REGINA — Behind the scenes in every medical setting, specialists write patients’ medical stories.
Health information management bridges health care and data through information collection, coding and reporting, while maintaining privacy protocols. The vital work ensures patient records are accurate and accessible and supports research.
The ability to contribute to the health care system inspired three graduates to enroll in Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s .
Stephen Nhan joined the program in 2020, after a bachelor of science in physiology and pharmacology and a bachelor of science in pharmacy.
“I have a health sciences background and wanted to gain more knowledge in an analytical and research role. It is part of HIM, but it goes beyond the traditional scope. Instructors saw that and encouraged me to go for it,” he says.
Tara Fournier, program head and Sask Polytech alumna, says the program offers many avenues for graduates. For example, she gained hands-on experience in different health care settings before returning to Sask Polytech as faculty.
“One of the things I love about the profession is how varied it is. You can pick and choose your path. If you work in a rural setting, you do a bit of everything. If you’re in an urban setting you can specialize.”
She enrolled in the program after a car accident required her to change careers.
“I liked health care, but I couldn't do the physically demanding roles. I loved the tech end of health information management,” Fournier says.
When she completed the program, she served as a supervisor in the La Ronge hospital for two years before working in the Maritimes for a year. She came back to Saskatchewan to take on the role of program head.
“I always knew I wanted to get back into education and support future HIM professionals,” she says. “It’s exciting to see how students have changed over the years. Students are more vocal now than they used to be. When they share their challenges, it’s incredibly valuable for faculty to listen and understand their experiences. We are flexible and supportive.”
HIM graduate Kiara Floch’s career path emulates Fournier’s. She took a break from pursuing post-secondary education because of a car accident after high school. As she reassessed her options, she was drawn to a career in health through HIM.
After graduating in 2022, she started her career in Maple Creek. She moved to Outlook to be closer to friends and family. She’s thrilled to work in a rural setting.
“I’m alone in the role. In the city, I would be assigned specific tasks, but here I am involved in everything,” she says.
Career options available to HIM professionals allow graduates to forge their own paths, says Nhan. Now a research officer at the Ministry of Health, he works in the Pharmaceutical Policy and Appropriateness (PPA) Unit at the Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch. “It’s the perfect marriage between pharmacy and HIM; I do everything. I started as a contract analyst in PPA. My understanding of medical terminology and medications was very beneficial in this role. In my current research officer role, I manage drug contracts and prepare briefing notes on sensitive topics.”
Floch is sharing her knowledge with current HIM students, mentoring them during practicums and doing occasional presentations in the classroom.
“I’m excited to aide in teaching students. I want to continue to grow and serve the profession with honour and dignity. A part of that is continued growth and education. There are so many changes, even with technology. The career is always evolving,” she says.
Seeing students succeed is one of Fournier’s favourite parts of working in education. She is thrilled to see how graduates progress through their careers. “The world is their oyster. There are so many opportunities in this profession. After working hard for two years throughout the program, they have a great career ahead of them.”
Learn more about the program
— Submitted by Sask. Polytech Media Relations
