Healthcare depends on professionals who manage information accurately and protect patient privacy. Every record, form, and appointment matters. The Health Information Certified Associate (HICA) credential from the Canadian College of Health Information Management (CCHIM) confirms that you have the knowledge and skill to handle this responsibility. 

The HICA credential recognizes people who manage health information at the point of care. It combines knowledge of medical terminology, patient interaction, and digital systems. It shows employers that you are prepared to work confidently with both patients and technology. 

Healthcare organizations rely on accurate records and secure data. Errors in information can lead to delays in care or billing. The HICA credential helps prevent those issues by confirming that you understand how to manage data, follow privacy laws, and support the workflow of healthcare teams. 

What HICA Certification Covers 

The HICA credential demonstrates that you can work effectively in a health administration setting. It covers five core areas: 

• Clinical knowledge, including medical terminology and anatomy 

• Professionalism and communication in healthcare 

• Health care technology, information systems and electronic medical records (EMR) 

• Health care systems Data accuracy and record management 

• Ethics, equity, diversity and inclusion 

To qualify for HICA certification, you must also complete professional work experience or an internship that demonstrates your ability to apply health information skills in a real healthcare environment. 

Employers across Canada recognize HICA as a standard of quality. It tells them that you can handle patient data and office procedures with care and efficiency. 

Why HICA Matters in Today’s Healthcare 

Healthcare is changing. Many clinics and hospitals now use digital systems for patient data, communication, scheduling, billing provincial medicare and insurance. Staff need to understand both technology and healthcare processes. HICA certification shows that you can bridge those two needs. 

When you hold this certification, you demonstrate your ability to: 

• Use EMR systems accurately and securely 

• Communicate clearly with patients and healthcare teams 

• Follow provincial and federal privacy regulations 

• Maintain professional standards under pressure 

This combination of technical and administrative skills gives you an advantage when applying for healthcare positions. 

How the triOS MOA Program Prepares You 

The Medical Office Administration with Internship (MOAI) program at triOS College is a direct pathway to HICA certification. It gives you the knowledge and experience needed to qualify for healthcare administration roles. 

You will learn: 

• Medical terminology and anatomy to understand clinical language 

• EMR and digital health systems to manage patient data 

• Scheduling, communication, and office coordination 

• Medical billing and financial documentation 

• Clinical procedures such as preparing examination rooms and taking vital signs 

• Microsoft Office and digital literacy to manage modern office tasks 

• Diversity and inclusion to serve patients and colleagues respectfully 

• Career preparation to build resumes, conduct job searches, and succeed in interviews 

Each course focuses on practical skills that apply directly to real healthcare settings. You will also complete an eight-week internship ensuring that you graduate ready to perform administrative and patient support tasks with confidence. 

Industry Demand and Career Outlook 

Canada’s healthcare system continues to grow. According to labour market data, demand for administrative and information roles in healthcare remains steady due to aging populations and increased use of digital health systems. Employers value professionals who can manage both patient interaction and data integrity. 

Graduates of the MOAI program with HICA certification are prepared for entry-level roles such as: 

• Medical Office Administrator 

• Health Information Clerk 

• Unit Clerk 

• Records Assistant 

• Reception or Registration Clerk 

These roles exist in a variety of different healthcare environments, such as hospitals, family practices, specialist offices, and community health centers. They are essential to keeping healthcare operations efficient and compliant. 

Benefits of HICA Certification 

When you earn HICA certification, you gain: 

• National recognition from CCHIM as a qualified health information professional 

• Stronger job prospects across multiple healthcare settings 

• Increased trust from employers who prioritize data accuracy and privacy 

• Career mobility and advanced standing toward further education for specialized or supervisory health information roles 

The MOA program provides the training needed to earn certification and grow your career. You learn both the administrative and technical skills that healthcare employers expect. 

Your Next Step 

Healthcare needs professionals who can manage information systems, support clinical teams, and protect patient data. HICA certification validates that you can do these tasks effectively. 

If you want a career that connects people, process, and technology, start with the Medical Office Administration with Internship program at triOS College. It prepares you for HICA certification and for the responsibilities that come with working in Canada’s healthcare system. 

Learn more about HICA certification at healthinfocanada.ca and see how the MOAI program at triOS College can prepare you to achieve it.