Health Informatics
Master's Degrees and Graduate Programs

Health Informatics is a merging of information science, computer science, and health care. It encompasses the resources, devices, and systemologies required to optimize the acquisition, storage, retrieval and use of health care information. As a growing and evolving sector of healthcare, Health Informatics is applied to the areas of nursing, clinical care, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, occupational therapy, and [bio]medical research. As a merging of health care and information technology, Health Informatics tools include not only computers but also clinical guidelines, formal medical terminologies, and information and communication systems.

• Management of medical information flow to improve health care delivery.
• Administration of health care data resources based upon current information technology systems advances.
• Oversight of health care data [networking and storage] security in compliance with various Federal and local regulations; such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1995 (HIPAA) and the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 (PSQIA).
• Strategic and operational information resource planning due to changes in health information technology and health care metrics.
• Clinical data analysis by utilizing health information technology for decision support, knowledge management, strategic planning, and outcomes assessment.
• Health care informational systems development, implementation and training as systems grow and evolve.

The types of students who enroll in a Health Informatics come from diverse backgrounds such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, health administrators, and information technology (IT) professionals.

• Master of Science (MS) in Health Informatics
  In order to pursue this degree, you must first have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. This program typically takes approximately two years to obtain, and provides an in-depth study of both medical technologies and health care.
• Master of Health Administration (MHA) in Informatics
  This program focuses on the administrative side of health informatics, and involves courses in leadership, management, and information management. Students typically have a clinical or healthcare background.
• Master of Science (MSN) in Nursing Informatics
  If you are a practicing licened RN, the MSN in Nuring Informatics is an excellent choice. This program involves significant study in information scienc and computer science as it is applied to nursing, and takes approximately two years to complete.
• Master of Science (MS) in Health Information Management
  This program focuses on merging management and technology, applying them to healthcare. Primarily designed for students with technical backgrounds, however those with clinical backgrounds can also benefit from these programs. Graduates often pursue management or consulting careers in health information.

• Health care providers, including hospitals, clinics, out patient services, etc.
• Public health organizations
• Research laboratories
• Medical software firms
• Insurance agencies
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Education institutions

CareerBuilder.com rates Health Informatics jobs as the No. 1 job opportunity in an emerging industry because of the recent federal legislation that has increased their demand. Aside from jobs that require a doctorate, these are, on average, some of the highest paying jobs in the medical world. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, for example, the top 25% of students with a master's degree in Health Informatics make an average of $104,120 annually, while the top 10% make an average of $137,800 annually. The average salary for graduates in the United States is $88,750.

University of Illinois at Chicago Online

The University of Illinois at Chicago is ranked in the top 4% of 4,000 colleges and universities in the US by U.S. News & World Report.

Health Informatics
Master of Science

The CAHIIM accredited Master of Science in Health Informatics emphasizes the analysis, implementation and ongoing management of the critical factors that impact the successful selection and use of health care information technologies. This online degree program equips students with an academic foundation in health information sciences and the practical tools necessary to apply this knowledge.

• Gain insight into the resources and methods required to optimize the use of information technology in the areas of nursing, clinical care, pharmacy, public health and medical research.
• Examine the use and application of health care data and learn how it's collected into Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Examine health care information systems to discover how current information technology systems are used and implemented in health care organizations.
• Gain perspective on the dynamic role health information technology will play in the future of medical practice, nursing, and the healthcare industry as a whole.

The University of Illinois at Chicago Master of Science in Health Informatics program is the first master level degree program in the nation to receive CAHIIM accreditation. With supplemental coursework from UIC's HIM program, graduates are eligible to sit for AHIMA's RHIA Certification Exam.

• Health Informatics - Certificate (Post-Master's)
• Health Information - Certificate (Post-Bachelor's)

Brandeis University Online

Devoted to academic excellence since 1948, Brandeis has been ranked among the top 35 national universities by U.S. News & World Report every year since its inception. It is 34th in the 2011 rankings.

