FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS HEAIF-DP Health Information Management

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Overview

  • Two-year diploma
  • September entry date in alternate years
  • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg
  • Practicum experience in health care facilities
  • International applicants please visit Academic Program, Dates and Fees for a listing of programs for international students, current availability and online application instructions.

Description
This program develops the skills and knowledge you need to effectively manage the health information required for patient care, administration, research, and education. The program trains you in the specialized techniques required in health information management. It offers a unique combination of medical, computer, and business courses.

Emphasis during the program will be on the following:

  • Health information science
  • Medical terminology
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Medical coding
  • Computerization
  • Statistical analysis

As a graduate you will be eligible to write the national certification exam administered by the Canadian Health Information Management Association. Successful certification allows you to seek employment across Canada.

Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit of:
      • Grade 12 Biology (40S) or Chemistry (40S)
      • Grade 12 Applied Math (40S) or Pre-Calculus Math (40S) is not required but is strongly recommended
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
    • Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
      Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
      • If YES, you meet English language requirements.  Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
        or
      • If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option.  If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
        or 
      • If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review. 
    • * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.
      and
  3. Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form
  4. Essay
    • Submit a 500-word essay addressing the following topics:
      • What interests you about the Health Information Management program as a field or career path
      • What you would like to do when you graduate
      • What you consider to be your major strengths
      • What you see as your major areas needing further development
      • What alternatives to the Health Information Management program you may have considered
    • and
  5. Mandatory Orientation Session
    • Attend an mandatory orientation session
    • This item is not due within 15 days of applying and will be requested by the College at a later date

Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

  1. Academic Requirement
    • High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in:
      • One credit in each of the following courses:
        • Grade 12 English (40S)
        • Grade 12 Biology (40S) or Chemistry (40S)
        • Grade 12 Applied Math (40S) or Pre-Calculus Math (40S) is not required but is strongly recommended
          or
      • RRC's Introduction to Business program (this program is no longer offered by the College)
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. Meet Regular Admission Requirements 2 through 5

Program Progression Requirements
Program progression requirements are not due within 15 days of applying and should be submitted after you start classes.

  • Criminal Record and Adult and Child Abuse Checks
    • This program requires students to submit current original/official versions of one or more of the following checks:
      • Criminal Record Check (CRC)
      • Provincial Child Abuse Registry Check (CAR)
      • Adult Abuse Registry Check (AAR)
    • If you have a criminal record you may not be able to complete the program
    • If you are listed on an Abuse Registry you will not be able to complete the program
    • For details on this program's requirements, when to obtain and submit the documents, review the Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form
    • These documents have expiration dates and should not be obtained prior to timeline indicated on the Applicant Declaration for Check Documents form
    • For general information on why RRC requires these checks and for links to check providers such as the Winnipeg Police, visit our Criminal Record Checks webpage
    • Submit your check documents to the RRC program contact listed on the Contact Information section of your program

English Language Assessments

English Language AssessmentMinimum Required Levels
L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - WritingLSRW
AEPUCE (Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available.
8888
CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language)
70707070
Communication for Health Professions (RRC Pathway)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
8888
Communication for Internationally Educ Health Prof (RRC Pathway)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
8888
Duolingo (Duolingo English Test)

* MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.

There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.

Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted.

0*0*0*0*
IELTS - Academic (International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants
6.56.56.56.0
PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English)
65656565
Password Skills (An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room. Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor. If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
7.07.07.07.0
Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
7.07.07.07.0
TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas.
24232427

Who Should Enrol?

This program will appeal to you if you want to combine your interest in the health care field with medical, computer and business skills.

You could be well suited for this program, if you possess the following traits:

  • strong interpersonal skills
  • excellent attention to detail
  • strong organizational skills
  • ability to maintain confidentiality
  • good oral & written communication skills
  • previous work experience in a Healthcare setting, in particular a Health Information Department would be a definite asset. 

This program is academically demanding, and you should be prepared to set aside time on a regular basis to complete projects and assignments outside of daily class hours. The workload will vary from term to term and students must be self disciplined to keep up with the demands of the program. .

Locations, Dates and Fees

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Notre Dame Campus Aug 31, 2026 Apply Now

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$5,607.00
Year 2
$5,862.00
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$1,300.00
Year 2
$800.00
Other Fees
Year 1
$50.001
Year 2
$267.002
Program/Student Fees (International)
Year 1
$16,801.00
Year 2
$17,056.00
1CHIMA Membership
2CIHI Software and Resources access fee and CHIMA Membership

Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

Courses and Descriptions

(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
COMM-1153Communications
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This course is designed to develop written and oral communications skills. Students will learn the communication process and the writing techniques applicable to current working environments. The course will enable students to write clear, concise messages incorporating the mechanics, grammar principles, and sentence techniques. Oral presentation techniques will be included along with job search documents.

