At first glance, Health Informatics (HI) and Health Information Management (HIM) seem like two sides of the same coin; but, in reality, they both serve very different purposes in the delivery of quality healthcare. While each uses information technology to achieve their specific goal, the primary difference between the two is that HIM usually relies on the information technology processes needed to store and retrieve patient data accurately and comply with federal and state regulations. Health Informatics, conversely, depends on technology to determine appropriate information management and information technology to improve patient care.
Improvements in healthcare technology, and the ability to analyze and decipher data, has led many clinics and hospitals to move toward evidence-based patient care by integrating individual clinical outcomes with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research.
In 2012, government regulations contained in the Affordable Care Act requires healthcare providers to integrate electronic health records technology; and, according to a 2012 study by the PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute, cited by U.S. News and World Report, this mandate, “…found that 70 percent of health insurers, 48 percent of hospitals and 39 percent of pharmaceutical and life sciences companies plan to increase hiring of technical informatics professionals over the next two years.” U.S. News and World Report went on to estimate the median salary range for clinical data analysts at $55,000 to about $95,000 for clinical informatics managers. Positions in HI and HIM include: Clinical data analysis, Compliance Officers, Application analysis, Health information management, Information technology consultant, Clinical informatics manager, Chief information officer.
Answering the need for more trained and qualified information technologists, many universities and colleges are offering online graduate programs in Health Informatics and/or Health Information Management. We’ve completed a list that ranks the top 25 of schools offering a Master of Science in Health Informatics/Information in terms of cost, length of program and curriculum.
#1. The University of Mississippi Medical Center
The University of Mississippi Medical Center offers a Master of Health Informatics and Information Management; and, students may choose from either professional track. While courses are offered 100% online, examinations must be proctored at an approved test proctoring site.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimate Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $388 (In-State); $1,057 (Out-of-State)
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Health Informatics Track: Health Information Systems, Medical Concepts, Health Information and Computer Science, Management and Leadership in Health Informatics, Development of Electronic Health Information, Privacy and Security for Health Informatics, Research Design and Statistics in Health Informatics. Health Information Management Track: Health Information Management, Medical Concepts, Clinical Classification Systems I, Information Technology & Applications, Health Information Systems, Clinical Classification Systems II, Management of Health Information Services and Development of Electronic Health Information Systems, Clinical Classification Systems III
#2. University of Maryland University College
UMUC has long been considered a leader in distance education and has received five Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards for its distance learning programs. This program is accredited by the Commission for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, an independent organization that accredits health informatics and health information management degree programs.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $458 (In-State); $659 (Out-of-State)
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Health Care Administration, Information Technology Foundations, Research Methods for Health Care Managers, Foundations of Information Security and Assurance, Health Data Management, Financial Management for Health Care Organizations, Legal Aspects of Health Care Administration, The Application of Information Technology in Health Care Administration
#3. New England College
New England College is located in Henneker, NH and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. This is a MBA degree in Health Informatics targeted to professionals and can be completed in approximately 20 months.
Length of Program: 40
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $495
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Organizational Leadership and Change, Managerial Accounting and Finance for Leadership, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, Professional and Organizational Ethics, Strategic Planning and Policy, Capstone Project
#4. University of Washington
A cooperative program between the University of Washington Medical Center and the School of Nursing, this degree results in a Master of Science in Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies (CIPCT). This degree is specifically targeted to working healthcare professionals who wish to strengthen their knowledge of IT integration in healthcare. Courses are offered once a year and students are required to attend one weekend session per year at the Seattle Campus.
Length of Program: 2-2.5 years
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $558
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Intro to Systems Thinking and Health Informatics, Computing Concepts: From Theory to Application, Database Concepts & Applications in Clinical Informatics,
Systems Design & Project Management, Healthcare Information Systems & the EHR, Patient-Centered Interactive Health Communication Technologies, Telehealth
#5. Valparaiso University
This MS in Health Informatics program prepares students to manage patient medical data, test financial models, analyze policy and understanding financial models. Valpo has been ranked as one of the top five regional, midwest universities every year since 1990 and achieved a #4 ranking by U.S. News and World Report in 2013.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $595
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Understanding Health Care Organizations, Project Management, Financial Management, Managing People and Human Resources, Quality Health Care Management, Health in the Community, Ethics in Health Care, Legal Issues and Compliance in Health Care, Organizational and Government Policy in Health Care
#6. Nova Southeastern University
This MS in Biomedical Informatics program centers on computer science with a medical informatics focus, clinical informatics with a concentration in the areas of applications and evaluation, and business and management of health information technologies. NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and partners with the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs for the Yellow Ribbon Program offered to U.S. Veterans and offers a graduate scholarship to eligible veterans.
