Construction site with concrete mixer trucks and dump trucks on dusty, unpaved ground. Workers visible near heavy machinery without clear protective equipment. Residential buildings nearby suggest potential community exposure to construction dust and noise pollution, impacting both worker respiratory health and air quality for local residents.

Protect what matters most: people and communities

Join the international community of organizations and professionals who have embraced Health Impact Assessment as a critical tool for success. Become aware of your role in safeguarding people through developments and champion a new path. Join pioneering professionals who have dedicated their careers to zero harm. Say yes to safety and embrace the need for positive health benefits for people. Health Impact Assessment doesn't support sustainable development; it is a foundational requirement to achieve it.

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Program description

What are the four drivers of the Introduction to Health Impact Assessment micro-certificate’s approach?

Prevention-first

Assess the potential health effects of projects to maximise benefits and minimize risk

Evidence-driven

Make informed decisions to prevent costly health outcomes and outbreaks

Community-engaged

Build trust through participatory approaches

Global-ready

Stand out in an emerging specialized field with recognized skills

How this program will prepare you:

  • Lead a zero-harm approach to development projects
  • Make sound business decisions that can save lives and prevent reputational damage
  • Drive decisions and actions using evidence-based approaches
  • Engage effectively with communities on relevant topics of utmost concern

How you'll feel more equipped:

  • Become confident in addressing community health concerns
  • Be empowered to protect vulnerable populations
  • Get prepared to lead complex stakeholder discussions
  • Be assured in making evidence-based health decisions
  • Become ready to advance your specialized career

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 micro-certificate equips multi-disciplinary professionals with the critical skills to prevent community health and safety risks and improve population health outcomes in projects and developments. As governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and communities increasingly integrate health into decision-making processes, this program provides essential tools to do so. Drawing on international expertise, it also explores how HIAs can address core concerns that Indigenous populations and communities have regarding projects.

This micro-certificate marks a deep collaboration between HIA leaders and represents a critical professional development opportunity for those involved in the planning, financing, development, and regulation of global development and industrial projects. By completing this introductory health impact assessment program, learners will train to become a leader and contribute meaningfully to healthier communities and future generations.

Micro-certificate highlights


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Online Flexibility
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.

Credibility
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.

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Teaching Talent
Our instructors—Dr. Janis Shandro, Dr. Laura Jokinen, Dr. Gene Peralta and Dr. Mirko Winkler—are global leaders in HIA with decades of professional experience. They’re dedicated to helping you develop the knowledge and skills to realize your full potential. See the instructor’s section below for more details.

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Networking Opportunities
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.

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Stackable
This program will give you laddering opportunities into other micro-credentials or to non-credit programs.

Program outcomes

After completing the Introduction to Health Impact Assessment micro-certificate, you will be able to:

  • define key terms and concepts related to the field of health impact assessment
  • understand the basic principles and procedures of HIA, including the steps involved in conducting a project-focused HIA according to international standards
  • understand the strategy required to develop effective mitigation measures based on HIA findings to ensure meaningful health benefits
  • evaluate different HIA case studies to identify best practices and common challenges
  • appreciate the evolution and future direction of HIA from a global perspective

Who is this program for?

There is global pressure to have the expertise to review, evaluate, assess and manage public health risks associated with development projects. Few jurisdictions around the world offer HIA training. In taking this micro-credential, your skills are needed not just in Canada but around the world. As a current public health or environmental professional, you can take this opportunity to stay attuned to an important emerging field of practice that requires international professionalism and training.

If you see yourself reflected in any of the following, this program could be a good match:

Education background

  • you have an undergraduate degree in public health, environmental science, occupational health, engineering or a related field, and are interested in obtaining a professional development micro-credential

Career background

  • you are an impact assessment professional interested in HIA but require training to conform with core competency requirements as outlined by international organizations
  • you are associated with a development project and are looking to positively contribute to communities while managing risk
  • you hold social safeguards, health positions, and are responsible for a portfolio of development projects
  • you oversee safeguarding the health of a region or community
  • you want to better understand potential community health and safety risks and mitigation measures
  • you want to work with Indigenous communities or on projects affecting vulnerable populations and sense the need for a safer, healthier approach

Career growth and aspirations

  • you're positioning yourself to be a leader in HIA as the global and Canadian landscape evolves and demand grows
  • you want to become the go-to expert who can bridge traditional environmental and social impact assessments with comprehensive health impact analysis
  • you're seeking to advance into senior advisory roles to influence major project planning and decisions
  • your experience spans traditional environmental impact assessments, but you've recognized gaps in addressing broader health determinants and want to positively contribute to change

Motivations and values

  • you're driven by the notion of zero-harm and that projects can be built in a way to benefit community health and safety
  • you see that health impact and equity should be central considerations to responsible development and decisions
  • you value community engagement and want to ensure marginalized voices are heard and protected
  • you're committed to preventing health harms before they occur rather than responding after damage is done

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:

Instructors

Application and fees

To successfully complete the Introduction to Health Impact Assessment micro-certificate, participants must successfully complete all elements of the course (minimum passing grade TBD).

Admission requirements

This course is open to all. However, its intended audience is primarily people working in public health, environmental science, policy-making, and others

How to apply

There is no application necessary for this program. Simply register for the one course below, and upon successful completion, you will receive a micro-certificate.

Registration details

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