It is no longer news that healthcare is the world’s fastest-growing industry. A recent study shows that the demand for workers who understand healthcare IT systems is growing rapidly given the widespread use and broad streams of electronic health record (EHR) EHRs.
From the above record, you and I can attest that only individuals capable of applying analytical tools to health data in the healthcare industry towards achieving positive patient outcomes will function in this in-demand section.
Therefore, if you have a bachelor’s degree in healthcare informatics or a related degree, consider this an opportunity and enroll in a master’s program so that in no time, you can join the league of these transformational leaders.
Acquiring a Master’s degree in healthcare Informatics is easy these days. You can get it even at the comfort of your home. There are online programs in healthcare Informatics that allow you to connect with your instructor anywhere you’re. Follow the tips and guidelines in this article and get started.
What Is Healthcare Informatics?
Health informatics is the application of information technology systems into managing health data and applying medical concepts to help clinicians provide better healthcare.
It is a professional field focused on the tools and platforms used to store, retrieve, and evaluate electronic medical records and improve health outcomes for patients.
Health informatics is basically an interdisciplinary field. It encompasses business, healthcare, computer science, engineering, and information technology. These main disciplines inform many of the other disciplines that play a role in the field.
Furthermore, health informatics professionals use technology to more effectively and efficiently deliver health care, providing a crucial link between patient care and evolving medical science.
Additionally, these professionals also work with the discipline of engineering. Their role includes analyzing and solving problems in the architecture of information management systems.
Why Masters In Healthcare Informatics Online?
There are enormous reasons why pursuing a master’s in health informatics may be worthwhile. One is about growth in the healthcare industry.
However, students pursuing an online master’s in health informatics earn the same degree as their on-campus peers, although their educational experience differs.
Most online degrees offer courses asynchronously, Which means that students can study at their convenience, could be in the evenings, before work, on the weekends.
Some courses may require interactive assignments that students complete in groups. Typically, a group simply selects the time that works for all members to meet together.
Also studying health informatics online saves costs. You don’t have to bother about transportation and other living expenses associated with the on-campus study. Let’s take a deeper look at the major benefits of enrolling in health informatics masters programs:
Build in-demand skills
Health informatics covers a lot of ground from many disciplines. It looks at the resources, devices, and methods that collect, store, protect, and grant access to information in health and medicine.
The program skills-based courses and also teaches you how to use modern, high-tech information systems to create more efficient and productive healthcare environments.
Update your knowledge
An online master of science in health informatics prepares students for healthcare careers involving the management of medical data.
From evolving information technology and current or proposed laws about health information systems to trends in managing and securing large amounts of complex data.
Fill leadership Position
Graduates who have a master’s of science in health informatics generally take on positions as managers of health information and that places them into the larger employment category.
Health information managers are qualified to apply for certifications with top associations like CAHIMS, HIMSS, and AHIMA.
How Long Does It Take To Earn A Master’s In Health Informatics Online?
The length of online master’s in health informatics programs varies from school to school.
A typical master’s in healthcare informatics online consists of 30 to 50 credits and can be completed within 2 1/2 years for students who are enrolled full time.
However, most options may allow students to finish their coursework in as little as 18 months; alternatively, programs that include a specialization or dual degree may require five years or more.
How Much Does It Cost To Get An Online Masters In Health Informatics?
The cost associated with earning a graduate degree in health informatics online varies quite a bit.
The factors that determine cost include the state residency; students who live in the same state as their school will often pay lower tuition than out-of-state students.
However, some schools charge flat tuition for all online students regardless of their residency status. Technology fees also impact the price tag of an online degree.
Per-credit tuition costs for online health informatics master’s degree programs range from roughly $700 to $1,000 on the low end to more than $4,000. Students should expect to pay at least $20,000 to $30,000 for their entire degree program and potentially more than $50,000.
Online Master’s In Health Informatics Admissions Requirements
There are certain criteria you have to meet before you can take up an advanced degree in healthcare informatics.
