Why Earn a Master's in Health Informatics?
Organized and tech-savvy individuals often succeed in the health informatics field. Healthcare professionals often pursue a master's in health informatics after gaining 2-3 years of entry-level experience. Graduates often become data analysts, medical software developers, and clinical services directors. Earning potential varies based on industry and position, but individuals with a master's in health informatics earn an average of $72,000 per year, according to data from PayScale.
Students can earn a master's in health informatics in two years, but learners who work full time while studying often need about four years to graduate. Individuals who choose an accelerated online program can earn their master's in 1.5 years. This page includes information about the best online master's in health informatics programs, along with scholarship opportunities and career options for graduates.
FAQ on Health Informatics
What is health informatics?
The field of health informatics centers on technology that professionals use for the management and analysis of patient data. Health informatics professionals work to improve health outcomes by inputting data from nurses' and doctors' reports into complex computer programs.
What jobs can you get with a health informatics degree?
This versatile degree qualifies graduates for various healthcare roles. Individuals with a master's in the field can become medical and health services managers and health informatics specialists. Other graduates work as engineers who design healthcare software.
How does health informatics compare to health information management?
Health informatics deals with computer technology and its role in the advancement of medicine. Health information management professionals handle personal health information for patients.
Recommended Online Programs
Accreditation for Health Informatics Programs
When considering colleges and universities, learners should understand each prospective school's accreditation status. To earn accreditation, institutions must undergo regular evaluations by a third-party agency. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation oversee accrediting bodies in the United States.
The two main types of accreditation in the U.S. are regional and national. Institutions and employers typically view regional accreditation as the more prestigious type. Many scholarships are only available to learners attending regionally accredited schools, and doctoral programs often require applicants to hold a degree from a regionally accredited institution.
In addition to institutional accreditation, students can look for programmatic accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education awards accreditation to programs in the health informatics field.
Best Online Master's in Health Informatics Degrees
Finding the best online master's in health informatics program for your needs requires research. In addition to each program's accreditation status and cost, learners should consider each option's curriculum, format, pace, and admission requirements. The below includes the best online master's in health informatics degrees to help you find the option that fits your goals and lifestyle.
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Career and Salary Outlook for Health Informatics Graduates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical records and health information technicians earned a median annual salary of $40,350 in 2019. The BLS projects employment for this career to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028. Individuals with an advanced degree can also qualify for roles with higher earning potential. For example, medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $100,980 in 2019, and the BLS projects this career to grow 18% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
According to PayScale, health informatics specialists make an average of $63,932 per year, and professionals with a master's in health informatics earn an average annual salary of $72,000. Earning potential varies based on factors including geographic location and experience level. Higher levels of education and experience tend to correlate with higher salaries.
Courses in Health Informatics Programs
Students earning a master's in health informatics degree gain foundational knowledge and prepare to manage information in large healthcare organizations. Before enrolling in a program, students should review course descriptions to ensure the curriculum aligns with their career goals. Some programs offer specialization options that help students tailor the curriculum to their professional aspirations. Specialization options in health informatics programs may explore technology or legal restrictions.
Program requirements and class titles vary by school. However, the courses below are common to many health informatics programs.
Medical Terminology for Health Information Management
Professionals who handle records for medical facilities must understand medical terminology. This course explores common words that doctors and nurses use to describe medical conditions. Students expand their pharmacology vocabulary and learn how to apply medical terminology to careers in health informatics.
Healthcare Data Management
Learners in this course examine various data storage systems that protect patient information. Students learn how to use software to transfer data between applications. Students also learn how to input patient information into integrated computer systems.
Methods in Biomedical and Health Informatics
This class covers the methods, terminology, and technology that health informatics professionals apply to their daily work. Learners explore challenges and opportunities related to the field and prepare to use tools to benefit healthcare organizations. Coursework also examines recent research and its applications to the practice of health informatics.
Communication Skills in Health Informatics
Students in this class learn how to communicate effectively as a healthcare informatics professional. Learners practice written and verbal communication, and they review and evaluate health informatics records. The course also explores the role of communication in maintaining patients' privacy.
Ethics and Legal Issues in Health Informatics
Students in this class explore the laws and regulations that shape the health informatics field. Coursework covers the importance of data security and methods for avoiding nondisclosure agreement violations. Students analyze case studies that include ethical dilemmas, and they determine the ideal course of action for each situation.
Scholarships for Health Informatics Students
Scholarships can help ease the financial burden for students pursuing an online master's in health informatics. Scholarship application requirements often include an essay, so students should begin preparing applications well in advance. Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for learners studying health informatics.
Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Minority students pursuing a graduate degree in the healthcare management field can apply for this award. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and must be completing their final year of study.Amount: $5,000
Bachrach Family Scholarship for Excellence in Healthcare Administration
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports learners pursuing residential graduate programs in healthcare administration. Applicants must submit a 1,200-word essay about why they wish to work in the field. Candidates must also provide a resume and letter of recommendation.Amount: $5,000
Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Full-time graduate students pursuing a degree related to healthcare management can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be beginning their final year of studies and must not have received the Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship.Amount: $5,000
Healthcare Information Management Systems Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Healthcare Information Management Systems organization awards this scholarship to one graduate student each year. Applicants must be studying healthcare information or management systems. The scholarship winner also receives funding to cover all expenses for attending the organization's banquet.Amount: $5,000
National Association of Health Services Executives Scholarships
Who Can Apply: These scholarships support African American graduate students completing a degree in the healthcare management field. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and must demonstrate financial need. Candidates must submit an application essay.Amount: $5,000
