Master of Science in Health Informatics
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Master of Health Informatics
Degree:
Master of Science in Health Informatics Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
As healthcare makes dramatic strides to adopt new information and communication technologies, there is a growing demand for health informatics professionals. This rapidly-developing field is only beginning to unlock the vast promise of using electronic-based information to advance health care and ultimately improve the health of individuals and populations. The MS in Health Informatics is a graduate professional degree designed to enhance the practice of health informatics by preparing students for career growth to mid-level and leadership positions within healthcare organizations, technology, and consulting firms. This program is intended for students interested in the effective use of information technologies and systems to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and affordability of healthcare.
The MS Health Informatics program is a multidisciplinary program incorporating the synergies, faculty, and resources of National University’s School of Health Professions. Program study includes coursework related to:
- Information Systems – leadership and management of healthcare applications; including analysis, design, adoption, and optimization
- Information Technology – effective use of database and systems administration, computer networks, security, programming, and wireless devices
- Informatics- the structured language of healthcare, standards, data structures, health information exchange, decision support, care coordination, consumer health, socio-technical aspects of health computing, human-computer interaction, and evidenced-based practice
Along with a broad understanding of health and human services, technology, information systems, leadership, and the culture of healthcare, students apply health informatics knowledge through experiential learning opportunities with case studies, research, simulations, and a capstone project. Graduates are prepared for various roles related to leveraging technology to enhance the collection, communication, exchange, aggregation, analysis, and use of information across the health care ecosystem.
Health Informatics Degree Requirements
To receive a MS in Health Informatics degree, students must complete at least 49.5 quarter units of graduate
work. A total of 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, as it applies to this degree and provided the quarter units were not used in earning another advanced degree. Refer to the section on graduate admissions requirements for specific information regarding application and evaluation.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
Core Requirements
9 Courses
U.S. Healthcare System
4.5 Quarter Units
US healthcare system overview, including terminology, components of healthcare delivery systems, financing, personnel, regulation, delivery and consumers. Consideration of the effects of public policy on service.
EHR Meaningful Use
4.5 Quarter Units
Introduces electronic health record (EHR) and communication systems including the application of Meaningful Use criteria to optimize quality and effectiveness of patient care and improve care coordination. Explore care delivery innovations across multiple care settings and specialties using a patient-centric model.
Principles of Info. Systems
4.5 Quarter Units
Overview of information systems with emphasis on establishing a firm foundation for the further study of the core components of the information systems field. This includes the exploration of the interaction of Information Systems with legal, ethical, cultural, human resources, business philosophies and organizational structures.
One of the following:
Biostatistics
4.5 Quarter Units
An introduction to the use of statistical analysis in public health. Provides an understanding of the basic methods and underlying concepts of statistics that are used in public health decision-making. Among topics explored are descriptive statistics, probability, sampling, hypothesis testing and non-parametric statistics.
Biomedical Statistics
4.5 Quarter Units
This course explores fundamental concepts and methods of statistics as applied to health related fields. The topics of this course include: introduction to basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics as they apply to health research; basic and intermediate concepts for testing, statistical hypotheses, construction and interpretation of confidence intervals; applying selected parametric and nonparametric techniques; regression and multiple regression; analysis of covariance, multivariate ANOVA, and related multivariate analyses. Computer software will be used to illustrate statistical procedures.
Public Health Research Methods
4.5 Quarter Units
Fundamentals of research methods and statistical analysis of public health data. Includes principles of research investigation, research design, sampling, measurements, and the use of descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis and hypothesis testing. Focuses on health survey design, sampling methodologies, questionnaire construction and administration, interviewing, and coding procedures.
System Management and Planning
4.5 Quarter Units
Healthcare information technology lifecycle management and strategic planning; organization and management of informatics support staff and other healthcare professionals to optimize the value from health information technology implementation.
Health Information Exchange
4.5 Quarter Units
Health data standards, sources, representation, terminologies, vocabularies and ontologies to support interoperability of information within and between health care organizations. Health information security practices, privacy, confidentiality, and management of patient rights. Clinical data and process modeling for medical decision making. Policy development and documentation for exchange of health information.
Health Informatics Case Study
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: HTM 520; HTM 552; HTM 660
Health informatics case study requiring analysis and synthesis of complex human, financial, and technical resources for the strategic use of information technology in a healthcare organization. Students study best practice case studies and make recommendations considering organizational dynamics and technical and market knowledge in a simulated healthcare environment.
Health Informatics Capstone
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: HTM 680
Two-month capstone project focused on a relevant problem in health informatics theory or practice. Planning and completion of either a data-based research project or other scholarship or creative activity. Grading is by H, S, or U only. Course is eligible for an “IP” grade.
*Please note that prerequisites for HCA and COH courses are not required for students in the MS Health Informatics program. HTM prerequisites are required.
Program Elective
1 Course
Healthcare Information Systems
4.5 Quarter Units
Effective data and information technology utilization to improve performance in healthcare organizations: including information systems, databases and analytical tools to structure, analyze and present information; legal and ethical issues affecting management of healthcare information.
