Continuing Education Programs and Courses

Health Information Management

Information management is increasingly in demand, particularly in the health care field where high-quality information is critical to high-quality care. SIAST’s Health Information Management (HIM) is one of 19 programs in Canada recognized by the Canadian College of Health Information Management (CCHIM). Only graduates of CCHIM-recognized programs are eligible to write the national certification exam and be recognized as health information management professionals.

The two-year diploma program emphasizes a practical, hands-on style of learning. The curriculum is designed to provide knowledge and skill development in biomedical sciences, information science, technology, legal aspects of health information and integration of clinical and financial information. You will learn how to provide leadership and expertise in data collection and coding, data quality, record content and retention, record/systems management, patient access to health information, privacy, security and confidentiality, interpretation and analysis of health data, transition to the electronic health record and e-HIM (electronic health information management).

All courses except the practicum (which must be completed in an accredited hospital chosen by the program) are available through distance and/or continuing education. Travel may be required for the practicum component. The program is available full-time at SIAST Wascana Campus in Regina. For complete program information, check the program page. For more information on the distance program please refer to the student handbook (pdf).

You can apply to take this distance program anytime throughout the year. If you are interested in starting the program in the fall, it is strongly recommended that you apply before the end of May (if not earlier). It takes time to process applications and some classes begin at the end of August. Intake is ongoing, but if you apply late you may have to take October classes rather than August classes, which can have a significant impact later in the semester. You may take the following courses prior to being accepted into the program:

MED 161
APHY 16
APHY 262
PATH 161
HINF 160
COMM 262
PSYC 160
COMP 173
COMP 174
COMP 175
COMP 176

Study schedules (pdf) for completing the program in 3 or 4 years are available. It is strongly recommended that you pick one path and maintain it. Once you choose your classes for the year please email Tara at fourniert@siast.sk.ca. The HIM program must be completed within five years.

Anatomy and Physiology 1 (162) (APHY 162)

You will study the human body, how it is constructed and how it functions to maintain homeostasis. You will focus on the interaction between the structures of the body cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. The course content includes levels of organization of the human body, cells, tissues, integument and the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. You will apply your theoretical knowledge in practical setting by performing dissections of specimens as part of the mandatory lab component.

Fee: $627 62 hours/18 weeks Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-466	February 4, 2013 - June 7, 2013 The online course involves learning at home using your own computer, internet connection, and the Blackboard program. You will need knowledge of, and have access to, a computer in order to participate in this learning method. You will have contact with other anatomy students throughout the course. Although you will need to purchase a lab dissection kit, you are not required to attend any classes or travel to lab sessions. You will do your lab work, including dissections, in your own home. Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Online
CRN: 03-4478	February 6, 2013 - June 5, 2013 W, 6-9:30 pm Room: 305/307 Register in Regina or Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Saskatoon

Anatomy and Physiology 2 (262) (APHY 262)

You will study the human body, how it is constructed and how it functions to maintain homeostasis. The course builds on the information you learned in APHY 162 (Anatomy and Physiology 1). You will focus on the study of systems involved with integration, control, absorption, excretion and reproduction. You will apply your theoretical knowledge in practical setting by performing dissections of specimens as part of the mandatory lab component.

Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology 1 (162)

Fee: $627 62 hours/18 weeks Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-468	February 4, 2013 - June 7, 2013 The online course involves learning at home using your own computer, internet connection, and the Blackboard program. You will need knowledge of, and have access to, a computer in order to participate in this learning method. You will have contact with other anatomy students throughout the course. Although you will need to purchase a lab dissection kit, you are not required to attend any classes or travel to lab sessions. You will do your lab work, including dissections, in your own home. Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Online
CRN: 03-469	February 11, 2013 - June 14, 2013 The online course involves learning at home using your own computer, internet connection, and the Blackboard program. You will need knowledge of, and have access to, a computer in order to participate in this learning method. You will have contact with other anatomy students throughout the course. Although you will need to purchase a lab dissection kit, you are not required to attend any classes or travel to lab sessions. You will do your lab work, including dissections, in your own home. Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Online

Clinical - Coding 1 (CLIN 257)

Your clinical experience will focus on coding with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision, Canada/Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (ICD- 10-CA/CCI). You will study body systems such as skin, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, blood and respiratory systems. You will also study neoplasm, infection and orthopaedic trauma cases.

