futuristic graphics coming out of laptop with health professional touching keyboard

Health Informatics Certificate

Format
Online Classroom

Length
72 Hours

University of Windsor Certificate

 

 

The Health Informatics Certificate is an introductory program that provides an overview of health informatics management and health information systems. It is ideal for individuals who are taking the first step towards exploring a potential career in health informatics, or a role that would require fundamental knowledge in digital health.

Clinical practice continues to evolve with the advent of new technologies and the continued integration of technology into the daily care of patients. The data accumulated by technology can be used to better inform the delivery of care, develop new care pathways and overall, improve the health of our population. 

The provincial government has recognized this growing field as a required skill set to advance the health care system, to meet the increasing demand to integrate technology, and clinical workflows to provide the best care to the patient and enable those caring for patients. Learn about health information systems in this non-credit offering. 

Healthcare, data science and information technology professionals, along with computer science and nursing students are encouraged to complete this online certificate in Health Informatics.

Through this offering, our industry partner, TransForm Shared Services Organization looks to create a pipeline of qualified applicants for anticipated employment opportunities within the health system in our region.

 


The Health Informatics certificate program is comprised of six modules.

Expand each module below to see key topics.

Instructors: Dr. Deborah Dayus and Kim Ramirez

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of health/clinical informatics in Ontario healthcare delivery.
  • Describe the healthcare system in Canada and Ontario, related organizations, service models and key factors affecting healthcare.
  • Identify opportunities and strategies for influencing the future direction of informatics locally, nationally and internationally as it pertains to consumers, inter-professional practice and the roles and responsibilities of all involved.
  • Plan and facilitate effective meetings with teams and individuals.
  • Describe basic project management principles including project charter, scope, lifecycle, budgets, resourcing, timelines, milestones, monitoring, status reports. 
  • Apply effective project management and communication principles and strategies for successful implementation of new processes. 

Instructor: Dustin Reeves

  • Communicate/demonstrate basic understanding of computer networks.
  • Communicate/demonstrate basic understanding of cybersecurity.
  • Communicate basic understanding of electronic health records (EHR).
  • Demonstrate basic understanding of Excel (tables, graphs, pivot tables, dashboards).

Instructor: Lesley Janisse

  • Identify and define data types, codes, classifications
  • Explain the need for standards and describe the general pattern for developing standands
  • Become familiar with and utilize basic medical terminology
  • Determine data requirements for various stakeholders
  • Acquire quality, valid and relevant sources of data

Instructors: Dr. Saeed Samet

  • Communicate/demonstrate understanding of data visualization techniques, result reporting and provide recommendations. 

  • Communicate a basic understanding of health data analytics. 

  • Evaluate data for quality for healthcare delivery and systems management standards  

Instructor: Barbara Colaizzi

  • Understand privacy and security requirements related to legal and professional standards in the management of health care information (and Digital Health Canada). 

  • Identify quality assurance and risk mitigation methods for patient safety. 

Instructors: Kim Ramirez & Dr. Debbie Dayus

  • Utilize effective training techniques to support clinicians in the use of electronic records
  • Group presentations and final evaluation


 


 

Hear From Our Students

The real-world examples in understanding the significant changes to Health care delivery today were outstanding, both from the instructor and students.  Students were so engaged in the discussion around Nursing documentation and the need for interoperability in all areas of the health care system. 

I think overall, for someone with no prior knowledge, it was a really good introductory course that provided information on all topics well.

 


  • Individuals looking to better understand the future of Health Informatics in Canada
  • Healthcare & Data professionals who want to pursue a career in Health Informatics

Data Analytics and Management 

  • Determine data requirements of various stakeholders 

  • Acquire quality sources of relevant, valid and reliable data  

  • Analyze data using health data visualization techniques and tools  

  • Effectively communicate analysis and provide data-driven recommendations to address the data requirements of various stakeholders  

  • Evaluate data for quality for healthcare delivery and systems management standards 

 

Project Management 

  • Apply effective project management and communication strategies for successful implementation of new processes (includes workflow process analysis, redesign, monitoring and evaluation for various users) 

  • Plan and facilitate effective meetings with teams and individuals 

  • Utilize effective training techniques to support clinicians in the use of electronic records 

 

Healthcare Environment 

  • Describe the healthcare system in Canada and Ontario, related organizations, service models and key factors affecting healthcare 

  • Identify and define data types, codes, classification, standards and various users  

  • Utilize basic medical terminology  

  • Understand basic clinical care processes and how information flows through the various healthcare systems 

  • Understand privacy and security requirements related to legal and professional standards in the management of health care information (and Digital Health Canada) 

  • Identify opportunities and strategies for influencing the future direction of informatics locally, nationally, and internationally as it pertains to consumers, inter-professional practice and the roles and responsibilities of all involved 

 

Information Technology 

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of health/clinical informatics in Ontario healthcare delivery 

  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic information technology including computer networks, databases, modems/routers, remote network, data warehousing in a healthcare setting 

  • Recognize the impact of various health information systems and how they interact with one another  

  • Define and list the components of electronic health records  

  • Identify quality assurance and risk mitigation methods for patient safety 

Upcoming Course Schedule

No upcoming sections available. Join our interest list to learn about upcoming learning opportunities.

 

Format

Online Classroom.

 

Attendance Policy

Any known issues with attendance should be brought to the instructor at the beginning of the program. While attendance is required for each of the days in order to achieve the certificate, we realize there may be unexpected (or previously planned) situations that may arise during the program. In most cases, the classes will be recorded and you will be able to watch the class at your convenience. Missing more than 2 days of the entire program will result in an incomplete, and therefore will not receive a certificate of completion.

 

Credential

To successfully complete this offering, learners will: 

  • participate in the online modules 

  • complete short quizzes and assignments 

  • work with a group to complete and present a project charter for a health informatics-related case 

 

Upon completion, students will be awarded a University of Windsor Certificate of Completion in Health Informatics.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: It will be expected that learners in this program will have:

  • Basic computer skills or course completion in fundamental computer applications such Word

  • Experience working with word processing, email and web browsing

  • Knowledge in statistics and mathematical literacy equivalent to grade 12

  • Post-secondary education in a health-related or business field is strongly recommended

  • English language proficiency

Some modules in this Health Informatics program include the use of Microsoft Excel.  If you do not have working knowledge of Excel, it is strongly recommended that you prepare for this Health Informatics class by taking our Introduction to Microsoft Excel class

 

Technical Requirements

This course is offered through the Learning Management Brightspace and the virtual classroom through Microsoft Teams.  Learners will require access to a computer with high-speed internet access.   

 

Brightspace Requirements 

This class is offered online through Brightspace.  A link will be provided through email and you will have access the first day of class. 

Please activate your UWinID. Your UWinID and password are needed to access Brightspace. If you have any issues, please contact continue@uwindsor.ca. 

Review the full Brightspace system requirements

 

Microsoft Teams 

Instructional time will be held on Microsoft Teams.  As a student of this course, the University of Windsor will provide you with access to Microsoft Teams.    

Once you register you will be prompted to activate your UWinID. Your UWinID and password are needed to access Microsoft Teams. If you have any issues, please contact continue@uwindsor.ca. 

Microsoft Teams is available in three versions including desktop, web and mobile app.  The Microsoft Teams desktop app is available for both Windows 7 and 10 and macOS 10.10 or later. On Windows, Teams requires .NET framework 4.5 or later; the Teams installer will offer to install it for you if you don't have it. If you are unable to install Desktop App, you can use web version of Teams.  In addition, Microsoft Teams mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. You can download it from your respective app store on the device.  Full instructions will be provided before the course start. 

Program Fees

Fees: $2100 + HST 

Full refund 7 days before the start of the course, minus a $25.00 administration fee.  Please review our Registration and Refund Policies for more information.

 

Discounts

UWindsor Alumni, staff, and students are all eligible for a discount. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca for further details. 

 

Financial Aid + Funding

OSAP-MC

This program is not eligible for OSAP.

 

Other Financial Aid

Continuing Education has partnered with Windmill Microlending to make your learning opportunities more accessible.  Windmill Microlending is a registered charity serving newcomers since 2005. Windmill Microlending provides loans of up to $15,000 for skilled immigrants and refugees to pay for their Canadian licensing or training needed to restart or continue their careers in Canada. Loans can be used to cover fees for licensing and qualifying exams, credential assessments, books, course materials, living allowance during the study period, and language courses. To find out if you are eligible for a Windmill loan, please click here.

Please apply 2-3 weeks before the start of your desired program.

For more information, please contact Andrea D’Souza at inquiry@teamwindmill.org 

Coming Soon

Instructors

Deborah Dayus

Deborah Dayus, RN, BA, BScN, MSc (Nursing), PhD, recently retired from the Faculty of Nursing after 38 years of teaching where she taught in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. She was the Faculty of Nursing lead for the Evolve project in Windsor/Essex. She was also the nursing lead in the development of this informatics course, collaboratively with continuing education, and computer science to meet the needs of our health care system as it embarks on digitizing communications. She has developed an online testing program of ‘Math for Medication Administration’ through Digitaled and an online evaluation tool for students, both of which are utilized by the over 1000 undergraduate students in Nursing who work in a variety of health care settings across Windsor/Essex, Leamington, Chatham, and Lambton counties. She continues to work with graduate students and serves as a faculty mentor to new faculty at the University of Windsor. She is also the Chair of the Victorian Order of Nursing Endowment Board and the administrator of Building Blocks for Better Babies in our community of Windsor/Essex, supported by a grant from the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program. When she is not busy, she enjoys golfing, curling, sailing, traveling and of course…her grandchildren! 


Lesley Janisse

Lesley Janisse is a 4th generation registered nurse and respiratory therapist with over 28 years of health care experience went from the bedside to informatics hoping to transform healthcare from a new angle. Having had the opportunity to work with over 18 different health care systems and organizations Lesley has been able to work in every aspect of a Health Information System (HIS) implementation from the design and build, training, implementation as well as supporting the system post go-live. Although no longer practicing at the bedside it has been imperative to ensure we include best practice as well as provincial standards, guidelines and practices. Currently working at Community Health System (CHS) as a senior application specialist for the Solution Design and Architecture (SDA) team. Previously her role at the Hotel Dieu Grace healthcare (HDGH) as the Clinical Transformation Site Lead was part of the Regional HIS Cerner implementation team supporting HDGH’s organizational transformation and this project will touch almost every staff member in some way. The goal is to help align our organization with the best practices using Cerner EHR. In her role at CHS she is responsible for supporting 109 hospitals that are part of the CHS’s health care system working in concert with other clinicians and business partners specifically w/diagnostic imaging solutions, surgical services, and therapies. When she is not working you can find her sitting in the stands cheering on her three children, playing with their two dogs or quietly enjoying time with her husband.


Kim Ramirez

Kim Ramirez is a seasoned healthcare leader with a strong clinical foundation and over a decade of experience driving digital health transformation. As the Chief Informatics and Data Officer (CIDO) for TransForm Shared Service Organization, Kim plays a pivotal role in advancing health system innovation and efficiency for five hospitals in Southwestern Ontario.

With her extensive background as a registered nurse and her expertise in health informatics, Kim has led several transformative projects, including the successful implementation of the Oracle Health Millennium Hospital Information System (HIS) across the Erie St. Clair region. This ambitious initiative created a unified digital infrastructure, enhancing care delivery and operational effectiveness across all partner hospitals.

