The Certificate Program is designed to educate those people who will be responsible for building and operating health information systems. This course would supply the skills necessary for people to become information system managers in diverse organizational units within the health care system such as clinics, hospitals, and government. The curriculum (table 1) is designed to provide participants with an integrated learning path starting with basic computer skills and ending with a consideration of health policy and health care system management from an information management perspective.

Table 1 - Health Information System Certificate Program Curriculum

Module	Topics
1	Computing Fundamentals Computer architecture Fundamental software concepts Data files and programs Operating systems Application software Basic telecommunications
2	Introduction to Health Statistics Concepts in individual and population health Populations and samples Descriptive statistics Error, certainty and reproducibility Comparative statistics Data conversion and linking Using EpiInfo and EpiMap Geographical information systems (GIS) and health
3	System Analysis and Database Development Basic database concepts Planning database projects Systems analysis - modelling reality Logical and physical design Testing and implementation Application development Database administration and data management Electronic Patient Record (EPR) Data security and confidentiality
4	Information System Project Management Project management Change theory Budgets and schedules Project management tools Reporting activity Information System Acquisition Requirements analysis System specification Developing requests for proposal Evaluating proposals Information System Operation Human resources Technical resources Management tools System administration
5	Information Systems, Population Health and Health Policy Gender issues in health care delivery Health information system strategic planning Resource allocation and management Establishing priorities Environmental determinants Environmental and health indicators Quality management

The purpose of module 1 is to provide training on computer use for those students who have no or few computer skills. It will explain the Microsoft DOS and Windows interfaces, introduce basic features in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel and give an overview of telecommunications with an emphasis on the use of modems and the Internet. This module is designed to prepare students who wish to complete the four remaining modules.

Each of the modules will provide 30 hours of instruction in a contiguous five-day period. The five modules (150 hours of instruction) were be delivered over a two year period. Modules included theory-oriented lectures, skill development in a laboratory setting, and a facilitated case study conducted in small groups. To enhance the practical aspect of the learning experience, the course also included assigned project work to be completed by the participants between modules. Only participants who had completed all five modules and all of the assigned project work to the satisfaction of the course coordinators and instructors were awarded recognition for completing the course.