Prerequisites: Clinical - Foundations of Health Information Management, Pathophysiology 2, Anatomy and Physiology 2 (262), (APHY 262 and PATH 272 are concurrent prerequisites)

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Clinical - Coding 2 (CLIN 258)

Your clinical experience will build on the skills developed in Clinical Coding 1 (CLIN 257). You will focus on coding with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision, Canada/Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (ICD- 10-CA/CCI). You will study body systems including: digestive, hepatobiliary, urinary, reproductive, nervous, special senses and endocrine systems. You will examine nutritional, metabolic, mental and behavioural disorder cases. You will also learn how to abstract data.

Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology 2 (262), Pathophysiology 3, Concurrent:

Fee: $765 110 hours/13 weeks
Additional costs: Books and print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-755	March 26, 2013 - June 28, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Clinical

Clinical - Coding 3 (CLIN 288)

You will build on your skills in International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision, Canada/Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (ICD-10-CA/CCI) coding and abstracting. You will study human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), infections, septicaemia, pregnancy/childbirth and newborn coding cases. You will also study complex coding cases. Your studies will include a review of coding practices and guidelines, data quality issues, report writing and data presentation.

You must have access to a computer with Windows XP or higher with high speed internet.

Prerequisites: Health Information Analysis 2

Fee: $1175 150 hours/24 weeks
Additional costs: Books and print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-756	January 8, 2013 - June 28, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Clinical - Foundations of Health Information Management (CLIN 161)

Your foundations clinical experience will take place in a health information management department. You will learn the concepts of coding and focus on basic health record procedures including chart assembly and quantitative analysis.

You must have access to a computer with Windows XP or higher with high speed internet.

Prerequisites: Health Record Systems, Concurrent:

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Database Programming (COSC 262)

You will learn the structure of program design, development, testing and documentation. You will learn to design single and multi-table databases using SPSS and Access. The course content includes the fundamentals of algorithms and algorithm analysis.

You must have access to a computer with high speed internet access and Windows XP or higher, Microsoft Access and SPSS (student version of SPSS comes with manual).

Prerequisites: Introduction to Microsoft Access 1, Introduction to Microsoft Excel I, (concurrent)

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Epidemiology (HINF 260)

Your studies will include the nature and scope of epidemiology (especially as these relate to health information systems). You will study the distribution of diseases in populations and factors that influence the occurrence of disease.

This course uses an asynchronous tool, allowing online access to course material at a time that is convenient to the student.

Prerequisites: Health Information Practicum 1

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Final Comprehensive Exam (CFEX 1600)

You will have an opportunity to write an electronic exam consisting of seven mini exams with 22 questions per mini exam. This comprehensive exam provides an overview of the SIAST HIM diploma program, which is a Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) recognized HIM program.

You will study the following seven competencies: biomedical science, health information science, health information analysis and presentation, technology and health information, access, privacy and security, ethics and practice and the healthcare system in Canada.

Fee: $60

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 04-45	May 30, 2013 Register by May 16 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Online

Health Care Law and Ethics (HINF 262)

You will become familiar with health law (especially as it pertains to health information) and the issues associated with the privacy, confidentiality and security of health information. You will identify appropriate ethical conduct in pursuing your professional role and gain an overview of legislation relating to health care and health information. You will be able to design policies related to confidentiality, privacy, security and participate in risk management activities.

This course uses an asynchronous tool, allowing online access to course material at a time that is convenient to the student.

Prerequisites: Theories and Concepts of Health Information Management, (concurrent)

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Health Informatics (HINF 266)

Your studies will involve learning about health informatics and how eHealth impacts the health information management professional. You will study common health informatics standards, including Health Level Seven (HL7).