Health and Medical Informatics
Master of Science

Health and medical informatics is the application of principles of computer and information science to the effective organization, analysis, management, and use of information in health care.With evolving health care reform, the development, implementation, evaluation, and management of information technology solutions are critical, and core technologies and standards must be addressed. The Health and Medical Informatics program in the Division of Graduate Professional Studies addresses the growing need for professionals who need to possess both analytical skills and business acumen with the goal of improving health care delivery systems through information technology.  Courses include: Health/Medical Information Systems Security, Data Analysis and Decision Support for Health Informatics, Orgnaizational Leadership and Decision Making.

Graduates with a Master of Science in Health and Medical Informatics are prepared to:

• Facilitate the development and advancement of emerging information technologies to improve health care delivery and cost efficiencies.
• Gain an in-depth understanding of new and existing health information management systems within the context of the U.S. health care system.
• Become proficient in the "language" of health care, navigate the rules around using medical data, and obtain relevant information to assess changes to the health care system.
• Participate in the development, implementation, evaluation and management of information technology solutions to improve patient care and the health care delivery process.
• Utilize health information technology for decision support, knowledge management, strategic planning, and outcomes assessment to optimize cost efficiencies in the health care system.
• Effectively interface between the data systems developers and the user community.

• Students take courses part-time, on an open enrollment basis.
• No GRE or other standardized tests is required for admission. Rather, students may enroll in any of our courses as long as they have the required prerequisite skills.
• The ten-week courses run in three semesters beginning in the fall, spring, and summer. Applying for admission to the graduate program can be done anytime up until the 4th course is taken.
• All courses are offered through distance learning. While there is a standard weekly pace in the online courses, they are asynchronous, not requiring any set meeting days or times.
• The curricula itself is flexible, with many options for relevant electives that can be used to fulfill the degree requirements.

The "America's Best Colleges" 2011 edition of U.S. News & World Report has ranked Saint Joseph's University among the top 15 master's universities in the north for the 13th consecutive year.

Informatics
Master's in Health Administration

With the MHA specializing in informatics, students will gain expertise in information resources management, clinical care and programming, enabling them to become the communications conduit linking diverse health care professionals. They will learn critical skills in areas such as computer-based patient record (CPR), which provides an in-depth analysis of the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) standards, requirements, attributes, and benefits of the CPR and its use in the healthcare delivery enterprise. The use of data warehouses, data repositories, and integration technology will be explored relevant to CPR development along with the various issues and strategies for implementation. Additional coursework focuses on health information management systems data and infrastructure, providing the case study of IT networks, internets, data interchange, data access, and data management. You will also use the case study approach to health information management systems applications, which examines the foundation and incorporation of the critical IT applications in the modern healthcare delivery enterprise. Specific applications will be explored with an emphasis placed on the practice of Managed Care.

• Saint Joseph's prides itself on academic excellence. SJU is one of only 139 schools nationwide with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and AACSB business school accreditation.
• The "America's Best Colleges" 2011 edition of U.S. News & World Report has ranked Saint Joseph's University among the top 15 master's universities in the north for the 13th consecutive year.
• Saint Joseph's University is a member of the Alpha Epsilon Lambda honor society, the nation's only graduate interdisciplinary honor society.
• No GRE or standardized test is required for admission.
• Online classes are asynchronous, allowing busy professionals flexibility in participation. However, there will be assignments, projects, etc with due dates.

Drexel University has again made the "up-and-coming" short list of national universities that have achieved "the most promising and innovative changes in academics, faculty, students, campus, or facilities," according to top college officials polled by U.S.News & World Report for the 2010 edition of "America's Best Colleges."

Health Informatics
Master of Science

Drexel University Online's Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) prepares students to utilize today's advanced information systems to create more efficient and productive health care environments. This program is ideal for health care professionals interested in improving their organization's use of informatics and for information technology specialists seeking careers with biomedical or health organizations. The MS in Health Informatics focuses on the systems of informatics and psycho-social aspects of the healthcare field. The program provides students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds with the knowledge and skills to use information and knowledge processing methodology and information and communication technology efficiently and responsibly in order to improve health outcomes in varied settings, including medicine, nursing and public health in primary and hospital care, industry, government, and academia. Students graduate with an understanding of both information systems and healthcare that complements their prior education and experiences.