Length of Program: 43 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit: $600
Core Curriculum Snapshot:Management Information Systems in Health Care, Information Systems Project Management in Health Care, Database Systems in Health Care Online/Onsite, Information Security in Health Care, System Analysis and Design for Health Care, Survey of Medical Informatics, Clinical Decision Support Systems, Program Evaluation in Health Information Technology, Managing Organizational Behavior for Medical Informatics, Health Informatics Practicum
#7. Regis University, Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions
Regis University has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top midwestern universities as well as including it as one of the top online programs in it’s 2012 rankings. Courses are eight-weeks in duration which allows for a rapid completion of requirements and the program is specially designed for currently working healthcare professionals.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $605
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Information Technology Concepts in Health Care, Design and Selection of IT Systems in Health Care, Human Computer Interaction/Device Strategies, Data Mining for Decision Support in Health Care Settings, Workflow and Change Management in Adoption of Health IT, Management of e-HIM, Capstone: Applied Research Project, Strategic and Project Management in Health Care, Ethics in Information Technology, Managing a Secure Enterprise
#8. The College of St. Scholastica
Founded in 1912 by the Benedictine Order, The College of St. Scholastica is acknowledged by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Top Midwestern Universities in 2015. This Minnesota based college offers both a Master of Science in Health Informatics and a Master of Science in Health Information Management. The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Length of Program: 42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $610
Core Curriculum Snapshot:CIS 6208 – IT Project Management, Health Information Technology in Practice, Advanced Biostatistics and Health Analytics, Systems Design and Software Development, Database Methods Clin Info Mgt., Healthcare Data Analytics, Med Vocab & Classif Systems, Health Info. Security Systems, Methods of Healthcare Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research, Methods Health Info Exchange
#9. Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU holds regional accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees online. This MS in Information Technology provides a Healthcare Informatics concentration and provides students an advanced understanding of IT applications valuable in healthcare organizations.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition: $627
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Healthcare Informatics, Social & Organizational Issues in Healthcare, Management of Information Technology, Advanced Information Technology, Object Oriented Application Development, Innovations in Information Technology, Technical Communication, Operating Systems, Information Technology Project and Team Management, Telecommunications and Networking, Principles of Database Design
#10. Anna Maria College
Anna Maria College is a private, not-for-profit, Catholic liberal arts institution accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. This program is unique in that it offers an MBA with a concentration in Health Informatics and features a combination of several high-level skills: information science, computer science and health care administration. The MBA program requires 36 credit hours with an additional 12 credit hours to obtain the Health Informatics designation.
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition: $665
Core Curriculum Snapshot: (Health Informatics Electives Only) Health Care Administration, Health Care Law Information Systems – Health Care, Economics and Finance of Health Care, Ethical Issues in Health Informatics, Crisis Management and Emergency Planning, Information Security
#11. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
UT’s College of Health Professions was established in 1972 to address the administrative requirements of allied health professionals. The Health Informatics and Information Management department provides an online program to prepare students to manage the increasingly complex technology that is part of the overall healthcare landscape. This program is 100% online and offers a M.S. in Health Informatics and Information Management.
