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Looking to change careers and enrol in an accredited health information management program?

Professionals can leverage their transferrable skills from previous careers and join the health information profession. Choose from a variety of programs across Canada to learn about health information management. Contact an education partner directly to learn more about their program.

Read the frequently asked questions and answers below for more information on becoming certified after completing an accredited HIM program.

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Frequently asked questions

I’m interested in learning more. Where can I find the program directory?

Please click the button below to access the program directory and view all accredited HIM programs.

Should I choose a diploma-level or degree-level program?

This will depend on your interests, career goals, and the financial and time investments you are willing to make.

An accredited health information management diploma program equips students with the technical training they need to enter the profession in roles such as a classification and coding or chart management specialist, a release of information or privacy analyst, a health records abstractor, and more. These programs are typically two years in length.

An accredited health information management degree program equips students with a blend of theory and application-based training. Graduates may enter the profession at an intermediate level in roles such as decision support, privacy, or information management analyst, information standards specialist, transition and change management lead, and more. These programs are typically three to four years in length.

It is important to note that a combination of education, qualifications, skills, and experiences is factored into an employer’s hiring decision.

I already have a degree. Is this the right pathway for me?

Please look to our degree-level graduate page for more information applicable to you.

What types of courses are in an accredited HIM program?

Please consult with the program of interest to learn more about specific courses offered. Each accredited program adheres to curricular standards set out by the Canadian College of Health Information Management.

Where can I learn about a program’s format, duration, tuition costs, and more?

For information such as program format, duration, and tuition costs, please visit the educational institution’s program page.

Please click the button below to access the program directory and view all accredited HIM programs. This directory can be filtered based on education level, type, location, delivery method, and college status.

What is the best school and program to select?

All our education partners have gone through a rigorous program accreditation process and are suitable for preparing students to write the CHIM NCE. Please visit our program directory and contact the schools you’re interested in here: https://cchim.ca/program-directory/.

Does every accredited program have a work placement or practicum?

​Accredited HIM degree and diploma programs require practical experience before graduation. Please consult with the program of interest to learn more about this requirement or any changes made due to the pandemic.

Can I write the CHIM NCE before I graduate from an HIM program?

​No. We acknowledge that finding a practicum placement is especially difficult during the pandemic. However, your obligation to graduate from your HIM program still must be met before you can write the CHIM NCE. Please check with your school to learn of any modifications to the practicum options or requirements during the pandemic. 

If I graduate from an accredited HIM program, can I become a Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) professional?

Graduates of accredited HIM programs are eligible to write the CHIM national certification examination. To learn more about certification, click the button below.

If I complete a diploma program now, can I complete a degree later?

Please consult with the program of interest. Many programs have articulation agreements established within their own institution or an outside institution. Depending on the agreement, a set number of courses may be transferred into a specific degree program.