Prerequisites: Health Information Analysis 2, and Theories and Concepts of Program Management (HINF 264) (concurrent)

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Health Information Analysis 1 (HINF 161)

You will learn how to retrieve, analyze and present data/information. You will also become familiar with the use and content of the basic Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reports, data presentation and graphic techniques.

Prerequisites: Health Record Systems

Fee: $475 35 hours/16 weeks
Additional costs: Books and print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-759	February 5, 2013 - May 31, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Health Information Analysis 2 (HINF 261)

Building on the skills you developed in Health Information Analysis 1 (HINF 161), your studies will focus on the research, design and methodology of health information analysis and utilization. You will also review various health information sources and documentation. You will be introduced to report writing, nomenclatures, various classification systems and Management Information Systems (MIS) standards.

This course uses an asynchronous tool, allowing online access to course material at a time that is convenient to the student.

Prerequisites: Health Information Practicum 1

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Health Information Practicum 1 (PRAC 165)

You will apply your previously-learned theory and experience in health information management while working in a health care agency in the province.

Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology 2 (262), Clinical - Coding 2, Workplace Communication (262), Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint and Web Publishing, Introduction to Microsoft Excel I, Health Information Analysis 1, Pathophysiology 3

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Health Information Practicum 2 (PRAC 262)

Your practical experience will help you acquire experience working in the health information field. You will develop your professional skills by promoting both the health information profession and program.

This course uses an asynchronous tool, allowing online access to course material at a time that is convenient to the student.

Prerequisites: Clinical - Coding 3, Database Programming, Health Informatics, Epidemiology, Health Care Law and Ethics, Human Resource Management in Health Care, Health Information Systems, Psychology 1, Statistics for Health Sciences, Theories and Concepts of Health Information Management

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Health Information Systems (HINF 265)

Your studies will prepare you to deal with changes in computer technology and information systems. You will acquire the skills to participate in analysing and planning for system changes that affect health information files.

You must have access to a computer with high speed internet access and Windows XP or higher, Microsoft Word and Excel.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Microsoft Excel II, Introduction to Microsoft Access 1, Concurrent:

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Health Record Systems (HINF 160)

You will explore the structure of the health care system and uses of health information. You will study federal and provincial legislation regarding health records and the ethical/legal considerations involved in the confidentiality of health information. You will examine basic health information management department procedures.

This course uses an asynchronous tool, allowing online access to course material at a time that is convenient to the student.

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Human Resource Management in Health Care (HINF 263)

Your studies will focus on management theories, maintaining collaborative relationships, managing and evaluating staff performance and development, committee structure and involvement, human rights and labour standards.

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Introduction to Microsoft Access 1 (COMP 176)

Your studies will focus on the basic features of Microsoft Access. You will create simple tables, queries, forms and reports. You will also modify database elements such as fields and records.
Equivalent course(s): Advanced Computer Applications (COMP 284), Data Management (COAP 197), Data Management and Storage (COAP 345), Information Systems (COMP 120), Intro to Database Management (CDBM 190)

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel I (COMP 174)

You will study the basic features of Excel. You will learn to format spreadsheet elements, create simple charts and use simple formulas and functions.

Up-to-date Windows computer and browser with Microsoft Access (2007 or 2010 version) required

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel II (COMP 175)

You will study the intermediate features of Excel. Using the skills and knowledge you acquired in COMP 174 (Introduction to Excel 1), you will learn to work with multiple worksheets, create and modify several chart types, perform data manipulation features and use more advanced spreadsheet functions.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Microsoft Excel I, Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel, (one of either)

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint and Web Publishing (COMP 173)

Your studies will introduce you to basic skills in the use of PowerPoint software for designing, editing and delivering presentations. You will learn the fundamentals of web publishing for simple web page development.