Healthcare Informatics
Graduate Certificate

This comprehensive certificate program is designed for information professionals, clinical personnel and healthcare support personnel who want to increase their knowledge of health information technology and management of the complex social and organizational issues surrounding this major change in healthcare. This online certificate program will provide an intensive introduction to the evolving field of Medical/Health Informatics. The goal of the Certificate in Healthcare Informatics is to provide knowledge and skills in the application of information technology (IT) in the provision of healthcare. Graduates of the program will gain knowledge and skills useful in taking on additional healthcare IT-related responsibilities or embarking upon new careers as managers or developers of healthcare IT systems.

>> Drexel also offers CCNE accredited programs for Nurses

• Drexel University is a charter member of the American Medical Informatics Association Academic Forum.
• The MSHI program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis, and is especially accessible to those working in the field or seeking a career change.
• The MSHI program is flexible and completely online--offering convenient professional advancement that easily fits busy work and personal schedules. Classes are available online 24/7.
• Sponsored by The iSchool at Drexel and the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the MSHI offers students a well-rounded perspective of informational, technical and clinical aspects of health informatics.
• The 2010 Sloan-C Award for Excellence in Institution-Wide Online Education
• USDLA 21st Century Distance Learning Award
• The GRE requirement may be waived for GPAs of 3.2 or higher. The Certificate in Healthcare Informatics doesn't require the GRE)

Informatics
Master of Health Administration

This program specialization is designed for health care and nursing professionals interested in pursuing or advancing in careers associated with health care informatics and technology. Individuals with no background in informatics receive an overview of informatics as it relates to delivery within a health care facility. The program is designed to provide the learner with current knowledge in concepts of health care informatics, systems life cycle, and data management.

For program disclosure information, click here

Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), enhances the knowledge and skills of registered nurses with baccalaureate-degree preparation. The program prepares advanced practice nurses to function in leadership roles in practice and educational settings. Advanced nursing theory and research provide the foundation for nurses to influence the future of nursing and health care. Students complete core courses in advanced nursing content and process, as well as on leadership skills. Specializations assist students to concentrate on developing increased knowledge and/or skills in a specific area of content or advanced practice role.

For program disclosure information, click here

• Commitment to quality education is exemplified by UOP's accreditation by bodies such as the Higher Learning Commission, The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), and Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
• The nation's largest private university can provide online education and on-campus instruction from over 200 campus locations.
• Support is provided through the entire process. Each student is assigned three advisors from the time of enrollment: an Enrollment Advisor, Academic Advisor, and Financial Advisor.
• Small class size 15:1 will provide students with individual attention to help them succeed.

In May 2010, U.S. News & World Report again identified Walden as having the No. 2 largest online, graduate nursing program by enrollment.

Walden’s School of Nursing features a distinguished faculty of more than 100 scholars and professionals—100% of whom hold doctoral degrees—who are academically and experientially qualified to teach at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Health Informatics
Master of Science

Through Walden's M.S. in Health Informatics, you can gain the skills and training you need to integrate advanced digital technologies into the field of health care and use electronic data to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare services. Learn to apply health informatics to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of disease and to reduce the occurrences of medical errors.

Nursing Informatics - Master of Science in Nursing (BSN Track)
For Registered Nurses entering the program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
In The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), students will learn how to more effectively utilize information technology to enhance the quality of patient care. This specialization offers a multidisciplinary approach to informatics by blending nursing science, computer science, and information science.

Nursing Informatics - Master of Science in Nursing (RN Track)
For Registered Nurses with a hospital diploma, Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.), or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN)
In The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), students will learn how to more effectively utilize information technology to enhance the quality of patient care. This specialization offers a multidisciplinary approach to informatics by blending nursing science, computer science, and information science.

Nursing / Informatics - Post Master's Certificate
This program can prepare learners to effectively use information technology to enhance decision-making in various health care settings. Coursework for this program blends nursing science with computer and information science, and focuses on core concepts in nursing informatics, knowledge and information management, and effective project management. Nursing professionals will gain the knowledge to integrate data, information, and knowledge to support decision-making processes that positively affect patients and practitioners.

• CIS / Healthcare Informatics - BS
• Health Studies / Health Informatics - BS
• Information Systems Management / Healthcare Informatics - MISM

Chamberlain College of Nursing is proud of over 120 years of excellence in nursing education.

