum requirements

The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners in Alberta and Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited, and you may be required to travel or relocate outside the city.

Successful applicants will be assigned their practicum placement. While we'll strive to assign your practicum location based on your preference, it is not guaranteed. Special considerations will not be given. You will be responsible for fees associated with the practicum, such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.

In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:

  • immunization records
  • Police Information Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check.

Learn more about practicum requirements

This program is accredited by the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) and meets the Learning Outcomes for Health Information Management (LOHIM).

Upon successfully completing the program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Health Information Management diploma.

Graduates can also write the national certification exam with the Canadian College of Health Information Management (CCHIM). If passed, you will become a certified Health Information Management Professional (CHIM) recognized by the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA).

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education. 

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Health Information Management diploma requires 61.5 credits (25 courses) to complete.

The program spans 2 years, with three semesters in year one and three semesters in year two.

View classes by semester

Course Credits

This course provides learners with an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the body in combination with related medical terminology commonly used in health information professions. Focus will also be placed on the fundamentals of medical word building.

3

This course allows students to retrieve, organize, analyze and report data and information. Students are instructed on the basic Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reports' use, content, data presentation and graphing techniques. Students will then practice reporting the data accurately and appropriately. Students will also be expected to calculate hospital statistics using established formulas and understand data analysis methodology and the importance of quality data.

Pre-requisites:
  • PRAC 264
1.5

Data Classification 1 introduces the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems, Tenth Revision, Canada (ICD-10-CA) and the Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (CCI)-specific coding principles. The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) Canadian Coding Standards will also be introduced for infections and neoplasms.

3

Data Classification 2 is a continuation of Data Classification 1. It will focus on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems, Tenth Revision, Canada (ICD-10-CA) and Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (CCI)-specific coding principles as they apply to the integument and breast, musculoskeletal and connective tissue, cardiac, respiratory, digestive, eye, ears, nose and throat and urinary tract categories. New Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) abstracting principles relating to a patient’s episode of care will also be introduced. Learners can apply the coding and abstracting principles using Folio Views and the 3M Health Data Management Coding and Abstracting System.

Pre-requisites:
  • ANPH 220
  • CDAB 210
  • COMP 264
  • HILA 200
  • HRSC 210
  • PATH 242
3

This course focuses on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems, Tenth Revision, Canada (ICD-10-CA) and Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (CCI)-specific coding principles as they apply to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), endocrine, nervous and male and female reproductive systems, mental health, injuries and drug complications and other reasons for hospitalization. Focus will be placed on the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) abstracting principles and using the 3M Health Data Management coding and abstracting software.

Pre-requisites:
  • CDAB 260
3

This course will focus on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems, Tenth Revision, Canada (ICD-10-CA) and Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (CCI)-specific coding principles as they apply to burns, trauma, complications of medical care, obstetrics and newborns. New Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) abstracting principles relating to patient’s episodes of care will be introduced. Other classification systems, such as Case Mix Groups and Resource Intensity Weights, will be introduced. Learners can apply the coding and abstracting principles learned in this course through Folio Views and the 3M Health Data Management coding and abstracting system.

Pre-requisites:
  • CDAB 310
  • PRAC 264
3

This applied computer course provides students with critical electronic communications, data and file management skills, and a strong focus on using common productivity applications to format, calculate, analyze, visualize, and present or report data and information.

Pre-requisites:
  • COMP 261
1.5

Healthcare Information Technology focuses on the application of computer concepts and terminology. Learners will be introduced to Microsoft Access and build on the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel©. Emphasis will be on applications to industry practice and hands-on experience with electronic medical record software.

Pre-requisites:
  • COMP 264
3

This course provides a comprehensive overview of database design within a healthcare environment. Students will acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical ability to analyze, design, create, and launch a fully functional relational database using Structured Query Language (SQL). Students will also learn and practice effective lifecycle interaction with the database, including information creation, input, modification, retrieval, deletion, and reports production. All training will be delivered using examples of healthcare-specific data types.

Pre-requisites:
  • PRAC 264
3

MS Access Database Design will focus on some of the more advanced features available in Microsoft Access. Specifically, creating a well-defined relationship database, generating intermediate-level queries, forms and reports and integrating Access data with other applications will be covered.

Pre-requisites:
  • HCPP 300 or HCPP 360
1.5

This course provides learners the knowledge and skills to use advanced Structured Query Language (SQL) to write queries. Using two relational database management systems — Access and Oracle — learners will work with an existing healthcare database to perform queries.

