Health Information Management is a challenging profession involving the application of clinical knowledge, information technology, data base management and administration. Health records are a base for health care planning and management decisions, legal and administrative purposes, research, identifying trends for the treatment of disease and for evaluating the standards and quality of patient care.

The management of information is critical to ensuring quality care throughout the health system. Health records provide a database for many purposes including health care planning and management, legal and administrative reference, research, trend analysis for the treatment of disease, and for evaluating the standards and quality of patient care. All this must be undertaken with due regard to ethical and legal considerations which emphasise the personal and sensitive nature of the information being collected and processed.

This program, the only one of its kind in Western Australia, combines content from the distinct disciplines of medical science, management, and information technology to ensure you obtain the skills needed to lead the field of health information management. In addition, our staff have strong links with the local health and information professions which will provide you with the opportunity for extensive hands-on experience. Core units include human biology, medical terminology, disease classification systems, epidemiology and biostatistics, management theory, computing and health information systems.

Study also includes database management, electronic health information systems and health informatics, health economics, casemix and clinical costing, quality improvement principles, research methodology, human resource management and health services management.

Coursework is complemented by fieldwork undertaken in a variety of health facilities such as community health centres and hospitals. Some students chose to travel interstate or overseas for broader fieldwork experience.

Further Study

Upon completion of a postgraduate diploma there are a number of study options that students can undertake. Students pursuing studies by higher degree may apply for scholarships. Information about Australian and International student scholarships, and closing dates, can be found on the Curtin Scholarship website.