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Looking to begin your career and enrol in an accredited health information management (HIM) program?

High school students can 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 high school graduation.

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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 offers a blend of technical training. Graduates may enter the profession at an entry-level 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 offers 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 3–4 years in length.

It is important to note that a combination of education, qualifications, skills, and experiences are factored into an employers decision when hiring.

I am a high school graduate. Can I go directly to an accredited HIM program?

​ Please consult with the program of interest to identify admission requirements. 

Are special high school courses required for admission into an accredited HIM program?

Please consult with the program of interest to identify admission requirements or pre-requisite courses. Courses in mathematics, English, computer literacy, and at least one of biology, physics, or chemistry are encouraged.

What types of courses are in an accredited HIM program?

Please consult with the program of interest to learn more about specific courses offered.

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/.

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.

Does every accredited program have a work placement or practicum?

​Accredited HIM degree and diploma programs have a practical experience component required prior to 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 continue to complete a degree later?

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