Length of Program: 64 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $681 (In-State); $751 (Out-Of-State)
Core Curriculum Snapshot:Information Technology and Systems, Quality Management in Health Services, Legal Issues in Health Information Technology and Systems, Leadership for Health Information Technology and Systems, Financial Management for Health Professionals, Healthcare Information Systems, Healthcare Vocabularies and Clinical Terminologies, Statistics and Decision Making, Knowledge Management, Concepts of Research Methodology, Issues in Health Information Technology Seminar, Applied Research Project
#12. The University of Cincinnati
UC has been ranked #135 among National Universities, #68 among Top Public Schools, and #3 Up-and-Coming Schools by U.S. News & World Report in 2014 and was recognized as an “elite values” in higher education by Money Magazine. This MS degree in Health Informatics, through UC’s College of Allied Health Sciences, is specifically designed to provide a balance of healthcare education, IT/IS training, analytics and leadership development. Some courses are taught online through UC’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition: $724 (In-State); $739 (Out-of-State)
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Vocabularies, Terminology, Knowledge Discovery and Related Health Information Technology Standards, Health Information Legislation, Privacy and Security, Workflow Process Analysis, System Development, Human Factors and Usability, Project and Program Management, Leadership and Strategic Management in Health Settings, Database Modeling and Design, Introduction to Statistics, and Healthcare Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, Advanced Health Data, Analytics, Business Intelligence and Reporting
#13. University of Illinois-Chicago
This program offers two options with it’s course-only degree option and a more traditional research degree option, reflecting the increased emphasis on the industry’s need for health informatics research professionals. The University of Illinois-Chicago online program provides a Master of Science in Health Informatics which focuses on the social aspects (individual, group and organizational) of health informatics and emphasizes the analysis, implementation and ongoing management of health care information technologies.
Length of Program: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $735
Core Curriculum Snapshot:Health Care Data, Information Sources in Biomedical & Health Information Sciences, Communication Skills in Health Informatics, Ethics & Legal Issues in Health Informatics, Health Care Information Systems, Application of Health Care Information Systems, Management of Health Care Communication Systems, Health Information Systems Analysis & Design, Social & Organizational Issues in Health Informatics, Health Care IT Vendor Management
#14. Walden University
Founded in 1970, and accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, this program focuses on the role of health informatics in patient care, reduction of healthcare costs, and improved patient outcomes through the better analysis of healthcare data. Designed for the working professional, this program requires a capstone project and an optional practicum as part of it’s curriculum.
Length of Program: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $785
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Health Informatics, U.S. Health System, Information Systems Management, Nature, Structure, and Representation of Health Information, Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Issues, Quality Assessment and Improvement, Project Management, Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis, Leadership, Organizational Behavior, and Change Management, Healthcare Information Technology Business and Finance
#15. Boston University
Boston University’s Metropolitan College offers a MS in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Health Informatics. Graduate students in this program will have expertise in data communication and computer networks as well as biomedical databases. This online program has been ranked #3 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs for 2015.
Length of Program: 40 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $800
Core Curriculum Snapshot:Quantitative Methods for Information Systems, Business Data Communication and Networks, Database Design and Implementation for Business, Information Systems Analysis and Design, Strategy and Management, Biomedical Sciences and Health IT, Health Informatics, Electronic Health Records, Advanced Health Informatics
#16. Aldelphi University
This university’s history dates to 1863 and it’s founding in Garden City, NY and has been ranked by The Princeton Review as a “Best College in the Northeast” and by U.S. News & World Report as among the nation’s “Best National Universities.” AU’s online MS degree provides an interdisciplinary approach in healthcare IT, healthcare operations, process development, project management and technology.
Length of Program: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $800
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Computer Applications, Management Information Systems, Introduction to U.S. Healthcare Organization, Human Interactions, Integration and Interoperability, Information Systems Analysis, Operations, and Total Quality Management, Research and Technology in Health Education, Decision Support Systems
#17. University of Central Florida
UCF was ranked among the top 50 Best Values in Public Colleges in the U.S. according to Kiplinger 2012. This Master in Health Care Informatics program provides students a solid foundation in the business, clinical, management and clinical aspects of the health informatics field. During the last semester in the program students are required to complete an internship and Capstone course.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $833
Core Curriculum Snapshot:ealth Care Informatics and Information Technology, Biostatistics and Decision Analysis, System Analysis and Design, Health Informatics Applications—Administrative, Financial and Clinical Project Management, Health Care Data Architecture and Modeling, Health Care Informatics Capstone, Health Care Database Management, Epidemiology, Analytics and Quality Management, Seminar on Current Issues in Healthcare, Health Care Informatics Internship
#18. Rutgers University
This program, housed in Rutger’s School of Health Related Professions, is specifically designed for currently working healthcare professionals wishing to obtain a MS in Health Care Management with a concentration in health informatics. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Rutgers University among America’s Top 25 Public National Universities.