A bachelor’s degree in health informatics or a related field, such as health information technology or health care administration, is required for some M.S. in health informatics online programs. Most schools require an application form, transcripts, a minimum GPA, and letters of recommendation.
Other pre-requisite required for admission into a program may include a background in health care or information technology. For programs that list job experience as a prerequisite, two years is usually sufficient.
In addition, schools may also ask applicants to submit GRE scores, but these are not always required.
What Are The Best Masters in Healthcare Informatics Online?
In order to advertise yourself for upper-level promotions in today’s healthcare industry, you have to improve your skills by enrolling in a higher degree.
However, there are many advanced qualifications you can select from but a master’s in healthcare informatics from a reputable institution will do a lot better.
Many schools offer MA and doctoral degrees in the above-mentioned course but not all are worth it.
That is why we have carefully selected the following graduate programs based on the quality and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.
We got our data from reliable sources, testimonials, interviews, and also by contacting individual schools. Below is the list of the schools, you will have to read further to get information on the various programs offered, tuition info, and program options for these schools.
Stanford University
Stanford University (SU) is a top-ranked private research university located in Stanford, California. The school is regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
SU offers an online master’s degree in biomedical informatics that includes training in bioinformatics, clinical informatics, and public health informatics.
The program covers the following core curriculum;
This online degree is provided for working professionals who may qualify for tuition support through their employer. The program takes 3 to 5 years to be completed. Tuition is $1,300 per unit.
To be eligible for the program, students must work full time and maintain employment for the duration of the program.
Johns Hopkins University
Another great institution that awards a master of science in health informatics is Johns Hopkins University(JHU). It is a private research university established in 1876.
Students interested in biotechnology and engineering at JHU can enroll in the online master of science in bioinformatics.
The program features 11 courses, with a curriculum that features rigorous focus areas in Biosciences, computer science, and other areas of bioinformatics.
Coursework covers topics in molecular biology, computational modeling, systems biology, genomic sequencing, and proteomics.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina(UNC) is accredited and listed among the best schools for health informatics master’s programs. UNC is a public research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Students learn how to develop health information systems and analyze health data in order to enhance clinical practice and healthcare quality. The program takes 16 months duration.
Master’s program requires 35 credits of coursework, including 12 credits of core informatics courses, six credits of business foundations and professional skills courses, six credits of BMHI core courses, and eight credits in either clinical health informatics or public health informatics.
The requirements for the program are, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a GRE or MCAT score above the 50th percentile in each category. Tuitions are $9,106 per semester (in-state) and $17,712 per semester(out-of-state).
University of Miami
If you are working in either information technology or healthcare and you wish to develop expertise in both, the master of science in health informatics at the University of Miami(UM) is an ideal program for you.
The University features a 22–month program that covers an in-depth curriculum, reviewing topics such as health information exchange, information security, and project management.
The program will provide you with the skills and knowledge that you need to perform the essential roles in the healthcare industry regarding electronic healthcare record systems.
You are required to choose 11 courses comprised of 33 credits in order to graduate. Tuition is $2,100 per credit.
To be eligible for this program, you must submit your complete admissions application, complete and submit an academic profile, submit letters of recommendation and official transcripts, and provide GMAT or GRE test scores.
Logan University
Logan University started in 1935 as a chiropractic college. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school offers an online master of science in health informatics for individuals pursuing career opportunities at the intersection of data and healthcare.
This degree requires 33 credit hours of coursework, a research project, and a capstone project. The 15-week program core curriculum includes healthcare leadership, data analytics, and applied informatics.
Coursework features topics in systems analysis and design, legal and ethical issues in health informatics, information systems management, and business and financial skills for health informatics professionals.
To be eligible for the program, you must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Tuition is $10,000.
George Washington University
George Washington University(GWU) is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. GWU is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
This school offers a 2-year online master of science in health sciences in biomedical informatics.
It is a 36 credits program and is designed for students who wish to work at the intersection of information technology and healthcare.
The program curriculum features ten core courses and one elective. Core courses cover topics such as high-performance computing, healthcare leadership, biostatistics for clinical translational research, and principles of medical informatics.
