Imaging Informatics Professional Graduate Certificate Program
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Interested in Imaging Informatics? |
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What is Imaging Informatics?
Medical Imaging Departments and Independant 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 becomes 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 healthcare enterprise by simplifying workflow, enhancing productivity and making information accessible to multiple users simultaneously.What does a Imaging Informatics Professional do?
The Imaging Informatics Professional manages databases and system integrity, consults and implements new workflow, troubleshoots issues for users, trains and supports users, maintains inventory, performs quality assurance audits, and assists the administrator with large and small implementation and integration projects, and performs electronic fixes when the medical record has been compromised.
Professionals maintain the smooth running of the systems and ensure ongoing customer satisfaction.
Career Opportunities
As health care providers switch from traditional film to PACS, the number of Canadian and International PACS installations are increasing, fuelling a growing demand for qualified Imaging Informatics Professionals. Every imaging department will need an Imaging Informatics Administrator, and depending on the size and complexity of the site, and 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 Professionals GraduateCertificate Program at Michener is the first and only Imaging Informatics program in Canada with clinical experience!
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How long does it take?
Michener's Imaging Informatics Professional Graduate Certificate program incorporates two online theoretical courses with one 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 24 weeks.
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, etc.)
- Information technology/Management personnel (IS, IT) Network Analyst degree/diploma;OR
- Industry Field Service Engineer/Sales
- Diagnostic Imaging Clerk /Receptionist /Librarian
- Must have strong computer skills
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
$3,000 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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| January Start | |||
| GEII110 - Work and Information Flow | $1250 |
Jan - April |
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| NTII120 - Networks and Infrastructure | $1250 |
April - June |
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| CLIF103 Clinical practicum | $500 | 2 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 from at least two, prefer three referees (forms are available from Student Services or at www.michener.ca)
- 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 program curriculum teaches subject matter that develops skills and knowlege in the technical, clinical, and behavioural areas. The program is geared toward someone who will take on a key user role in their department, or a network analyst who wants to better understand the needs of the imaging department, or a clerk/receptionist/librarian who participates in the managing of electronic medical records. 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
Courses must be completed sequentially
The program consists of the following courses:
- GEII110 Introduction to Imaging Informatics(Online)
- NTII120 Imaging Informatics Professional - Knowledge, Skill and Competency (Online)
- CLIF103 Clinical Education
Graduates of the Professional program are eligible to enter the Administrator program which would prepare the student to write the American Board of Imaging Informatics Certification exminations.
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.
*Other sites may be arranged
PACS Scholarships
Interesting Links
PACS web
The Radiological Society of North America
Radiology Starts Here
The Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (siim)
