Become a Respected Health Information Management Professional
Healthcare, Information Technology, Data Analysis and Leadership Combine in 1 Rewarding Career
Convenient Online Distance Learning
If you're highly organized and interested in medical science and Information Technology, you could be well suited to a rewarding, successful career in Health Information Management (HIM).
Health Information Management focuses on the collection, production, analysis, presentation and preservation of health data from multiple sources to support health care delivery in every setting in Canada. Included in this, is the confidentiality, privacy and security of the health information of every Canadian.
Health Information Management professionals use a blend of clinical knowledge, information technology and analytic skills to provide data and information used in creating policy, including health planning, facility funding and research to care providers, governments and agencies collecting and/or using health statistics.
Career Opportunities
Because of the unique mixture of medicine, technology, business and other disciplines, Health Information Management graduates are well suited to pursue employment in a wide array of health environments in a number of roles.
Health Information Management Professionals are employed in:
- Hospitals
- Cancer registries
- Trauma registries
- Registration and Admissions
- Consulting firms
- Government agencies
- Law firms
- Insurance companies
- Correctional facilities
- Extended care facilities
- Pharmaceutical research firms
- Information technology companies
- Medical software companies
The roles are as varied as the settings and include:
- Coding Specialists
- Clinical Data Specialist
- Privacy Officer
- Identity Management Coordinators
- Information Brokers
- Decision Support Analysts
- Release of Information Specialists
- Utilization Officers
- Risk Managers
- Registry Agents
Certified HIM professionals are recognized and can work anywhere in Canada. Experienced HIM professionals interested in travel may find employment outside Canada with the World Health Organization or through foreign recruitment agencies.
Salary: What Do Qualified Health Information Managers Earn?
For Health Information Management professionals, salaries depend on the individual's level of education, time and type of experience in the field, credentials earned, and geographic location. According to the Canadian Labour Force Survey (2009), the median hourly wage for Records Management and Filing Clerks was $19.20. Wages for Health Information Management professionals who are members of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta range from $26.18 to $32.18 an hour (2010).
Becoming a Trusted Health Information Management Professional
The Centre for Distance Education provides convenient Online training for individuals interested in pursuing a professional career in Health Information Management and wanting the flexibility, convenience and economy of training from home.
This challenging program is delivered via structured, web-based courses as well as practical experience in a health setting. As a student in this program you can study remotely around your own schedule, while still benefit from the practical, hands-on experience of working in a real employment setting before you graduate.
The CD-ED Health Information Management program incorporates elements of medicine, management, finance, information technology, and law into one curriculum. Successful graduates of this program are fully prepared to challenge the CHIMA National Certification Exam and use the CHIM credential recognized nationally. By devoting just 20-25 hours/week to your course work, you could be ready to start a rewarding professional career in Health Information Management in 2 years.
"I wanted to further my education and when I found this school they were so helpful in helping me get everything that I needed to start. I scheduled my studying time when my kids were in bed and in school and when I wasn't working. What I loved best about CD-ED was the teachers and how helpful they were with me...they would help me even if I called more than once in a day."- Tina Spragg, CD-ED Graduate
Online Education: How it Works...
With CD-ED, you'll train from the comfort of home, but you're far from on your own. The experienced CD-ED instructors and guidance counselors take a personal interest in each student's progress. You'll have unlimited one-on-one support via email, chat, online classroom webinars and toll-free phone calls - even after you graduate!
You'll also receive a helpful "How to Study at Home" resource to guarantee your success in online career training. CD-ED graduates make a smooth transition from training into the professional world backed by the experience gained in this course and the ongoing support of the dedicated CD-ED staff.
Here at the Centre for Distance Education, we believe that graduating with your diploma is only part of the journey towards landing your dream job. As a CD-ED student and graduate, you'll have an opportunity to work with an expert Career Guidance Officer who can help with everything from resume and interview prep to job searches and networking opportunities. We can't guarantee to find you a job, but we do stand-by our commitment to offering full support to all students and graduates.
Our continued commitment to the ongoing achievement of our students and the success CD-ED alumni enjoy as a result of their experience with our program is part of why CD-ED recently received a 95% satisfaction rating from former students.
The Linda Elias HIM Scholarship
The Linda Elias HIM Scholarship was established to honor Linda Elias, a distinguished professional in the Health Information Management (HIM) field, to provide funds for students of the HIM Program with Centre for Distance Education. We hope that this scholarship fund will encourage a new generation of passionate professionals to join the ranks of the HIM profession.
Therefore, to honor Linda, the Centre for Distance Education will be awarding one full scholarship per year to a deserving HIM student who meets the following criteria:
- Must have commitment, awareness, and passion for the HIM Profession
- Must be a team player who wants to work with other HIM professionals.
- Must have respect for HIM in the indirect care unit within the healthcare system.
- Must be fun loving with a positive attitude.
- Must be an individual who takes a hands on approach and doesn't mind being behind the scenes to get things done.
- Must possess a caring and positive attitude.
Interested candidates please submit an essay explaining why you feel you should be awarded this scholarship. Examples that detail your research and/or experience in Health Information Management are essential. Your writing should convey your enthusiasm, determination, and energy you utilize in your work on a daily basis. Your completed application and supporting documentation such as school transcripts, degrees, diplomas, certificates, etc. must accompany your essay.
Please forward all pertinent documentation to:
The Linda Elias HIM Scholarship Review Board
C/O The Centre for Distance Education
222 or George Street
Sydney, NS B1P 1J3
If you have questions or would like more information please contact Lori MacMullin, Principal Centre for Distance Education.
Is a Career in Health Information Management Right For You?
If you're interested in learning more about your possible career opportunities as a Health Information Management professional and exploring if this is the right career field for you, fill out the form to receive a FREE Career Information Kit. A helpful CD-ED Admissions Specialist will assist you with everything from career questions to financial aid and help you discover the perfect career path for you.
Call 1.888.363.1901 To Get Started
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- “I would like to thank everyone at CD-ED for their support and encouragement throughout my course. It has been a great pleasure to have got to know you all (over the phone of course). I will gladly keep referring my friends to check out your courses. Thanks again, keep up the good work. The school will continue to grow with the employees that it has. You have inspired many and will continue to do so. I would give the school an A+++.”
- - Debbie Moores, Graduate
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- - Edwin Long, Graduate
- “The instructor support during my program was prompt, helpful and knowledgeable. The actual material was challenging in some sections, but overall was very manageable. I have had many opportunities arise in my search for full time employment. I would feel very comfortable recommending CD-ED to others.”
- - Andrea Reid, Graduate