Python for Data Science
4.5 Quarter Units
Recommended Preparation: Prior experience in computer programming languages such as R is helpful.
Learn python programming language and apply to data science applications
AI & Optimization Topics
4.5 Quarter Units
Investigate advanced topics in Artificial Intelligence and Optimization in state-of-the-art applications.
Fundamentals of Analytics
4.5 Quarter Units
Introduction to statistical modelling and data analysis using R programming to explore data variation, model the data, and evaluate the models. Analysis and evaluation of different types of regression models and error analysis methods.
Leading Change and Adaptation
4.5 Quarter Units
Course topics will focus on the dynamics of change, organizational redesign, and the essential skills necessary for leaders to initiate corporate and organizational transformations. Resistance and acceptance of change initiatives, including the impact of organizational culture will be examined. Students will strengthen their leadership skills and strategies in order to initiate and implement change through problem-solving experiences across a broad range of organizational contexts.
PH Program Evaluation
4.5 Quarter Units
Fundamentals of evaluation methods applied to public health interventions. Effective use of measurement tools to evaluate achievement of program goals and objectives. Includes analysis of validity and reliability of measurement instruments. Emphasis on reach, effectiveness, acceptance, implementation and maintenance of community programs. Includes fundamentals of proposal development.
Public Health Informatics
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: COH 606
Application of information systems and technology to public health practice and research. Information technologies that support and improve the status of individual and community health. Development, deployment and maintenance of these systems. Effective use of data, information and knowledge tools to build manage, merge, retrieve and analyze public health data.
Healthcare Accounting/Finance
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: HCA 628
Application of healthcare accounting and finance theories to decisions in healthcare environments. Emphasis on management problems and policy issues regarding allocation of resources, payments systems, capital investments and budgeting.
Healthcare Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: HCA 624
Concepts of leadership related to current healthcare organizations. Communications – including public relations – team building, negotiation, and conflict resolution considered. Strategic aspects such as vision, viewpoint, and mission included. Managing uncertainty emphasized.
Please note that prerequisites for HCA and COH courses are not required for students in the MS Health
Informatics program. HTM prerequisites are required.
Health Informatics Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary
- Job Openings
- Medical Records Specialists
-
$50,189
avg. salary (USA) -
14,712
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Medical and Health Services Managers
-
$116,429
avg. salary (USA) -
60,283
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Nursing
- Care Coordination
- Workflow Management
- Medical Records
- Auditing
- Electronic Medical Record
- Billing
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Walgreens Boots Alliance
- CVS Health
- UnitedHealth Group
- Merck & Co.
- Optum
- HCA Healthcare
- ChenMed
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
-
$67,134
avg. salary (USA) -
3,308
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Medical Records
- Electronic Medical Record
- Data Entry
- Medical Privacy
- Office Equipment
- Process Improvement
- Outbound Calls
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Datavant
- Intermountain Health
- Baylor Scott & White Health
- Sharecare
- Albany Medical Center
- HCA Healthcare
- Norton Healthcare
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Evaluate the healthcare delivery system in the US and the impact of social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental factors affecting the management and operation of healthcare organizations.
- Evaluate health data management standards, technologies and methods to improve the quality, efficiency, equity and safety of healthcare practice and organization.
- Develop policies and technologies to protect data integrity and validity, including information privacy and security policies and procedures.
- Develop strategies for improving healthcare delivery and achieving institutional strategic initiatives using information systems and technologies.
- Evaluate leadership principles and practices in health information technology staff development, technology adoption and change management in a healthcare organization.
- Evaluate a healthcare organization's processes and systems to ensure compliance with ethical, legal and regulatory mandates and professional standards of health information technology.
- Apply statistical and research methodologies to implement evidence-based health information technology management practice and healthcare quality improvement.
- Communicate knowledge of health information systems and technology to stakeholders of the healthcare ecosystem.
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Organizational Affiliate
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Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 250,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
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Class of 2016
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Our network of 250,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
Frequently Asked Questions
The master’s degree in health informatics program is an online graduate program designed for people who want to bridge healthcare, data, and technology. It’s ideal for those who want to work on electronic health records, health-data systems, health information exchange, and the broader information-technology infrastructure that supports healthcare delivery. The program prepares graduates for mid-level and leadership positions within healthcare organizations, technology companies, and consulting firms.
Career paths vary depending on experience and organizational needs. Graduates may pursue roles such as health informatics specialist, clinical data analyst, health information manager, healthcare IT consultant, and informatics coordinator.
Prior experience in healthcare or information technology can be helpful, but it is not required. The program is designed to build both technical and healthcare related knowledge through the curriculum.
The curriculum emphasizes data management, health information systems, analytics, and decision support. You’ll learn how informatics supports quality improvement, patient safety, and efficient healthcare delivery.
The curriculum is designed to enhance an understanding of data management, health information systems, analytics, and decision support. You will learn how informatics contributes to quality improvement, patient safety, and efficient healthcare delivery preparing you to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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