COMP-1044Computer Essentials
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Computer Essentials  is a hands-on course in which students develop skills in the use of current Microsoft productivity software.  Topics include introductory and intermediate skills in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as the integration of these applications. Students will also be introduced to basic keyboarding techniques and will be required to increase their speed to 40 wpm (words per minute) with 3 errors or less (5 minute timing).

COMP-2015System Analysis & Design
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This course provides coverage of system analysis and design. The course begins by analyzing the components of an information system and the stages of the system development life cycle. Students will learn requirements modeling techniques, development strategies, data design concepts, interface design, quality assurance and system security. 

Prerequisites:
COMP-2047Database Management
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This first portion of the course develops a basic understanding of database theory and Structured Query Language (SQL). Topics covered in this portion include normalization, E-R diagrams, and creating queries using SQL. The majority of the course is spent on developing intermediate skills using a current database management system. Some of the topics covered in this section include: creating/modifying tables, queries, reports and forms. 

Prerequisites:
COMP-3007Healthcare Information Analytics
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Health care is one of the most data-intense industries today. However, the data within the system often is not used to the best advantage to address health care research and business questions. Data sources have traditionally been in the hospital setting. More and more data is being collected at every level of the health care delivery system to assess, monitor, and provide treatment to Canadians. This course will expose the student to various data sources within the continuum of the Canadian Health care system, providing the student with methods for the retrieval, organizing, analysis, interpretation, and application of the data to health care research and business questions. Data quality activities as well as planning for future data needs within various health care sectors will be a point of emphasis throughout the course. Students are instructed on the use and content of the basic Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) reports and on data presentation and graphing techniques.

Prerequisites:
HLAW-2050Health Information Law
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This course you will become familiar with health law, (especially as it pertains to Health Information) and the issues associated with privacy, confidentiality and security of health information. You will gain an understanding of legislation as it relates to health care and health information.

Students will be able to identify the major resources for locating information on laws, standards and regulations that govern the practice of health information management. Emphasis will be placed on the role of health information services in terms of access to and disclosure of health information. 

Prerequisites:
HLTH-1003Medical Terminology
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This course will use a scaffolding approach to carefully sequence learning from simple to complex. This course will provide an introduction to the technical language of medical science through the study of terminology specific to anatomy and physiology, pathology, diagnostic and therapeutic services. Each chapter will consist of small learning segments (concepts, terms, illustrations and abbreviations) for the anatomy and physiology, pathology and procedures for a body system. Exercises will reinforce and assess students understanding and retention of material. Students will be exposed to terminology needed to correctly code in ICD10/CA and CCI.

HLTH-1004Introduction to Health Care Delivery
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This course will provide an overview of the Canadian Healthcare system in general and specifically, within Manitoba.  The course will cover hospital organization and structure, medical staff, healthcare professionals, hospital insurance, funding of healthcare, and current trends and impacts. The role of the health information management professional plays in the healthcare system, will be explored.

Prerequisites:
HLTH-1005Management Principles
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The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basics of Health Information Management and the theories, tools and techniques that productive managers need in today's competitive environment.

HLTH-1007Coding 1
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This course provides an introduction to basic coding principles, utilizing the ICD-10-CA/CCI Folio, CIHI Coding standards and the Coding textbook. Students will be introduced to pathophysiology and interventions related to various body systems. Your studies will include review of coding practices and guidelines and data quality issues. Students will also be introduced to some of the abstracting requirements in relation to coding principles.

Prerequisites:
HLTH-3001Intro to Healthcare Research Methods & Epidemiology
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This course provides an overview of research methodologies common to healthcare. Students are introduced to terminology, research concepts, and the role of epidemiology in the clinical study of disease and illness. The importance of critical thinking is stressed. Students develop the skills necessary to analyze and evaluate healthcare data and the methodologies used to produce it. 

HLTH-3004Pharmacology
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This course will provide an introduction to the study of drugs as related to the treatment of disease and conditions, and to interventions,  It is intended to provide additional theory in the application of coding and health information analysis skills.  All body systems will be covered in this course.

Prerequisites:
HLTH-3006Coding 2
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This course is a continuation of Coding 1 and will continue to look at common disorders of the body systems integrating medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and coding standards & principles. Students will apply learned coding skills utilizing the Virtual Coding program. Students will be introduced to Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) and the Manitoba Abstract Data Elements (MADE) and the basic abstracting system utilizing MED2020 WinRecs Software. 