Distinguished faculty includes professionals who hold doctoral degrees. These instructors include published author of informatics articles, a senior informatics policy maker who led efforts to recognize nursing informatics as a distinct specialty, and co-founder of the Online Journal of Nursing Informatics (OJNI).

Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing

CCNE Accredited

The CCNE accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a post-baccalaureate professional degree designed to prepare nurses for expanding roles in healthcare and enhance opportunities for professional advancement. The MSN curriculum provides core courses in nursing theory, research, leadership, professional role development, and informatics in healthcare. Lead the new high-tech wave in patient care as an informatics nurse specialist. The MSN Informatics Specialty Track focuses on management of data and information, and healthcare information workflow and project management. Courses in the informatics speciality include: Informatics & Application Systems in Healthcare, Practice of Nursing Informatics, Managing Data & Information, and more.

• Nursing - RN to BSN
• Nursing - RN to BSN to MSN

Health Care Informatics
Master of Science

The Health Care Informatics MS degree program prepares students for success in this important and demanding field. The program equips professionals and leaders to integrate information technology into patient-care systems, with training in clinical operations, data management systems, health care system operations, project management, decision-making, and quality assessment. The curriculum provides the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a variety of roles, including automating clinical care, building new operational data systems, training health care workers in the use of computer systems, collecting and analyzing data to improve patient care, and more. Graduates of this innovative program possess the expertise to manage and improve the delivery and usefulness of health information in today's more complex healthcare environments.

• Nursing: Health Care Informatics - MSN
• Nursing: Health Care Informatics - MSN Bridge

Nurse Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing

Kaplan University's Master of Science in Nursing allows you to study online and earn the credentials to pursue career advancement in administrative, faculty, or staff development roles. Prepare to meet the clinical, educational, research, and administrative challenges associated with working in a technology-rich environment. Focus on the representation of health care data and information and examine computer, information literacy, and management competencies. Explore the use of technology and information systems to advance evidence-based research. Graduates may pursue informatics leadership roles in health care, corporate, and education settings. The informatics specialization is designed to help you prepare for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Informatics Nursing certification exam.

• Healthcare Administration - MHA
• Health Care Management - MBA
• Health Care Management - MS

Nursing: Health Care Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing

CCNE Accredited

Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing: Health Care Informatics program may perform a variety of functions for the organization, such as automating clinical care, building new operational data systems, training health care workers in the use of computer systems, collecting and analyzing data to improve patient care, etc. Depending on their areas of strength and focus, graduates may serve as project managers, project designers, researchers, systems analysts, or administrators and executives at all levels of the organization. Graduates may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, primary care facilities, doctor's offices, insurance companies, pharmacies, technology suppliers, consulting firms, and more. Potential employers for graduates of this program include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, clinical data exchange insurance sites, the government's Military Health System (hospitals), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, state health care organizations, and informational technology vendors.

Health Care Informatics - Master of Science
The Health Care Informatics MS degree program prepares students for success in this important and demanding field. The program equips professionals and leaders to integrate information technology into patient-care systems, with training in clinical operations, data management systems, health care system operations, project management, decision-making, and quality assessment. The curriculum provides the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a variety of roles, including automating clinical care, building new operational data systems, training health care workers in the use of computer systems, collecting and analyzing data to improve patient care, and more. Graduates of this innovative program possess the expertise to manage and improve the delivery and usefulness of health information in today's more complex healthcare environments.

• Nursing: Health Care Informatics - MSN Bridge

American Sentinel is a proud supporter of our military personnel,
which comprise of one-quarter of enrollment.

American Sentinel offers high quality accredited education and outstanding student support for less than most other online universities. Based on the number of transfer credits, the MS in Nursing program's tuition can range from $8,230 to $16,560*, far less than at other online universities.

Nursing Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing

American Sentinel's CCNE accredited MSN nursing informatics degree program is intended to prepare experienced nurses to manage health information systems critical to the mission of health care delivery systems. Nurses will develop expertise in clinical and administrative systems, data management and data mining for improvement of patient care and information systems project management.

