Health Sciences/Health Information Management
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Health Information Management
Length
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Campuses
Melbourne
Course description
This comprehensive specialist degree is one of only three of its kind offered in Australia. It deals with the business side of medicine, combining health, health information management and health informatics-technology disciplines, aiming to give graduates a wide choice of career specialisations. Content combines theory with extensive practical experience.
Download our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Course structure
In first year, students undertake core subjects with students from other health sciences courses, focusing on basic human biosciences and factors influencing health and the roles of health professionals in the health and welfare sectors.
In second year, they begin to develop skills in health information management, including health classification, health information systems, and health informatics (e-health), and undertake a professional practice placement in a hospital.
In third and fourth years, higher-level theoretical subjects and focused placements provide further knowledge and practical skills. Students may choose to specialise in their final year of study. High-achieving students are invited to undertake Honours.
Contact hours
Approximately 16 to 18 hours per week.
Subject details
Major areas of study
Health information management, clinical/health classification, health data analysis, management, electronic health (e-Health) information systems.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
VTAC
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Students should allow approximately A$395 for clinical coding books, which must be purchased every two years, and A$30-60 for a memory stick. Students can buy these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Students must obtain a Police check at a cost of approximately A$15.50 and a Working with Children check at a cost of approximately A$77 prior to commencing clinical placement. Accommodation costs for clinical placement vary according to the venue.
Selection
ATAR 66.90 (2011)
Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, form, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form detailing prior educational experience and reasons for interest in the course.
NOTE: basic knowledge of secondary mathematics (to Year 11) is assumed.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 25 in English (any), or 30 in English (ESL) and 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (any) or Physical Education.
Semester starts
Semester 1 (March)
Additional information
Applicants are invited to view the course DVD and obtain a course brochure with details of information sessions.
Police checks and Working with Children checks are required for the professional experience placements in clinical and community settings in this course. All students will be required to obtain and pay for a police check prior to undertaking their placements. For important information about clinical placements, visit www.latrobe.edu.au/health/study/placements
Career opportunities
The current shortage of qualified health information managers means most graduates are likely to find work quickly, with excellent, well-paid career opportunities throughout Australia and internationally.
Career options may include management of health information services, general administration or clinical risk management in health services and hospitals, specialised disease registries (e.g. cancer), government health departments, health computing firms and health information technology projects, health research centres, in the pharmaceutical industry managing the data for clinical trials of new drugs, and health screening programs (e.g. BreastScreen).
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Health Information Management Association of Australia.