Additionally, students must complete a practicum experience in an approved professional setting.
University of Illinois
Established in 1890. The University of Illinois at Chicago(UIC) offers an online master of science in health informatics through the College of Applied Health Sciences. UIC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Basically, the Master’s program comprises 38 credits and focuses on clinical, financial, enterprise, and IT management in healthcare settings. The curriculum features nine core foundation classes, including ethics and legal issues in health informatics, management of healthcare communication systems, healthcare data, and health information systems analysis and design.
To be eligible, you must hold a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework. Tuition is $18,456.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida(USF) awards an online master’s in health informatics through the Morsani College of Medicine. USF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Online master’s program features 32-credit and it takes approximately two years to complete. The curriculum comprises nine core courses and two electives.
Coursework features key concepts in e-medicine business models, legal aspects of health information management, foundations in management information systems, and medical terminology for health informatics professionals.
In addition to coursework, students must complete a semester-long internship experience prior to graduation. Tuition is $13,699.
University of Washington
The University of Washington offers an online master of science in health informatics through the clinical informatics and patient-centered technologies program (CIPCT).
The program is designed for working healthcare professionals. The master’s program at CIPCT requires 42-48 credits and covers 15 months duration. Students will learn to leverage information technology tools to improve healthcare quality and practices in clinical settings.
Minimum entry requirements include one year of healthcare experience and a minimum of 3.0 GPA. Tuition is $21,655.
University of Utah
The University of Utah(UT) is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The school started far back in 1850.
UT awards a master of science in health informatics online through the School of Medicine. The curriculum covers coursework in clinical database design, systems modeling and process improvement, human systems interactions, and clinical information systems architecture.
To gain admission, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Tuition is $15,826.5.
Scholarships for Health Informatics Students
There are many ways to pursuing an online master’s in health informatics. It can be through scholarships, loans, or private funding. Obviously, scholarship appears simply. It helps ease the financial burden for students.
Scholarship application requirements often include an essay, so you 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. To be eligible to apply, you must demonstrate financial need and must be completing their final year of study.
Benefit $5,000
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports learners pursuing residential graduate programs in healthcare administration. To participate, you must submit a 1,200-word essay about why you wish to work in the field. You must also provide a resume and letter of recommendation.
Benefit: $5,000
Who Can Apply: Full-time graduate students pursuing a degree related to healthcare management can apply for this scholarship. To participate in this scholarship, you must be beginning your final year of studies and must not have received the Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship.
Benefit: $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. To be eligible, you must be studying healthcare information or management systems.
Benefits: 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. To be eligible, you must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and must demonstrate financial need. You must submit an application essay.
Benefit: $5,000
Check out! 60 Public Health Scholarships in USA for Students from Developing Countries
What Can I Do With A Master Of Science In Health Informatics?
Earning a master’s in health informatics can lead to lucrative career opportunities. Professionals in this field are qualified for clinical analyst positions, regulating and improving clinical practices, optimizing workflows, interpreting data, and developing solutions.
Their role is to construct, manage, and improve an organization’s information technology framework. Below are the various positions you can occupy with a master’s in healthcare informatics.
How Much Can I Earn With A Master Science In Health Informatics?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) places health information managers into the larger employment category known as health services and medical managers. The average annual salary for medical and health services managers Based on their most recent figures, was $99,730.
What Is The Job Prospect For Individual With A Master Of Science In Health Informatics?
A recent study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics speculates a 20% rise in demand for educated medical and health services managers from 2016 through 2026. That’s much faster than the average for other occupations. Twenty-three percent of workers in Health and Medical Administrative Services holds a master’s degree.
Conclusion
A Master’s degree in healthcare informatics online could be an opportunity to build foundational skills and gain the experience necessary to participate in any healthcare setting you find yourself. Take advantage of the programs we’ve highlighted in this article, they will help you pursue a wide range of occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions On Masters In Healthcare Informatics Online
Graduates of Healthcare Informatics can work as health information management directors and clinical analyst positions.
2 to 5 years.
References
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