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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Health Informatics Program?

Online master’s in health informatics programs offer the same academic quality as on-campus programs with more flexible scheduling. By eliminating the need to commute to campus, online programs provide more time for work, family, and any other commitments you may have outside of school. Remember that no two online master’s in health informatics programs are exactly alike, so you should carefully research each of your options to find the best fit for your particular needs and goals.

Available concentrations

Concentration selection is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a program. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for a program that allows you to focus your studies on that specialty. Some of the most popular concentration options for a master’s in health informatics include:

  • Computer Science: Explores computer science principles and provides programming learning experiences.
  • Clinical Informatics: Combines the study of information technology with a review of the healthcare industry. Students learn to identify clinical informatics needs and address them with IT solutions.
  • Health Administration Informatics: Focuses on the needs of healthcare administration personnel and addressing such needs through informatics.

Common degree curriculum

Although the exact curriculum for this degree varies depending on your school, students can expect to take a mix of technology, healthcare, and management courses. Professional organizations often help universities design an effective curriculum that best prepares future graduates to enter the health informatics field and earn related certifications.

The topics covered in an online master’s in health informatics program typically include statistics, biology, computer programming, cybersecurity, medical technology, and electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Certification and license preparation

After earning your master’s, you should consider continuing your education with professional certification programs. These extra credentials will enhance your resume and help you advance your career. Some of the most valuable certification programs in the health informatics industry include:

  • Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems:  Administered by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, CPHIMS certification requires applicants to meet specific education and experience standards and pass a certification exam. Earning a master’s degree reduces the work experience you need to obtain this credential.
  • Advanced Health Informatics Certification: The American Medical Informatics Association awards this certification to informatics professionals working in healthcare, public health, and private health positions. Qualifying requires a master’s degree and 15 months of experience.

Program accreditation

Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. If your school doesn’t have regional accreditation, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Ideally, the program you attend will also be approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management — this organization has exceptionally high standards for health informatics education and only supports the best options available.

Program completion timeframe

Most online master’s in health informatics programs require 32 to 48 credits. Specializations or concentrations may add to the required credits to graduate.

Practicums, internships, capstone projects, and following a thesis track can also require additional credits. These activities prepare students for even more advanced educational opportunities, such as Ph.D. programs related to informatics and healthcare administration.

If you can transfer credits from a similar program at another college, you should be able to reduce the time it takes to earn your degree. Asynchronous programs that allow you to progress through courses at your own pace may also allow you to achieve your degree faster.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Health Informatics Graduates

Earning a master’s in health informatics is an excellent move for your career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the total number of jobs in the United States is projected to increase by 3% over the next decade. Occupations related to health informatics are expected to grow much faster, which means there should be plenty of open positions available once you graduate.

You should be able to earn a high salary as well. While only a bachelor’s degree is needed for most entry-level jobs in this field, having a master’s will help you access the most lucrative opportunities — the top 10% of health services managers make more than $209,990, and the top 10% of information systems managers make more than $239,200.

Your income will likely depend on where you work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher salaries. For example, the average salary for health services managers in New York is nearly $80,000 higher than in Mississippi.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Health Services Managers Health services managers run healthcare organizations or specific departments within a medical facility. Those who manage a facility’s informatics department are responsible for system design and delivery, policy and procedure design, and effective oversight of the use of information systems by other employees. $104,830 28%
Information Systems Managers Information systems managers work within healthcare organizations to help design proprietary programs, recommend third-party programs, and develop policies and procedures for managing computer systems and linked devices. $164,070 15%

Professional organizations

Graduates who have completed a master’s in health informatics can join various professional organizations that enable networking, credentialing, and access to the latest news and developments in the industry. Specifically, you should consider joining the following organizations:

Financing Your Online Master’s in Health Informatics Degree

Online degree programs are usually more affordable than on-campus options, but you may still need help paying for your master’s in health informatics. You should begin this process by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will allow you to access various federally-backed financing options, including loans, need-based grants, work-study programs, and scholarships related to the study of health informatics.

Federal loans can be essential to a student’s financial aid picture, as they typically come with reasonable interest rates and don’t require payments until after graduation. In addition, some federal loans can be forgiven for professionals who go into high-demand fields, such as public health and safety. Additional financial aid opportunities may also be available for students through the school in which they enroll, professional organizations related to health informatics, philanthropic or non-profit organizations, and the student’s current employer.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

Your personal financial aid package may involve a mix of federal, state, and privately funded programs. The resources listed below will help you determine your options and save as much money as possible.

Online Master’s Degree Scholarship Database

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"A Helping Hand" Scholarship

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(ISC) Graduate Cybersecurity Scholarship

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Interested in a degree?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.