Imaging Informatics Graduate Certificate Program
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Interested in Imaging Informatics? |
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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 (II) 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 II has led to many improvements for patient care, including shorter hospital stays, decreased waiting times and faster diagnoses.
- II/PACS 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.
The Imaging Informatics Graduate Certificate Program at Michener is the first and only Imaging Informatics program in Canada with hands-on laboratory and clinical experience!
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How long does it take?
Michener's Imaging Informatics Graduate Certificate program takes approximately 47 weeks of e-learning and incorporates four online theoretical courses with one lab session and a 4 week full-time clinical practicum. You can study on your own time, in the comfort of your home or office, and complete the program in only twelve months.
Program length may differ for International Students. Please see the International Students page for more information.
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
- Must have strong computer skills
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 superivisor and one from your human resources department.
Students must have access to a computer that meets the minimum system requirements, and access to the Internet. Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide proof of an english language assessment.
Tuition
$6,000 total
Tuition is payable on a course-by-course basis and includes some program materials, tutor support and evaluation.
| Course | Tuition | Timelines |
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| GEII110 Imaging Informatics: Part I - Work and Information Flow | $1250 | week of Jan - April | |
| NTII120 Imaging Informatics: Part II - Networks and Infrastructure | $1250 | week of April - June | |
| PLII130 Imaging Informatics: Part III - Planning the Transition | $1250 | week of July - October | |
| ENII140 Imaging Informatics: Part IV - Sustaining the Environment | $1250 | week of October - December | |
| CLII150 Clinical practicum | $1000 | 4 weeks - to be arranged individually | |
Please visit the International Students page for the International Student tuition fees.
How do I apply?
Please submit the following to Michener:
- Completed Michener Application form
- Confidential assessment forms Please note at least two references are required, three preferred
- Detailed resume including proof of credentials
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide proof of an english language assessment.
- A $30.00 non-refundable application fee
Please submit your application to:
Office of the Registrar
The Michener Institute
222 St. Patrick Street
Toronto, ON M5T 1V4
Canada
For more information on the application process please visit Michener's Admissions page.
International students have a separate application process. Please see the International Students page for more information.
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 Graduate 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
The program consists of the following courses:
- GEII110 Imaging Informatics: Part I - Work and Information Flow (Online)
- NTII120 Imaging Informatics: Part II - Networks and Infrastructure(Online)
- PLII130 Imaging Informatics: Part III - Planning the Transition (Online)
- ENII140 Imaging Informatics: Part IV - Sustaining the Environment (Online)
- CLII150 Clinical Education
Required Materials: Microsoft Visio & Required Textbooks
Clinical Sites
After completing the theoretical portion of the program, students apply their knowledge and gain hands-on experience at a single clinical site. Clinical placements give you hands-on practice, experience in different work environments, and the opportunity to network with potential employers. Clinical placements can only be arranged after students have completed all the required health clearance documents.
*Other sites may be arranged
Scholarships
Interesting Links
PACS web
The Radiological Society of North America
Radiology Starts Here
The Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (siim)
