Imaging Informatics Certificate Program
Imaging Informatics Certificate Program:
at a glance
Credential(s) Earned: Certificate
Program Length: 1 year
Start Date: January 8, 2024
Tuition: Please see below for domestic and international tuition.
Application Deadline: November 17, 2023
Description
Changing technologies are fuelling a growing demand for qualified Imaging Informatics health care professionals. An Imaging Informatics health care professional can have a variety of responsibilities which include designing networks, managing databases, acquiring and integrating technologies, managing administrative service contracts, training users, maintaining quality assurance programs, trouble shooting, coordination and many more.
The program incorporates four online theoretical courses and you may study on your own time, in the comfort of your home or office to complete the online didactic portion in twelve months.
What is Imaging Informatics?
Medical Imaging Departments and Independent Health Facilities are migrating to filmless operations using integrated systems of electronic components and diagnostic modalities. Imaging Informatics is also known as Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and Electronic Image Management (EIM). Imaging Informatics serve as secure databases for medical images, improving the efficiency of imaging departments by allowing medical information to be stored, recalled, displayed, manipulated and printed digitally. These systems improve both the quality of services and the effectiveness of health care professionals. The use of Imaging Informatics is becoming more widespread as the profession evolves and the needs of these sophisticated systems become more specialized.The implementation of Imaging Informatics has led to many improvements for patient care, including shorter hospital stays, decreased waiting times and faster diagnoses. Imaging Informatics increases the efficiency of imaging departments and the health care enterprise by simplifying workflow, enhancing productivity and making information accessible to multiple users simultaneously
What does an Imaging Informatics health care professional do?
An Imaging Informatics health care professional can have a variety of responsibilities including managing the PACS system, radiology information system (RIS), voice recognition systems, distribution of personal computers used for image deployment, computer aided detection software, CD burners, scanners, etc. They design networks, manage databases, acquire and integrate technologies, administrate service contracts, forecast and monitor budgets, train users, develop training tools, design and maintain quality assurance programs, manage system upgrades, consult throughout the hospital on image display needs, develop and deploy relevant policy, maintain inventories, trouble shoot hardware and software, maintain system integrity and security, manage networks, storage technologies and related equipment. Many of the Imaging Informatics roles require a broad set of skills not found in any one health care or IT professional, hence the need to provide a training program.
Career Opportunities
As health care providers switch from traditional film to PACS, the number of Canadian and International PACS installations is increasing, fuelling a growing demand for qualified Imaging Informatics health care professionals. This transition means that every imaging facility will need an Imaging Informatics Administrator, and depending on the size and complexity of the hospital, a team of Imaging Informatics professionals. Responsibility for the front end (clinical) and the back end (technical) is often shared between positions held in Diagnostic Imaging and the Information Technology/Management departments.
How long does the program take?
Michener’s Imaging Informatics Certificate program incorporates four online theoretical courses. You can study on your own time, in the comfort of your home or office, and complete the online portion in only twelve months.
The didactic courses run sequentially. Students get maximum of 2 years to complete the program.
Admission Requirements
- Imaging technologist (RTR, RTNM, RTT, RDMS/CARDUP) OR
- Medical professional designation (RN or other health care professional) OR
- Information Technology/ IT Management, Network Analyst degree/diploma
Please note: Applicants who do not meet the above criteria but who have current work experience in an appropriate and related field (e.g. Administrative Professionals from the hospital environment or Industry Field Service Engineers) will be assessed on an individual basis. Submission of two letters of support will be required; one from a direct supervisor and one from your human resources department.
For internationally trained applicants please visit International Admission Procedures & Requirements for credentials assessment and English Language Requirements.
Program Requirements
Students must have access to a computer that meets the minimum system requirements, and access to the Internet. Students must meet Michener’s English language proficiency policy. Please view the English Language Requirements for further information. If you require an English language assessment, please review our English Language Assessment page for specific requirements.
Tuition
Tuition is payable on a course-by-course basis and includes some program materials, tutor support and evaluation.
| Course | 2024-2025 Tuition |
Timelines
|
| GEII110 Imaging Informatics: Part I – Work and Information Flow | $1682 | Jan – March |
| NTII120 Imaging Informatics: Part II – Networks and Infrastructure | $1682 | April – June |
| PLII130 Imaging Informatics: Part III – Planning the Transition | $1682 | July – September |
| ENII140 Imaging Informatics: Part IV – Sustaining the Environment | $1682 | October – December |
*Prices are subject to change
The tuition for International Students is $8,744 total ($2,186 per course).
Textbook
Practical Imaging Informatics: Foundations and Applications for PACS Professionals (edited by Barton Branstetter) © 2010
[Not included in tuition. It is recommended that students obtain this textbook prior to starting the program. Students are responsible for acquiring textbooks.]
How do I apply?
Please submit the following to Michener:
- Completed Michener Application Form
- Detailed resume
- Proof of credentials (official transcripts required)
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide proof of an English language assessment. Please visit International Admission Procedures & Requirements page for more information.
- Non-refundable application fee ($75 for domestic, $110 for international)
Please submit your application to:
Office of the Registrar – The Michener Institute of Education at UHN
222 St. Patrick Street
Toronto, ON
M5T 1V4 Canada
Fax: (416) 596-3122
Email: admissions@michener.ca
Application Process for International Applicants
All International students (on a study permit/work permit in Canada, or residing overseas) have a separate application process. Please apply directly to The Michener Institute. For more information please refer to the International Admission Procedures & Requirements page.
Application Deadlines
2024 Intake
Application Deadline: November 17, 2023
Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline will be release to those who get accepted to the program after submitting their paperwork on/before the application deadline
Course Start Date: January 8, 2024
What will I learn?
The course curriculum teaches subject matter that develops skills and knowledge in the technical, clinical, behavioural, and business areas. When you enroll in the Imaging Informatics Certificate program at Michener, you will study a variety of subjects. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:
- Understand the practical and operational issues essential to a successful PACS implementation
- Compare the relative merits of currently available Imaging Informatics components and options
- Understand the importance of optimum system integration (i.e. the Electronic Health Record)
- Define strategies, benefits and limitations of enterprise image distribution
- Apply practical operational strategies that will create increased workflow efficiencies
- Create an effective and efficient Imaging Informatics QA program
- Learn about the latest advances in Imaging Informatics technology
Graduates of the Imaging Informatics Program will be prepared to write the American Board of Imaging Informatics Certification examinations.
Courses must be completed sequentially.
Practicum
For student joining 2023 and onwards:
You will graduate from the Program after the successful completion of the four online courses GEII110, NTII120, PLII130 and ENII140.