Prerequisites:
HLTH-3007Pathophysiology
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This course involves the study of the pathophysiology of the body systems. The students will apply their knowledge of normal structure and function of the human body and medical terminology to the study of the disease process. A variety of diseases from each of the body systems will be reviewed and discussed. Emphasis will be placed upon the disease process itself, as well as the known causes, symptoms and possible risk factors. The specialists involved as well as the methods of diagnosis and treatment of the disease will also be considered.

Prerequisites:
HLTH-3008Coding 3
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This course is a continuation of Coding 1 & 2 and will provide further enhancement of coding skills with the Virtual Coding program. Students will continue to work with CIHI, DAD and Manitoba's MADE abstracting utilizing the MED2020 WinRecs Software. Students will be exposed to other reporting systems within the continuum of care, such as National Rehabilitation System (NRS), and National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS). Students will study CIHI Case Mix Groupings, Resource Intensity Weighting and Complexity Overlay and gain an understanding of its uses within the healthcare system. Application of learned theory will take place both in the classroom and in the practicum placements.

Prerequisites:
MATH-2166Statistics
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This course introduces descriptive statistics including tables and graphs, measures of central tendency and variation, probability rules, probability distributions, sampling and sampling distributions, as well as inference statistics including estimation, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation.  Approximately 20% will be done using microcomputers. 

PRAC-3012Hospital Practicum
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This course provides the student with an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained during the course of study and in so doing prepare for active participation in the Health Information Management profession. Students are assigned to accredited urban and rural health care facilities, and other related health information, information technology departments and is under the supervision of qualified health information management professionals or designate. 

Practicum is a mandatory component of the HIM program and no supplementary privileges are granted. All costs incurred are the responsibility of the student and the College reserves the right to assign students where appropriate, based on availability of practicum sites. Students must have a clear standing in all previous terms in order to participate in practicum. 

SCIE-1024Health Information Management1
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This course provides students with an introduction to health information management (HIM) including discussions of the information systems used in healthcare planning and care delivery.  Course topic areas include: (1) The HIM profession including ethical practices (2) Evaluating data, information & knowledge (3) The basic components of record management  (4) Clinical classifications, nomenclatures & terminologies (5) Data collection and quality (6) Secondary uses of health data and health databases (7) Legal aspects of Health Information (8) Privacy, confidentiality, security, access and release of personal health information.

SCIE-2025Health Information Management 2
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This part of the course focuses more on the technical side of Health Information and its movement towards the electronic health record.  The course will include introduction to various health information systems, (Administrative & Clinical) and strategic planning for information systems.  Introduction to the electronic health record, technology and application security, information systems life cycle and information and data standards will be explored.  Principles involved in the evaluation/assessment/accountability of healthcare and tools utilized.  (Performance Management, Quality Management and Risk Management) as well as ethics, in particular HIM practices will be explored.

Prerequisites:
ZOOL-1071Human Anatomy and Physiology
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This course focuses on normal human structure and function.  Topics include cells and tissues, support and movement, communication, and organ system control.  Unifying concepts of the relationship between structure and function, structural hierarchy, and organ system integration are emphasized.  Laboratory experiences reinforce these topics and concepts.  

ZOOL-1072Human Anatomy and Physiology
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A working knowledge of introductory anatomy and physiology is assumed.  The details of anatomy and physiology are organized around unifying concepts such as interrelationships of body organ systems, homeostasis, and the complementary nature of structure and function.  Presentation of the material reflects hierarchical levels of complexity that contribute to the organization of the body as a whole and the students' understanding of this organization.  Laboratory exercise are essential in adding students to apply theoretical concepts of anatomy and physiology.

Prerequisites:

CO-OP/Practicum Information

Most training will take place at the College, however students will be required to attend mandatory practicum sessions in accredited urban and rural health care facilities.

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

2.  A high speed internet connection

• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.


Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

Other Information

It is strongly recommended that you have a personal laptop for this program.

Graduation Requirements

Students must have successfully passed each course with a 60% and completed and passed the final mandatory 6 week practicum in order to graduate with a diploma in Health Information Management. 

Employment Potential

Most graduates have found employment in a variety of health-related facilities, such as:

  • Acute and chronic care hospitals
  • Cancer treatment centres
  • Mental health centres
  • Adolescent treatment centres
  • Paramedical and government agencies
  • Research studies
  • Clinics
  • Group practices

Others are employed as sole-charge health information practitioners in rural health care facilities.

Academic Advising Service
Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
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Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.