Overview
Train for a career managing personal health information and interpreting data to assist with patient care, research, education and resource allocation through action-based learning in computers and healthcare essentials.
Personal health information about Canadians is being collected, recorded, reviewed, and transmitted every day. 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 then interprets the data to provide comprehensive quality information for patient care, resource allocation, statistics, research, planning and education.
The Health Information Management program is two years in length and is divided into three semesters for each year. The fall and winter semesters for year one and two involve classroom instruction, some of which is in a computer lab at SAIT working with industry-specific software. The spring semester for year one involves a six-week unpaid practicum placement at a small to medium sized healthcare facility. During the spring semester of year two, students will complete an eight-week unpaid practicum at a healthcare facility or organization.
Note: There is a possibility of out-of-province placements due to a shortage of practicum sites within Alberta. It is also common for placements to be outside the city of Calgary.
Is this the right fit for me?
- Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
- Students who experience success in this program have effective communication skills in English.
- Health care practitioners are detail-oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.
- Basic computer skills are essential for success in the program.
Accreditation
Graduates of the Health Information Management program will be eligible to write the national certification exam with the Canadian College of Health Information Management (CCHIM). After successful completion of the national exam, individuals will become certified Health Information Management Professionals (CHIM) recognized by the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA).
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Health Information Management diploma.
Get important updates about our health and medical programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- health record administrator
- release of information specialist
- access and disclosure specialist
Related careers include:
- administrative assistant
- health information technology specialist
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $7,851.50
- Year 2: $6,713.50
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $19,401.61
- Year 2: $18,561.70
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for fall 2022 open Oct. 6, 2021, until Aug. 20, 2022.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | June 30, 2023 |
Health Information Management
Train for a career in interpreting data in the medical field. Learn how to provide comprehensive quality information for patient care, resource allocation, statistics, research, planning and education.
Admission and Selection
Application dates
- Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted from Oct. 6, 2021, until Aug. 20, 2022.
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 60% in Math 30-1, Math 30-2, Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30, and,
- At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and,
- At least 60% in Biology 30
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
Direct entry: Four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Health Information Management and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
Step 5: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status and monitor changes to your application status.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited and students may be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum.
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regards to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practica such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Immunization Records
- Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ANPH-220 | Anatomy and Applied Terminology | 3.0 |
| CDAB-210 | Data Classification I | 3.0 |
| COMP-264* | Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications | 1.5 |
| HILA-200* | Health Information Law I | 1.5 |
| HRSC-210 | Health Information Management I | 3.0 |
| PATH-242* | Pathophysiology I | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CDAB-260 | Data Classification II | 3.0 |
| HCPP-260 | Healthcare Information Technology | 3.0 |
| HILA-250 | Health Information Law II | 1.5 |
| MEDT-250 | Medical Terminology II | 1.5 |
| PATH-252* | Pathophysiology II | 3.0 |
| PROF-240* | Healthcare Professionalism | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 Total | 13.5 | |
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRAC-264 | Practicum I | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 3.0 | |
| First Year Total | 31.5 | |
Second Year
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ANPR-300 | Analysis & Presentation | 1.5 |
| CDAB-310 | Data Classification III | 3.0 |
| HCPP-300 | Healthcare Database Design | 3.0 |
| HRSC-320 | Health Information Management II | 3.0 |
| STAT-220 | Statistics | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 13.5 | |
Semester 5
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CDAB-360 | Data Classification IV | 3.0 |
| HCPP-350 | MS Access Database Design | 1.5 |
| HCPP-370 | Healthcare Data Queries | 1.5 |
| HCPP-380 | Healthcare Project Management | 1.5 |
| QUAL-350 | Quality Management | 1.5 |
| RSCH-355 | Epidemiology & Research Design | 1.5 |
| Semester 5 Total | 10.5 | |
Semester 6
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRAC-394 | Practicum II | 6.0 |
| Semester 6 Total | 6.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Program Total | 61.5 | |
| * Available by correspondence and/or online learning. The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the program outline. Please contact the Academic Chair prior to enrolling in any online or correspondence courses. | ||
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.
Transfer Options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,848 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,181 |
| 2 | $4,617 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $5,950 |
International tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,166 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $18,499 |
| 2 | $16,996 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $18,329 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
International students
- Health and Dental plan: $252
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books, software, and supplies are approximately $1,600 each year.
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica including relocation Costs to practicum sites outside Calgary.
- Canadian College of Health Information Management national exam fees are approximately $400
- Canadian Health Information Management Association annual dues are approximately $30
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a police information check including Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
- There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $165
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $6,237 | $1,065 | $698.50 | $7,851.50 |
| 2 | 3 | $4,950 | $1,065 | $698.50 | $6,713.50 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $586.61
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $17,638.11 | $1,065 | $698.50 | $19,401.61 |
| 2 | 3 | $16,798.20 | $1,065 | $698.50 | $18,561.70 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $245
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $250
- Student technology fee: $250
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $436.50
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books, software, and supplies are approximately $1,600 each year.
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica including relocation Costs to practicum sites outside Calgary.
Canadian College of Health Information Management national exam fees are approximately $400. Canadian Health Information Management Association annual dues are approximately $30.
There is a fee associated with obtaining a police information check including a Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
✅ Plan ahead
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Get started on pre-orientation requirements
Fall 2022
Orientation
Your program orientation date will be announced shortly. Please check back for the date, location and time.
Learn more about your orientation.
We are expecting to meet you at new student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes which start on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
PC Computers are preferred over Mac for this program.
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
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
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 required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
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