Abstract:
The graduates and students of the School of Health Information Science (HIS) at the
University of Victoria (UVic) have pioneered the Canadian sphere in health informatics
since 1982. After six years of growth this co-operative education program has matured
and establishment of a research base and graduate school has become a recent focus.
In this context an evaluation of the HIS curriculum and co-op work experience from
the student perspective was undertaken. Eighty-five persons, including 50 upper level
students were surveyed. Thirty-five graduates were tracked and queried regarding their
present employment, job satisfaction, future goals and perception oftheir professional
status. In particular, students were queried on the retrospective value and/or shortcomings
of the HIS co-op program. Their perceptions on the training that they have had or
that they observe as leading to successful careers is documented. The student view
on the ascribed role of ´change agent´ and concerns regarding the lack of professional
identity are noted. The implications ofthese findings on the future form ofthe Health
Information Science curriculum and the direction of its educational model are subsequently
discussed.
Key-Words:
Education - Curriculum - Educational Assessment - Data Collection - Questionnaires
