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Access and Disclosure Specialist, Coding Specialist, Data Analyst, Health Record Administrator, Information Specialist, Release of Information Specialist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in compiling information to classify, code, cross-reference and store health records and other information; and in maintaining indexes for classification systems
Interest in operating information retrieval systems; and in preparing medical, social and administrative statistics
Interest in responding to requests for health record information
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Health records contain patients’ medical histories and courses of treatment (such as doctors’ notes, forms for prescribed medications, input from other members of the treatment team, or test results). Health information management professionals manage both the records and the information inside them. They also provide guidance and expertise to health professionals in other organizations and care settings.
Duties vary but, in general, health information management professionals:
In general, health information management professionals work a standard workweek. Where health record departments are open longer hours, they may have to work shifts.
This job involves a lot of time sitting at a computer. Speed and accuracy are critical. The pressure is on to deliver both.
Health information management professionals need:
They should enjoy:
Health information management professionals need skills and knowledge related to:
They may learn the skills and knowledge they need by taking a full-time program at a post-secondary school or a distance education program. Employers may prefer to hire those with a related degree or require those with a diploma to work towards a degree.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no legislation regulating this type of work in Alberta. However, the Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) credential and Health Information Management (HIM) title are registered trademarks of the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA).
For more information about obtaining the CHIM designation and using the protected credential and title, visit the CHIMA website.
Health information management professionals work for:
Those who like to travel may find employment outside Canada with the World Health Organization or through foreign recruitment agencies.
Health information management professionals are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1252: Health information management Occupations. In Alberta, 92% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 1252: Health information management occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 20% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $24.31 | $35.41 | $27.82 | $26.86 |
| Overall | $33.41 | $45.27 | $39.04 | $39.50 |
| Top | $37.38 | $60.75 | $49.63 | $48.85 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $68,320 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $68,175 |
| Public Administration | $56,036 |
Alberta and Northwest Territories (ABNT) Chapter website: abnt.echima.ca
Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) website: www.echima.ca
Health Information Management Association of Alberta (HIMAA) website: www.himaa.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: hsaa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 16, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.