Program description
What are the four drivers of the Introduction to Health Impact Assessment micro-certificate’s approach?
Preventive
Learn how to anticipate and mitigate health risks before they arise
Holistic data-driven
Foster data-driven decisions to integrate health into the highest levels of planning and policy
Community-engaged
Focus on inclusion, community voices and justice in health outcomes
Groundbreaking
Prepare to lead in an emerging field reshaping national and global standards
How this program will prepare you:
- Strengthen public health protection through interventions
- Develop cross-sector competencies (e.g., health, planning, engagement and policy)
- Receive practical training aligned with global standards and institutions
- Enhance project approval processes and reduces future risks/costs
- Build capacity to address Canada’s evolving HIA requirements
How you'll feel more equipped:
- Gain confidence in creating impact that matters
- Develop a sense of responsibility and contribution to healthier futures
- Become empowered to shape decisions that protect vulnerable populations
- Personally align with principles of prevention and sustainability
- Increase your motivation by being part of an emerging national movement
About the Introduction to Health Impact Assessment micro-certificate
Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a systematic approach that assesses the potential health outcomes of policies, programs, or projects, with a focus on vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.”
—World Health Organization
The Introduction to Health Impact Assessment (HIA) micro-certificate is a specialized program designed to equip multi-disciplinary professionals with the critical skills to assess and enhance the health outcomes of policies, projects and programs. As communities and organizations increasingly recognize the importance of integrating health into decision-making processes, this micro-credential offers an essential tool for public health, urban planning, environmental, and policy professionals. Additionally, drawing on local expertise, this curriculum will also address how HIAs can be used to better address the concerns Indigenous communities have when it comes to development projects within their traditional territories.
In this comprehensive program, participants will gain a thorough understanding of:
- international standards relevant to the field of health impact assessment
- each phase of an HIA (e.g., screening, scoping, data collection, assessment, decision-making and recommendations, monitoring, and evaluation and reporting)
- assessing health risks and opportunities by evaluating the potential health impacts of projects or policies, ensuring that health considerations are prioritized in the planning and development stages
- health equity concepts and how to identify disparities in health outcomes, ensuring policies are inclusive and equitable
- ethical approaches to practice when conducting HIAs
- identifying and engaging stakeholders effectively, ensuring a participatory approach to health decision-making
- opportunities for enhancing community-level data as it relates to HIA monitoring
- foundational concepts relevant to HIA
This micro-certificate, which marks a deep collaboration of HIA global leaders, has the potential to be a landmark moment and is critical professional development for those involved in major projects and large policy developments.
The goal of an HIA is to provide decision-makers with evidence-based insights on how projects, policies, incidents and events might influence public health outcomes, and to ensure that health considerations are integrated into planning and development processes to the benefit of society.
Traditional Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in Canada do require a health component; however, at this point in time, the main focus is on physical health aspects, including exposures to hazardous substances, and is more quantitative in approach. An HIA applies a more holistic analysis of the determinants of health collectively to ensure potential health impacts and opportunities are fully identified.
Health impact assessment training is crucial for several reasons including:
- Informed decision-making: HIAs provide policymakers with comprehensive data on the potential health effects of proposed projects, policies or programs. This helps in making informed decisions that prioritize the health of people beyond exposures.
- Preventive approach: By identifying potential health risks early, HIAs allow for the implementation of preventive measures, reducing the likelihood of adverse health outcomes.
- Community engagement: HIAs always involve community input, ensuring that the concerns and needs of the population are considered. This leads to more equitable and accepted outcomes. Best practices also involve returning the data and information used by an HIA to the community in accessible formats.
- Economic benefits: There is a known economic business case for HIA as it is a major preventative health tool and focuses directly on all determinants of health (environmental, hereditary, social and cultural). Preventing negative health outcomes through HIAs can save costs associated with healthcare and lost productivity due to illness, and can maximize health opportunities through modification of pre-existing programs.
- Sustainable development: HIAs are at the heart of sustainable development by ensuring that health considerations are integrated into planning and development processes. Without good health, substantiable development is not achieved.
By completing this HIA program, learners will be prepared to contribute meaningfully to shaping environments and policies that foster healthier communities and will enhance their ability to make informed, impactful decisions that promote long-term well-being and safeguard people.
External Standards, Certification and Accreditation
While no formal accreditation exists for health impact assessment practitioners in Canada, this micro-certificate is designed to align with international standards and practices. The curriculum draws on competencies and best practices from the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), the Asian Development Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank Group. Indigenous-focused content aligns with UNDRIP, OCAP data principles, and Canadian guidelines for conducting HIA with First Nations in British Columbia.
Micro-certificate highlights
This program is delivered online, allowing you to work independently within deadlines set by your instructor. With this format, you don't have to worry about travel or scheduling conflicts while you study. You can work at your own pace, on your own schedule and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
The University of Victoria is one of Canada's leading universities, recognized for preparing students for careers in a wide range of disciplines. Upon successful completion of this program you will receive a micro-certificate.
Our instructors are industry professionals with years of experience. They’re dedicated to helping you develop the knowledge and skills to realize your full potential.
Collaborate with, learn from and find support in a network of professional colleagues who are as passionate about adult education and lifelong learning as you are.
This program will give you laddering opportunities into other micro-credentials or to non-credit programs.