FAQs

Getting started

• Is this program right for me?

• • Successful Health Information Management professionals usually display the following characteristics:

    • Detail-oriented
    • Team-player, but
    • Able to work independently with minimal supervision for long periods of time
    • Comfortable working with confidential information
    • Responsible
    • Proficient with computers

• Where, when, how much, how long?

• • Most classes in the Health Information Management program take place at the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam. Some lecture/practices are held at a local acute care facility to aid the application of theory in a practical environment.

    Intake of students occurs every second September (in the even-numbered years). The next intake is September 2010.

    Tuition fees for this 60-credit diploma program are approximately $5300. Textbooks, supplies and student fees are extra. Costs are subject to change, so check the College Calendar for the most up-to-date information on tuition fees.

    The program can be completed in two years with full-time study. Part-time students may take 3-4 years to complete the program, depending on intake date.

• How and when do I apply?

• • Students are accepted every second September (in even-numbered years). Applications and all related documents are due on May 1 of the same year.

    Apply online or in person through the Registrar's Office.

    Note: You do not need to wait until the year of intake to apply as there is a lot of preparatory work that can be done in the interim. Contact the Coordinator for further information at 604-777-6422.

• Can I still apply to the program if it is past the application deadline?

• • Applications may still be accepted past the application deadline if seats are available and you have met all of the admission requirements.

• What are the admission requirements?

• • Please see the Admission Requirements section in the College Calendar for details.

• I have completed some courses at another post-secondary institution. How can I have them assessed?

• • You need to submit your official transcript and complete the Request for Transfer of Credit form to the Registrars Office. This can be submitted with your application or at a later date.

• I am a mature student and do not meet the academic admission requirements. How do I get started?

• • 1. Attend an HIM Program information session.
    2. Submit an application to the Registrar's Office with the processing fee indicating General Studies as your course of study and include all official transcripts (high school and relevant post-secondary). Note: it is important that you apply in order to receive a student number which you must have in order to arrange appointments with Assessment Services for Math and/or Writing testing.
    3. Go for the tour of a Health Record/Information Management Department as this will help solidify your choice of HIM Program as a career.
    4. Apply to the HIM Program when you have met all the academic admission requirements.

About the program

• Can I study part-time?

• • It is recommended that you take the HIM program on a full time basis as there is only a full-time intake every two years. Taking the program on a part-time basis would mean taking three or four years to complete the program depending on the date of your application. However, in a non-intake year, you could enter the program on a part time basis and decrease your workload by completing some or all of the non HIM courses such as communications, computers, statistics. Contact the Health Information Management program for more information.

• What about distance education?

• • At this time, courses are only offered in a face-to-face classroom environment.

• What is a health care record and why do we need it?

• • The Health Care Record is a paper or electronic file that is accessible to any health care provider. Its functions include:

    • Keeping track of all hospital care and treatment so patients can receive the most efficient care during their stay in hospital
    • Storing past and current medical health information that is critical for monitoring quality of care
    • Allowing physicians and nurses to retrieve previous clinical information for better decision-making and for research

• What are the foundations of Health Information Management?

• • 1. Data Quality
    With the ultimate goal of patient safety, we ensure patient information is accurate, reliable, consistent and timely

    2. Electronic Health Information Management (e-HIM)/Electronic Health Record (EHR)
    A computer-based electronic file that is accessible to any health care provider. It is a longitudinal health record (birth-to-death).

    3. Privacy
    Ensuring the public¿s privacy is protected by ensuring that all access to health information is ethical, moral and legal.

• Why are Health Information Management professionals important?

• • This career combines health, computer science, business and research. In their day-to-day work, HIM professionals

    • Protect patient information and promote confidentiality and awareness
    • Implement the electronic health record (EHR)
    • Work with health information systems and databases
    • Collect and analyze health information
    • Apply pathophysiology, anatomy, physiology and medical terminology knowledge to the coding process

    HIM professionals provide essential information for clinical research, quality improvement, utilization review, budgeting and hospital decisions.

• Where do Health Information Management professionals work?

• • The profession has an employment base in:

    • Acute care facilities (hospitals)
    • Non-acute facilities  (e.g. long-term care)
    • Health research facilities
    • Community health
    • Government agencies

    For more information, see Employment.

• What jobs do Health Information Management professionals have?

• • Within these settings, Health Information Management professionals work in a wide variety of roles, including:

    • Clinical Applications Coordinator
    • Clinical Research Associate
    • Data Analyst
    • Data Collection Specialist (Coder)
    • Database Manager
    • Document Management Coordinator
    • Privacy Officer
    • Process Improvement Manager
    • Project Manager, Clinical Applications
    • Records and Information Coordinator
    • Risk Management Officer

    For more information, see Employment.

• Can I work part-time while in this program?

• • It is not recommended that you work part-time during the program as the workload can be onerous. We recognize that some students must work for financial reasons and if it is a necessity, we recommend that you consult with the HIM Program Coordinator regarding course load for a particular semester.

• What is your advice for new students in this program?

• • Use time management skills
  • Focus on Biology (anatomy and physiology) - try to take prior to program if possible
  • Be prepared to be overwhelmed
  • Try not to work during school
  • Find a study buddy
  • Do not procrastinate
  • Ask for help - don't wait
  • Keep your hobbies
  • Eat a good breakfast (bring snacks)

• Where can I get more information?

• • Attend an information session
    Download the program information booklet (pdf)
    Contact the Health Information Management program