Education · 1 of 4

The path

Short, and often possible online.

1. 1

   High school

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 English, math and biology. Some colleges now route you through a pre-health year first.

2. 2

   Recognized program

   2 to 4 years

   A 2-year diploma (SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology), George Brown, RRC Polytech (Red River College Polytechnic) in Winnipeg, Nova Scotia Community College, Douglas College) or a degree (Conestoga, Toronto Metropolitan University online). Anatomy, disease, coding systems, privacy law, statistics and health data systems, plus two practicums.

3. 3

   Write the national certification exam

   After graduation

   Run by the CCHIM (Canadian College of Health Information Management). Pass it to use the CHIM (Certified in Health Information Management) credential.

4. 4

   Get hired and keep certified

   Ongoing

   Hospitals and health authorities ask for the credential. Continuing education keeps it active.