Information Communications Technologies (ICTs) are a critical aspect of modern digital health ecosystems, supporting healthcare delivery through the provision of timely and reliable information for patient care, scientific research, strategic decision-making, data analytics and consumer health applications. The four-year Bachelor of Technology (Digital Health) (Honours) program prepares students for a career in today`s digital health workforce by providing knowledge, skills and competencies in the related domains of health technology studies, business technology management, and software development.

Graduates of Computer Programming Ontario College Diploma or Computer Engineering Technology - Computing Science Ontario College Advanced Diploma receive credit for 15 courses, entering the program in Level 03, and reducing the time to completion to 3 years.

Students build a multidisciplinary set of competencies through immersive learning simulations, innovative laboratory exercises and applied digital health projects in order to leverage essential technologies and systems to become successful healthcare technology professionals. Students inform and shape the future of healthcare by contributing to the design, development and improvement of innovative healthcare technologies, such as mobile health apps, hospital information systems, clinical decision aids and business intelligence applications.

Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge through online, in-class, clinical and simulation-based learning experiences. Students apply analytical and leadership skills in a hands-on, research-rich learning environment throughout the program.

Students also gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term(s) (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term(s) are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note that admission to a co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

Graduates have a unique blend of practical knowledge and abilities that can be leveraged in the health, technology and business sectors. Graduates are well positioned to find employment in healthcare institutions (e.g., hospitals, clinics, public health units, laboratories), digital health consulting firms, government (both federal and provincial), or other private sector digital health solution providers. Graduates also have the option to pursue further academic studies in the field.

The Bachelor of Technology (Digital Health) (Honours) program is aligned with the learning outcomes and competencies published by the Business Technology Management (BTM) standards. Algonquin College has initiated the accreditation process with BTM.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well suited for students who:

• Possess strong analytical, logical, critical-thinking and interpersonal skills.
• Enjoy working both independently and collaboratively in problem-solving teams.
• Are interested in working in diverse situations spanning healthcare, business and technology.
• Enjoy confronting challenges and leveraging technologies to overcome obstacles.
• Appreciate working in a creative environment, and challenging their beliefs through exposure to a diversity of opinions.

Careers

Graduates inform and shape the future of healthcare by contributing to the design, development and improvement of innovative healthcare technologies, such as mobile health apps, hospital information systems, clinical decision aids, business intelligence applications and healthcare robotics software. They may find employment in healthcare institutions (e.g., hospitals, clinics, public health units, laboratories), digital health consulting firms, government (federal, provincial and municipal), or other private sector digital health solution providers. Because graduates also possess a BTM credential, their employment opportunities extend well beyond the healthcare sector to include the business and technology sectors.

Prospective job titles include: healthcare app developer; clinical workflow analyst; healthcare quality coordinator; business intelligence analyst; project/program manager; systems integration specialist; change management lead; health information system analyst; systems architect.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Analyze, design, develop, implement and maintain business systems and/or components to support strategic business requirements.
2. Manage the process of evaluating, selecting and using business systems.
3. Apply accepted methodologies, theories, concepts and practices to develop and improve business and healthcare systems.
4. Manage data using appropriate methodologies, and standards to improve healthcare and business processes and decision-making.
5. Apply the Project Management Institute`s Body of Knowledge to business systems projects.
6. Apply security principles and practices in systems development and the systems environment.
7. Apply principles and skills of business management, leadership and change management in the context of business systems development.
8. Apply quality assurance and quality management principles to business systems development projects.
9. Educate a diversity of clients in the use of business technology to support, promote and improve business and healthcare processes, and healthy-living initiatives.
10. Apply effective business technology management skills to innovate in digital health targeting new and existing local and global markets.
11. Adhere to professional, ethical and legal codes and standards related to digital health.
12. Conduct and evaluate research to contribute to evidence-based practice in digital health contexts.
13. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
14. Analyze and evaluate how digital health solutions influence healthcare business practices, quality of care and patient safety.
15. Assess how differing value judgments associated with the practice of healthcare, business management and information technology impact digital health decision-making.

Application Information

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY (DIGITAL HEALTH) (HONOURS) (CO-OP)
Pathway for Computer Programming or Computer Engineering Technology - Computing Science
Program Code 6525A03FWO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Program Resources

Algonquin College has been granted consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting Fall 2020. The College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable timeframe.

CO-OP INFORMATION:
Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to relocate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.

International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.

For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.

Completion of the total number of co-op work terms listed under the courses section on the program page are mandatory for graduation. Co-op students must make every effort to remain on schedule and participate in co-op work terms as planned. Students who fail to complete co-op work terms as scheduled may be required to take an unscheduled break in their studies, resulting in a delay in graduation in order to complete their co-op at a later date. Taking an unscheduled break in studies can impact an international student’s immigration status, including, in most cases, the ability to work. International students are advised to consult with the International Education Centre to understand the potential implications of unscheduled breaks at www.algonquincollege.com/international/student-handouts/scheduled-unscheduled-breaks/.

TRANSFER CREDIT RECOGNITION:
Applicants with degrees or degree level courses from Canadian institutions empowered to award degrees and from other degree granting institutions recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To receive a course credit, a minimum grade of C (65%) is required. Official transcripts and course descriptions/outlines must be presented with the application for credit recognition. Applicants with degrees or degree level courses from countries other than Canada or from postsecondary institutions not recognized by the MCU must have their degrees evaluated by a recognized Canadian public or private institution that specializes in the evaluation of international degree programs. MCU must have their degrees evaluated by a recognized Canadian public or private institution that specializes in the evaluation of international degree programs.

ADVANCED STANDING:
Graduates of related Ontario College Diploma or Ontario College Advanced Diploma programs may be eligible for advanced standing into the degree program. Please visit the degree program listing or speak to the Program Coordinator for more information and to confirm eligibility.

DEGREE ELECTIVE INFORMATION:
Students may choose from a variety of breadth courses. Courses from a range of disciplines are offered within the humanities, social sciences, sciences, global cultures and mathematics. Elective offerings vary from semester to semester.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION:
International students are assessed individually. All candidates must have OSSD equivalencies and/or postsecondary equivalencies assessed by an appropriate body. Inquiries regarding eligibility of this nature should be directed specifically to Algonquin`s International Students` Office.