Lifelong Learning: Making Progress in My Graduate Certificate Program

Returning to university after more than a decade is no small feat. This fall, I embarked on an exciting academic journey by enrolling in my first graduate-level course: HINF535 - Health Information Standards, part of the University of Victoria’s 'Health Terminology and Interoperability Standards' graduate certificate program. The experience was both challenging and immensely rewarding.

Program Overview: Health Terminology and Interoperability Standards Certificate

The University of Victoria's website describes the program as a one-year, part-time program designed to address the growing need for terminology experts in Canadian healthcare. Delivered through weekly online evening classes and a virtual workshop, it equips participants with knowledge and skills in adopting, managing, and applying controlled terminology (CT) and interoperability standards across their lifecycle. Graduates gain hands-on experience through a supervised field project and are eligible for the Canadian College of Health Information Management’s Certified Terminology Standards Specialist credential. With streams for both graduate and professional learners, the program provides essential training for those working with health terminologies, electronic health records, or clinical coding.

Course Overview: HINF535 - Health Information Standards

The course provided a high-level introduction to the key health information standards used in Canada and around the world. Topics included:

• Controlled Terminologies: An overview of standards such as SNOMED CT, ICD-10-CA/CCI, LOINC, and nursing terminologies, which are essential for clear communication in healthcare.

• Data Exchange Standards: High-level insights into HL7 (V2.x, V3/CDA, FHIR) and IHE, which facilitate the exchange of health information between systems.

• Standards Lifecycle: A look at the development, distribution, and maintenance of health information standards.

• Historical Context: Exploring the evolution of standards and their impact on healthcare systems.

As part of the course, I authored two technical reports that delved deeper into specific standards. The first focused on SNOMED CT, a controlled terminology standard that plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and consistent communication in healthcare. The second explored HL7 V2, a data exchange standard widely used to facilitate the seamless sharing of health information between systems. These reports allowed me to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the practical applications of these standards.

Going back to school after more than a decade was an intimidating prospect, especially at the graduate level. However, with the help of my professor and the wonderful support staff in the library and Centre for Academic Communication, it was an incredibly enriching experience. To my delight, my efforts culminated in an A+ grade—a result that I am immensely proud of. It reinforced my belief that it’s never too late to embrace new challenges and grow both personally and professionally.

With HINF535 now behind me, I’m looking forward to starting the next course in January: HINF536 - Controlled Terminology Standards. This course will expand on the concepts introduced in HINF535, focusing on the adoption and management of controlled terminologies in healthcare organizations. Topics will include:

• Planning and Implementation: How terminologies are integrated into health IT applications.

• Terminology Management: Strategies for developing, publishing, and maintaining terminologies as organizational assets.

• Real-World Examples: Continued exploration of terminologies like SNOMED CT, ICD-10-CA/CCI, and LOINC.

I’m excited to increase my understanding and continue building on the foundation laid in this first course.

Completing my first university course in over a decade—and my first graduate-level course—was a deeply rewarding experience. If you’ve ever thought about returning to school or pursuing a new area of study, I encourage you to take the leap. While it can be challenging, the sense of accomplishment and the opportunities for growth make it well worth the effort.

Here’s to lifelong learning and the journeys it takes us on!