Health Information Science
In this program, you'll study health care management and technology. And you’ll learn to use technology to improve health care systems.
Potential careers
What can you do with a health information science degree? Here are a few jobs that relate to the program:
- project analyst
- clinical informatics analyst
- business analyst
- health systems planner
- health records administrator
- systems designer
- systems coordinator
- technical application lead
- solutions architect
- information architect
- clinical research associate
- information officer
- program coordinator
Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.
Find a career that fits you
- Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
- Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
- Take part in the Career Clarity program to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.
Experience & connections
Opportunities in the health information science program
- With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
Opportunities outside your program
- With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
- Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.
Networks you can connect to
Here are a few professional associations related to health information science:
Hands-on learning opportunities
These courses in the health information science program offer extensive hands-on learning.
Consulting project
HINF 201 - Database Management and Development for Health Care Systems
Design, use and maintain a database system and develop prototypes of database applications
Course-based
HINF 265 - Health Care Delivery Organizational Models
Learn about health organization and delivery from industry guest speakers
HINF 310 - Electronic Records and Decision Support Systems
Learn about the technologies that make up electronic health records and decision support systems
HINF 335 - Health Information Standards
Apply health data standards to an anonymized patient data set
HINF 350 - Human Aspects of Health Care Information Systems
Learn usability theory using external websites
HINF 461 - System Evaluation and Quality Improvement
Meet with industry guest speakers to learn about system evaluation
Lab
HINF 200 - Principles of Health Database Design
Build a small-scale prototype of a web-based electronic health record
HINF 320 - Project Management
Model the management of a health project, including timeline, resources, etc.
HINF 345 - Networks, Interoperability and Systems Security
Practice technical skills such as encrypting information and designing networks
HINF 381 - Epidemiology, Population Health and Public Health
Practice applying epidemiological data tools and statistical analysis
HINF 450 - Health Information System Design
Develop personal health record (PHR) using UML, Viso and mockup tools
Publication or conference presentation
HINF 310 - Electronic Records and Decision Support Systems
Research and present a paper at the Information Technology & Communications in Health conference
These courses are not always offered as described.
What you'll learn
Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the health information science program.
Information management
- manage information as a key strategic resource
- use information management principles and best practices
- assess the attributes and limitations of data and information
- determine appropriate data sources and gaps in data sources to meet business needs
- understand the interrelationships and dependencies among data in various health information systems
- understand the current laws relating to the privacy, confidentiality and security of health information
- understand the obligations and guidelines for the privacy, confidentiality and security of health information
- use accepted policies and guidelines for the treatment of health information
- understand health information standards and how to use them
Information technology
- understand key information technology concepts and components and their interrelationships
- apply appropriate methods of identifying information
- understand the business and technical requirements to meet users’ information needs
- select and use information technology tools to work with data
- understand the interoperability of different standards and enterprise models to work with data from multiple sources
- understand data, information and workflow models and information technology solutions
- understand the system development life cycle
- understand the best practices for managing the security of data, systems, devices and networks
- identify and manages risks in data systems
- use appropriate security policies and procedures
- identify solutions that assure data privacy, and patient and user confidentiality
- identify solutions that assure data security and integrity
- identify and address the safety risks with the use and maintenance of information systems
- use best practices for working with information systems and technology
Clinical and health services
- understand basic clinical and biomedical concepts and clinical care processes
- understand the technologies and workflow needed to analyze, develop and use health information systems and applications
- understand basic clinical terminology and commonly used abbreviations and acronyms
- use common formats, structures and methods to record and communicate clinical information in system designs
- promote the effective use and benefits of clinical systems
- facilitate the adoption and use of health information systems in clinical settings
- facilitate and promote consumer use of health information and related technologies
Canadian health system
- understand health and health systems in Canada
- understand the factors that influence health status and affect health care
- understand how health informatics contributes to an organization’s strategic direction
- promote the appropriate use and benefits of health informatics
- explain the key characteristics of different types of health care organizations
- understand how people, resources and information flow through the health system
- understand the roles and relationships of health professionals and the organizational and regulatory structure they work in
- understand and address the challenges related to the adoption and use of information systems in the health sector
- understand the need to balance the privacy of personal health information with improved care delivery and health system management
Organizational and behavioural management
- use the basic theories, concepts and practices of management
- ensure that information and information systems are aligned with business goals
- promote an information culture by facilitating the appropriate use of information and knowledge
- contribute to organizational learning and development by using appropriate technologies, communication and organizational skills
- apply and promote the use of relevant legal and regulatory standards and policies
- use audience-appropriate communication to present information and concepts
Project management
- understand and use project management principles and practices
- work collaboratively and contribute to project planning, implementation, monitoring and assessment
- anticipate issues and opportunities and mitigate the risks associated with projects
Analysis and assessment
- identify and frame health information questions to meet stakeholders’ needs
- identify relevant sources of data or evidence and assess the quality of information
- understand appropriate analytical and assessment techniques and concepts and find recent innovations
- organize and transform data into reliable and meaningful information for diverse audiences
- present data and information