Friday, November 16, 2012

MHI at U of T (Master of Health Informatics at University of Toronto). Is it worth it?

From the link: http://www.ihpme.utoronto.ca/about/pp/mhi/mhi-faq.htm



Question
Why should I put my career on hold to complete another (Master's) degree? What is the future for Health Informatics?

Answer
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. 

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 at U of T is one of Canada’s only professional graduate-level programs that focuses on developing skilled professionals to meet this demand.

Some details:
Type (Cert. / Diploma / Degree): Master's / Graduate program

Fees: $8863 per year. 
Duration: 16 months
Location: Downtown Toronto campus (St. George)
Financial Aid: May be eligible for some support or for scholarship.
Application deadline (for Fall 2013 program): 1 March 2013
Start: September each year
End: December next year
PAID Internship: 4 months (May to August 2014), 2 course equivalents, 600 hours practicum -- included in the 16 month program
Job placement after completion: Good / Very Good
Language requirement: TOEFL 
Faculty: Very good
MHI Course details: Click here
Benefit of MHI program: Click here for overview / key take away
Who should apply?: Healthcare professionals, IT professionals, Business Analysts, Healthcare Admin. staff, (generally those with IT and / or healthcare experience)
Number of courses: 10 FCE (Full Course Equivalents)
Course load: Intense
Work during study?: Better not

Useful quote:

"Digital records, point-of-care systems, and e-health, information and
communication technologies are revolutionizing health care. We need
individuals who have the necessary knowledge, critical thinking and
problem-solving skills to help organizations and the broader health system
integrate and utilize these technologies to improve health outcomes."

Shelagh Maloney
President and Board Chair 
COACH, Canada’s Health Informatics Association

Executive Director, External Liaison
Canada Health Infoway/Inforoute Santé du Canada


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