Join the professionInternational professionals
Looking to earn a CHIM designation and work in Canada?
International professionals 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 in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
What professional designations are accepted through the AHIMA, HIMAA, or KAHIME reciprocal agreements?
AHIMA — RHIT, RHIA
HIMAA — CHIM
KAHIME — HIM
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 and Health Information Fundamentals programs.
Should I choose a certificate, diploma, 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.
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 is factored into an employer’s hiring decision.
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 Health Information Fundamentals or 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.