Pre-requisites:
  • HCPP 300 or HCPP 360
1.5

In this course, the learner will obtain the skills necessary to interact with information technology personnel and understand modern information systems analysis techniques related to healthcare. Project management skills are integral to any systems implementation and are taught to enhance the student’s ability to work in a team environment.

Pre-requisites:
  • PRAC 264
1.5

This course introduces the Canadian legal system and legislation that impacts health information management. The health record is a legal document frequently subpoenaed in court as evidence. Emphasis is on the legalities of record security, confidentiality, and authorized disclosure of patient information.

1.5

This course reviews current legislation and procedures regarding health information access and disclosure. Processing patient health information requests and ensuring patient privacy will also be covered.

Pre-requisites:
  • HILA 200
1.5

This course introduces learners to the organization, structure and chart management functions required for managing health information. Healthcare delivery systems, legal requirements related to the health record, and safeguarding personal health information are also covered.

3

This course provides the learner with an overview of health information management ethics and practice and the role of health information practitioners in a changing health care system. Various methods to ensure data quality are explored, including computerized systems. Different technologies that impact the delivery of health information, including electronic health records, will be examined.

Pre-requisites:
  • HRSC 210
  • PRAC 264
3

This course focuses on advanced medical terminology, medical abbreviations and drugs commonly prescribed in Canada.

Pre-requisites:
  • ANPH 209 and MEDT 211 or
  • ANPH 220
Equivalents:
  • MEDT 261
1.5

This course provides learners with a basic overview of disease processes and usual practices for treatment. A basic understanding of disease processes and usual practices in diagnoses and treatments allows the learner to determine the required health record documentation.

3

This course provides learners with information about disease processes affecting specific body systems. A basic understanding of disease processes and usual practices in diagnoses and treatments allows the learner to determine the required health record documentation.

Pre-requisites:
  • ANPH 209 or ANPH 220
  • PATH 242
3

This course allows learners to integrate the theory of health record science and health law while on practicum in a small hospital setting. Coding, abstracting and medical transcription will also be practiced. Please note that the practicum placement may not be within the province of Alberta.

Pre-requisites:
  • CDAB 260
  • HCPP 260
  • HILA 250
  • HRSC 210
  • MEDT 250
  • PATH 252
  • PROF 240
3

This course focuses on providing learners with practice in health information coding, abstraction, utilization, release, and quality management in large urban and rural Primary Care Networks. Please note that the practicum placement may not be within the province of Alberta.

Pre-requisites:
  • ANPR 300
  • CDAB 360
  • HCPP 300 or HCPP 360
  • HCPP 350
  • HCPP 380
  • HRSC 320
  • PRAC 264
  • QUAL 350
  • RSCH 355
6

As future healthcare professionals, students in this course will require strategies for working effectively and respectfully within interdisciplinary teams. The course examines topics such as conflict management, problem-solving, decision-making, customer service, leadership, ethics and values in health care.

1.5

This course introduces the learner to the terminology, rationale and current methodologies associated with quality, utilization and risk management. Information requirements for quality review programs and the role of the health information management practitioner in meeting these requirements are explored.

Pre-requisites:
  • ANPR 300
  • HILA 250
  • HRSC 320
  • PRAC 264
1.5

This course introduces epidemiology and the concepts of health and illness in populations. Study design, data collection and analysis, and testing hypotheses related to epidemiology will be covered. The steps in the research process for completing an epidemiological study will be reviewed and learners will participate in a medical audit.

Pre-requisites:
  • ANPR 300
  • CDAB 310
  • HRSC 320
  • PRAC 264
  • STAT 220

and

  • HCPP 300 or
  • HCPP 310 and HCPP 360
1.5

This course introduces descriptive and inferential statistics, combining theory and practical calculations. Topics include descriptive measures, frequency distributions, probability, probability and sampling distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing using the normal and student t-distributions, chi-square distribution and linear regression.

3

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

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Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit. 

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

Available Open Studies courses

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

  • at least 60% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
  • at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
  • at least 60% in Biology 30.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Costs

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.

Domestic students

Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2.5 $5,481 $1,873 $7,354
2 2.5 $5,220 $1,873 $7,093
Total cost:
$14,447

Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2.5 $18,872.91 $1,873 $20,745.91
2 2.5 $17,974.20 $1,873 $19,847.20
Total cost:
$40,593.11

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes. 

Other requirements

  • Police Information Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check Associated
  • Immunizations record
  • Health and Wellness Status
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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

Application process

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Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. 

We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages. 

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:

School of Health and Public Safety Advising

Phone
403.284.8500
Email
hps.info@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca