The classroom buzzed with focused energy as I watched students navigate through complex medical coding assignments. It wasn’t the typical scene you’d expect when thinking about healthcare education, but at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Health Information Management program, these students are preparing for careers that blend healthcare knowledge with data expertise.
“We’re the invisible backbone of healthcare,” explains Jennifer Houser, program head for Health Information Management at Sask Polytech. “Our graduates work behind the scenes, but their contribution to patient care is absolutely crucial.”
I spent a day at the Regina campus getting a firsthand look at this growing field that most Canadians know little about, despite its expanding role in our healthcare system. The two-year diploma program, now accepting applications for fall 2024, has been quietly transforming how healthcare data is managed across the province.
“When patients interact with the healthcare system, they generate information that needs to be properly coded, organized, and protected,” Houser tells me as we tour the specialized learning labs. “Our graduates are the ones who ensure that happens.”
The demand for these specialized professionals has grown steadily over the past decade. According to the Canadian Health Information Management Association, approximately 5,800 health information specialists currently work across Canada, with projected growth of 12% by 2026—outpacing many other healthcare support roles.
“I never even knew this career existed before,” says Alyssa Benson, a second-year student who previously worked in retail. “Now I’m building a career that combines my interest in healthcare with my analytical skills, and the job prospects look excellent.”
The program covers a comprehensive range of skills—from medical terminology and anatomy to privacy legislation and statistical analysis. What makes it particularly attractive is the practical experience component, with an integrated eight-week practicum that places students directly in healthcare facilities.
According to Saskatchewan Health Authority data, nearly 78% of recent Sask Polytech HIM graduates found employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries ranging from $52,000 to $65,000 annually.
“The career mobility is what attracted me,” says Michael Chung, who enrolled after working as an administrative assistant. “There’s a clear pathway from entry-level positions all the way to management roles in health information departments.”
The program maintains a 97% accreditation score from the Canadian Health Information Management Association, putting it among the top training programs nationwide. This accreditation ensures graduates can work anywhere in Canada after completing the national certification exam.
Saskatchewan’s healthcare system faces the same data management challenges as other provinces—growing volumes of information, privacy concerns, and the need to use health data effectively to improve patient outcomes. As electronic health records become the norm, trained specialists who understand both the medical and technological sides are increasingly valuable.
“Many people think of healthcare jobs as direct patient care only,” says Dr. Neha Sharma, Chief of Health Information at Regina General Hospital. “But for every frontline worker, there’s a team behind them making sure the right information is available when and where it’s needed.”
The program’s admission requirements are relatively accessible—Grade 12 with specific math and English requirements, making it an option for career-changers as well as recent high school graduates. The total tuition cost of approximately $14,000 over two years is considerably lower than many university programs, with similar employment outcomes.
What stands out when visiting the program is the diverse backgrounds of students. I met former retail workers, administrative staff, and even a former massage therapist—all drawn to the stability and growth potential in health information.
“Healthcare isn’t just doctors and nurses,” says Terry Davidson, a career counselor with SaskJobs who regularly refers clients to the program. “With our aging population and increasing health data needs, these behind-the-scenes roles offer stability that many other sectors can’t match.”
The program has also adapted to Saskatchewan’s geographic reality. While based at the Regina campus, portions are available through distance learning, allowing students from rural communities to access training without relocating entirely.
Faculty member Lisa Krueger points out that the skills are transferable beyond traditional healthcare settings. “Our graduates work in hospitals and clinics, yes, but also in insurance, government health departments, research organizations, and private health technology companies.”
This versatility is particularly valuable in Saskatchewan’s evolving job market, where resource-dependent employment can fluctuate significantly. Healthcare information jobs, by contrast, tend to remain stable through economic cycles.
For those interested in the fall 2024 intake, Sask Polytech recommends applying by April for priority consideration, though applications will be accepted until the program fills. The investment seems worthwhile—graduates typically recoup their education costs within the first year of employment.
As I wrapped up my visit, I watched students practicing quality assurance on medical records, a task that requires both attention to detail and understanding of clinical processes. It struck me that in a healthcare system often stretched thin, these behind-the-scenes professionals ensure that what happens at the frontlines is properly documented, protected, and used to improve future care.
For Saskatchewan residents looking for career stability in healthcare without direct patient care responsibilities, this lesser-known program might just be the pathway they’ve been searching for.