Special emphasis is placed on understanding the infrastructure that must be in place to improve practice while safeguarding the security and privacy of data. Graduates will be prepared to assume critical roles in managing health information systems in ambulatory, acute, and long term care settings, as well as in the public health environment.

The MSN Nursing Informatics specialty degree program requires 36 credit hours. Students may be eligible to transfer up to 18 hours from previous graduate study.

*Based on data provided by American Sentinel University

Health Information Management
Master of Science in IT

This Health Information Management master’s specialization offers health care-focused course work on information systems, databases, system security, data analysis, decision support, and strategic management, along with overviews of important IT and business topics. The curriculum follows the model curriculum of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and was developed to align with the criteria of the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information and Information Management (CAHIIM). It is designed to help you use information management and security to support efficient, accurate health care delivery and management. People who choose this specialization are often IT professionals pursuing health information management or consulting positions in hospitals, clinics, and health care systems.

Health Informatics - Bachelor of Science
Mandated electronic recordkeeping and tightened patient privacy regulations are making health informatics a sought-after skill. The health informatics specialization is designed to prepare you to use technology to improve health care quality and lower health care costs. Course work covers such topics as electronic information system management, information security, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing information technology specialist positions in hospitals, clinics, and health care systems.

Management Information Systems / Healthcare
Master of Science

The Master of Science in Management Information Systems is a customized degree tailored specifically to prepare you for management positions in the Information Technology profession. It consists of multiple components: the core and concentrations. The core explores the characteristics of information systems with emphasis on critical management issues. The Healthcare concentration provides the non-healthcare professional graduate student with general healthcare knowledge. The intent of this concentration is to assist personnel, in areas other than patient care, to understand and be familiar with certain healthcare terminology and requirements.

IT Management / Healthcare Information Management
Master of Science

Technology touches every aspect of business, and graduates of the MS-ITM program are prepared to set the pace, bringing a values-centered perspective to the business world. The course of study provides a synergy between technology and management and is designed to meet the demands of the constantly evolving business-technology environment. Students will learn to be responsible leaders who will shape how information technology drives business success.

To control expenditures and continue providing quality health care, many medical facilities are turning to information technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The Health Information Management concentration of the online MS in Information Technology Management program combines business, IT and health care knowledge to create leaders who can manage the implementation of these IT solutions.

Health Information Management
Master of Science

The New England College Master of Science in Health Information is targeted to professionals with varying levels of experience who are working in health informatics in healthcare institutions. Most of these professionals come from an IT or other technical background and desire developing management skills in addition to their technical proficiency. However, there are also a significant number of individuals with clinical background (nurses and pharmacists, among others) that have become increasingly involved in managing the health informatics area. Since one of the major challenges that healthcare organizations face is connected to the selection, adoption, and implementation of health informatics programs and processes that will "speak to each other," NEC's Health Information Management program will prepare students to address and resolve these issues widely found in the healthcare industry today.

• Management / Healthcare Administration - MS
• Healthcare Administration - BS

Nursing Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing

The Nursing Informatics MSN program prepares the professional registered nurse with additional knowledge and clinical expertise in Nursing Informatics that builds on baccalaureate nursing education and practice. All MSN students will be required to complete a Major Applied Research Paper (MARP) at the conclusion of their specialization program, as part of their final research seminar.

• Define the role of the informatics nurse working with current system integration efforts
• Integrate nursing and related sciences into the delivery of advanced nursing care to diverse populations
• Utilize advanced health assessment and pathophysiology in making nursing diagnoses and decisions about educational and therapeutic interventions
• Design nursing care for a clinical or community-based population based on biophysical, psychosocial, and organizational sciences
• Demonstrate professional and high level communication skills when involved in peer review, advocacy for patients and families, reporting of errors and professional writing
• Function in a leadership role when collaborating with team(s) to generate knowledge that supports evidence-based practice and improves healthcare outcomes
• Apply theory and researched-based knowledge from nursing and the sciences in leading the interdisciplinary team to design, coordinate and evaluate the delivery of care
• Analyze the relationship between major issues in healthcare and the deployment of information technology

• Health Systems Management - MS
• Health Systems Management - BS