FAQ

Is the Master of Health Informatics (MHI) Program accredited or certified?

Because Health Informatics is an emerging discipline, there is no official accrediting or certifying body at this time. However, all university graduate programs must be reviewed and approved by the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies (OCGS), the body which governs university graduate programs for the Ontario Government. Some professional associations are beginning to discuss standards of practice in health informatics, as well as certification and accreditation for their members. This may lead to an accreditation process for Health Informatics Programs in the future.

[Note: There is a separate certification process for Health Information Management Programs only (see below), administered by the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA).]

What is the difference between a Health Information Management Program and a Health Informatics program?

Health Information Management is a diploma-level program offered by a community college and is often a requirement for individuals who work with clinical health records or in decision support areas.
 
Health Informatics is a Masters degree-level professional program offered by the University of Toronto for individuals pursuing leadership positions in health and information systems. This program emphasizes knowledge and skills in strategy and policy development; informing high level decision making; system analysis, assessment, and solution architecture; project management; and the development, implementation and management of technological applications and change across the health and health care delivery system.

Is Health Informatics the same as eHealth, Medical Informatics, Biomedical Informatics, and Nursing or Clinical Informatics?

The term Health Informatics was only coined 15 years ago and is often used interchangeably (sometimes erroneously) with the above terms depending on the context and focus.

Do I need to have related work experience in order to be accepted into the MHI program?

Preference is given to candidates with relevant professional experience in health care or computer/information technology. However, each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants without relevant experience may be accepted based on their academic and employment background.

If you have questions about the applicability of your experience and/or suitability for the program, we would be happy to speak with you. Consultations with Program faculty can also be arranged. Please contact the Program Director.

Can I work while completing my MHI?

The MHI program is a two-year program condensed into a 16-month time frame. It is a rigorous program and to be successful, you will need to commit to fulltime studies to meet the academic demands of the program. It is recommended that you speak to your employer about the possibility of a study sabbatical. Some students have managed to accommodate part-time work later in their program, but it is recommended that this option be considered only after discussions with the Program Director.

Why should I put my career on hold to complete another degree? What is the future for Health Informatics?

eHealth and the electronic medical record (EMR) are a major priority at both the provincial and federal levels. Billions of dollars are being invested through Canada Health Infoway and eHealth Ontario to develop, implement and maintain eHealth solutions. However, there is currently a shortage of skilled people to lead and manage this change. A recent report by the Canadian Health Informatics Association (COACH) estimates that from 6,320 to 12,330 additional HI and HIM professionals will be needed in Canada by 2014 and a much higher number will need to broaden their skills to meet the demand. The MHI Program is one of Canada’s only professional graduate-level programs that focuses on developing skilled professionals to meet this demand.

Am I eligible for funding from the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program (OGS)?

While you are technically "eligible to apply" for this funding, you will not "qualify" to receive funds. This is because OGS funds are only awarded in programs that provide matching funding. IHPME currently matches funds only for its research programs – the MSc and PhD. The Institute is unable to match funds for its professional programs – the MHI, MHSc and MMI – because there are no endowment funds or other funding sources available for these programs.

Are there any other sources of funding available?

The Faculty of Medicine’s Professional Programs Bursary may have funds available for students who qualify on a "needs basis" only. This bursary is dependent upon endowment funds at the university, so the available funds will vary from year to year.  If funds are available in that year, all MHI students will receive an application for this bursary in the fall. Decisions on awards are made on the basis of need.