Health informatics brings together the big-picture concepts of the healthcare system: information technology, healthcare management, and patient care. IVs and bedside manner are not the only things that make a hospital run. Key technologies and databases need to be in place to ensure a smooth operation – literally!
Working in health informatics will get you into the nitty-gritty of patient databases like electronic health records (EHRs), database security, and health information management. This takes an analytical mind and a compassionate heart. If that sounds like you, read on!
Best Affordable Master's in Health Informatics Degrees
Below you'll find the Best Master's in Health Informatics degrees. Our data experts at College Choice considered a number of factors in their methodology. First, they took into account the academic quality of each program. Then they assessed affordability and return on investment. Last but not least, they factored in student satisfaction using retention rates and graduation rates.
Beyond our own data nerds, we called on the excellent resources at U.S. News & World Report, and the statistics at Payscale.com. The healthcare systems needs you! What are you waiting for?
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
What kind of Master's in Health Informatics should you get?
We've selected the top 25 Best Master's in Health Informatics. So rest assured, the hard work is finished for you. While all of these programs give you a solid foundation in health informatics, you'll soon find that each have their own flair.
Are you looking for optimal flexibility? Then you should check out the online and hybrid programs at John Hopkins University, Northeastern University, or the University of South Florida.
Are you hoping to include Graduate Certificates to your degree? Indiana University, the University of San Diego, or Marshall University might be a good place to start.
If you're not quite ready for a graduate program, but you want a career in health informatics, be sure to check out College Choice's Best Online Master's in Health Informatics.
How much money do people make with a Master's in Health Informatics degree?
Health informatics is at the forefront of the healthcare system. As more and more facilities are going online and digital – based on a 2014 federal mandate to switch to EHRs – there's a huge need for individuals with the technical skills and healthcare know-how to lend a hand.
For that reason, you'll find that the demand yields a generous outcome. According to Payscale.com, a Clinical Informatics Manager can make around $91,000 per year. As you specialize, you have the potential to earn even more than that. For example, someone who gets certified in Nursing Informatics will earn up to 7 percent more than the average salary.
Landing a job in this industry is a smart investment in your future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in medical records and health information technologies are predicted to rise by 13 percent in the next ten years. Earn those skills now, and you'll be ahead of the game!
What can you do with Master's in Health Informatics degree?
The basic structure of a job in health informatics will be the same. You'll work with hospital administrators and key healthcare leaders to streamline and optimize database systems. That means you'll need to not only know the ins-and-outs of health IT, but you'll also be clued into industry policy and regulations. You are the bridge between the hospital staff and administration. You'll find a range of positions available to you after graduation. Some of them include:
Clinical Informatics Data Analyst
Medical Coding Specialist
Health Informatics Manager
Even more, depending on whether or not you want to do a thesis-track program or not, you will also prepared for advanced education in health informatics. If you want to earn a doctorate in health informatics, you will have the foundation, knowledge, and research experience to succeed in a competitive academic environment.
What are the requirements for a Master's in Health Informatics degree?
These aren't just the best programs for health informatics; these are some of the top schools in the nation. This means you'll have to work hard to get into these programs, but once you do, you will be hugely rewarded with one of the best academic experiences of your life.
Most application processes prefer that you have some kind of background in either information technology, health sciences, or computer science. These degrees last anywhere from one to two years, with a required 30-45 credit hours. You'll likely spend the first semester reviewing basic concepts in health IT, and then later branch out into specializations and electives. A number of these programs include capstone projects, which is a great way to synthesize your learnings and create a body of information to present to future employers.