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Medical Terminology (161) (MED 161)

Your studies will focus on medical language and its use in practical situations. You will be introduced to the structure and function of medical language and the medical terms relating to body systems.

Fee: $445 (print), $565 (online), 34 hours, Additional costs: Text(s) and materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-763	February 5, 2013 - May 31, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 03-764	March 5, 2013 - June 28, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Pathophysiology 1 (PATH 161)

You will be introduced to various disease processes that can affect normal body structure and function. You will study the diagnostic investigations and treatments associated with each disease process. You will also study the effects of drugs and nutrition on the human body.

Prerequisites: Medical Terminology (161), Anatomy and Physiology 1 (162), (concurrent)

Fee: $475 47 hours/16 weeks
Additional costs: Books and print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-766	February 12, 2013 - June 7, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Pathophysiology 2 (PATH 272)

Building on the skills you developed in Pathophysiology 1 (PATH 161), you will study disease processes and the effects they have on the skin, breast, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, blood, lymphatic and respiratory body systems.

Prerequisites: Pathophysiology, Anatomy and Physiology 2 (262), (concurrent)

Fee: $475 45 hours/16 weeks
Additional costs: Books and print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-768	February 12, 2013 - June 7, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Pathophysiology 3 (PATH 273)

Building on the skills you developed in Pathophysiology 1 (PATH 161) and Pathophysiology 2 (PATH 272), you will continue to learn disease processes and the effects they have on the digestive, urinary, reproductive and endocrine body systems. You will also examine disorders of the eye and ear, neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology 2 (262), Pathophysiology 2, (concurrent)

Fee: $475 47 hours/16 weeks
Additional costs: Books and print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-770	February 19, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 03-771	March 5, 2013 - June 28, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Psychology 1 (PSYC 160)

In the course you will be introduced to the study of psychology as a science. You will explore the study of human behaviour by examining concepts including: perception, sensation, learning, memory, intelligence, motivation, emotion, states of consciousness, personality, and the relationship between health and stress.

Fee: $487 34 hours/16 weeks (Wascana)
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-445	February 11, 2013 - May 31, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Statistics (STAT 190)

You will be introduced to statistical concepts and techniques (including elementary probability, random variables and their distributions, frequency distributions, measures of location and variability, sampling theory, point and interval estimation, tests of hypotheses and correlation and regression analysis). You will also learn to perform statistical calculations using calculators, spreadsheets and statistical computer software packages. Equivalent to STAT 260.

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Statistics for Health Sciences (STAT 260)

You will learn statistical methods of analysis and inference including descriptive measures, frequency distributions, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and correlation and regression techniques. The emphasis in this course is on statistical applications, with problems chosen from the health sciences field.

Fee: Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-670	April 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013 10 weeks Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 03-451	January 15, 2013 - May 28, 2013 Tu, 6-9 pm, 20 weeks Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Regina

Theories and Concepts of Health Information Management (HINF 264)

You will gain an understanding of health information systems, project management, policies and procedures and needs assessment. Your studies will prepare you for business and strategic planning.

This course uses an asynchronous tool, allowing online access to course material at a time that is convenient to the student.

Prerequisites: Health Information Practicum 1

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Workplace Communication (262) (COMM 262)

You will review effective writing skills and apply those skills to workplace documents: e-mail, memos, business letters and reports. You will apply effective oral communication to individual presentations and meetings. You will examine interpersonal relationships in the workplace and demonstrate conflict resolution skills in individual and group settings.

Fee: $541 34 hours/16 weeks
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-444	February 11, 2013 - May 31, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Student Resources

SIAST Resources

Employers

About Us

Campuses

Academic Divisions

Leadership

AdministrativeDivisions

Departments

Apply and Register

Tuition and Fees

Admission Requirements

Resources

Programs by Category

Browse Programs

International

Continuing Education

Co-operative Education

Resources

Academic

Support

Resources and Reference

Student Life

Graduation

Student Portals

Alumni

Health Information Management

Continuing Education

Resources

Administrative
Divisions