Kim holds a degree in Health Informatics from McMaster University, is HITS-certified, and is an accomplished graduate of the Dorothy Wylie Health Leaders Institute. Her dedication to advancing digital health earned her the prestigious title of Digital Health Canada’s 2021 Digital Health Leader of the Year.

A passionate advocate for fostering the next generation of digital health leaders, Kim shares her knowledge and expertise as an instructor for the University of Windsor’s Health Informatics Certificate Program. Through her work, Kim remains committed to improving healthcare delivery and empowering clinicians with innovative digital tools to provide better patient care.


Dustin Reeves

Dustin Reeves, RN, BScN, MSHI is a Clinical Consultant, Baxter Corporation for their Connected Care, Medication Delivery and Device Integration teams. With a background in nursing and informatics, Dustin worked as an informaticist at Transform Shared Service Organization, and contributed to the e-VOLVE project, a regionalized instance of the Cerner Millennium Electronic Health Record (EHR). He holds a Master of Science degree in Health Informatics from the University of Illinois in Chicago and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Windsor. Dustin worked as a registered nurse in his early career in the areas of critical care and surgery (perioperative), at multiple institutions including LHSC University Hospital, WRH Metropolitan Campus, Henry Ford Hospital Main Campus, University of California San Diego Medical Center, Scripps Mercy San Diego, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, Henry Ford Hospital Macomb Campus, Cedars Sinai Los Angeles and Mott’s Children’s Hospital University of Michigan. 


Saeed Samet

Dr. Samet is a faculty member at the School of Computer Science, University of Windsor, and an adjunct professor at the e-Health Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, where he was an assistant professor from 2012 to 2017.His research interests and activities are in privacy-preserving and security aspects of various applications, especially in health sector, health informatics, Big Data privacy, and Blockchain.Prior to that, he was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the e-Health Information Laboratory at the Children Hospital of EasternOntario Research Institute from 2010 to 2012. During his post-doc fellowship, he designed and developed several secure protocols for various health applications. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Ottawa in 2010 and his thesis title was "Privacy-Preserving Data Mining", in which he proposed and designed protocols on privacy-preserving methods for standard data mining and machine learning techniques.


Barbara Colaizzi, CHIM

Barbara has recently retired from Erie Shores HealthCare after 31 years of service in various leadership roles with the organization.

As a Health information management (HIM) professional her expertise is in the legal aspects of health information management, including privacy; the use of technology in healthcare and the integration of clinical and financial information to improve the safety, quality and consistency of patient care. Previously in her role with ESHC she was the site lead and HIM lead for the Regional HIS Cerner implementation. She is an experienced and accomplished leader with a passion for healthcare and her community.   Barb enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, travelling, going on road trips, reading, and supporting community events.

 


2025 Info Session 

Provides an overview of the Health Informatics Program.

Watch a previously recorded info session to get the instructors' overview of the Health Informatics program, with Q&A. Note: Schedule mentioned in recording have expired. Please refer to the schedule tab for the most current dates.

 


Health Information Systems Module with Instructor Dustin Reeves

Instructor Dustin Reeves provides an overview of topics covered in the Health Information Systems module in the Health Informatics program.

Health Data Standards and Classifications Module with Instructor Lesley Janisse

Instructor Lesley Janisse provides an overview of topics covered in the Health Data Standards and Classifications module in the Health Informatics program.

Learn about the growing industry, employment prospects, and course details. 

Dr. Deborah Dayus talks about career prospects in this growing industry.


 

             

 

Digital Health Canada Continuing Education Providers meet meticulous standards set by HIMSS and Digital Health Canada for curriculum quality and value. Digital Health Canada member organizations with Continuing Education Provider (CEP) status gain recognition as an official source of education and training that can earn Continuing Education (CE) hours to be used towards Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems – Canada (CPHIMS-CA) certification renewal.

 

Other Learning Opportunities

Email us at continue@uwindsor.ca if you have questions - we are always happy to help.

Sign up on our Interest List to be notified about enrolment and receive updates from Continuing Education.