Length of Program: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $885 (In-State), $1,101 (Out-of-State)
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Health Services, Issues and Trends, Management and Leadership in Health Care, Health Care Finance Systems, Financial Management in Health Care, Strategic Planning and the Management of Health Care Organizations
#19. University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
USF also ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s best online schools, best public colleges and universities and most “up and coming” universities; and, it’s medical college as one of 2015’s Best Medical Schools. By utilizing the experience of trained technicians currently working in hospital this program blends informatics with medical knowledge providing unique insights into the role of health informatics.
Length of Program: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $915
Core Curriculum Snapshot:Foundation in Management Information Systems, Introduction to Health Informatics, Integrated Electronic Medical Records, e-Healthcare Ethics, Health Informatics Independent Study, Health Data Management, e-Medicine Business Models, Legal Aspects of Health Info Management, Managerial Communications, Case Studies in Health Information Management
#20. Brandeis University
Brandeis University’s reputation has been consistently recognized by it’s high rankings by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes Magazine and the Princeton Review. Located in it’s Division of Graduate Professional Studies, the Brandeis MS in Health and Medical Informatics program improves professionals organizational leadership abilities, analytical skills and knowledge of health information management systems.
Length of Program: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hours: $1,050
Core Curriculum Snapshot:Perspectives on Health/Medical Information Systems,Health Data and Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health/Medical Information Systems Security, Data Analysis and Decision Support for Health Informatics, Legal Issues in Health and Medical Informatics, Clinical Business Issues in Health Informatics
#21. Northeastern University
This is a collaborative program between Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences and Northeastern’s College of Computer and Information Science. There is a capstone project requirement for students to employ classroom work with practical work in healthcare informatics. Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Length of Program: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,115
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Health Informatics and Health Information Systems, The American Health Care System, Health Systems Lab,The Business of Health Care Informatics, Creation and Application of Medical Knowledge, Database Design, Access, Modeling, and Security, Strategic Topics in Programming for Health Professionals, Data Management in Health Care, Key Standards in Health Informatics Systems
#22. Drexel University
This program offers a multidisciplinary approach between Drexel’s College of Computing and Informatics, College of Information Science and Technology, and the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the MS in Health Informatics offers students a well-rounded perspective of informational, technical and clinical aspects of health informatics. Drexel was the recipient of the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)’s 21st Century Distance Learning Award.
Length of Program: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,123
Core Curriculum Snapshot:Foundations of Information Systems, Intro to Database Management, Human-Computer Interaction, Info Sys Analysis & Design, Software Project Management, Healthcare Informatics, Information Assurance, Organization & Social Issues in Healthcare Informatics, Healthcare Informatics: Planning & Evaluation
#23. University of San Francisco
Housed in the University of San Francisco’s School of Nursing and Health Professions, this Health Informatics program incorporates faculty from across UF’s campus in Analytics, Biotechnology, Business and Entrepreneurship, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Simulation, Computer Science, Nursing, and Public Health. The M.S. Health Informatics program offers four areas of application in Clinical Decision Support Systems, Global Health Informatics, Mobile Health Apps and Bioinformatics.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,209
Core Curriculum Snapshot:Computer Science for Health Informatics Professionals, Perspectives on Health Informatics, Clinical Decision Support and Data Analytics, Health Data Security, Privacy, and Confidentiality, Semantic Organization of Health Informatics and Data Standards, Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Informatics, Master’s Project in Health Informatics
#24. St. Louis University
Offered through St. Louis University’s Doisy College of Health Sciences, this MS in Health Informatics is designed for the executive level informatics professional. This is a blended program requiring in-classroom attendance, as well as online coursework.
Length of Program: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,245
Core Curriculum Snapshot:Introduction to Health Informatics,Strategic Leadership in Health Informatics, Information Security, Clinical Decision Support, Regulations and Standards,Resource Management, Applied Project I, Independent Study, Project Management, Database Management
#25. The University of Pittsburgh
Housed in the School of Health and Rehabilitation, this program offers a MS degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Health Information Systems. This concentration prepares professionals in the development and management of health information systems, with particular emphasis on the clinical, ethical and legal requirements for healthcare institutions.
Length of Program: 42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,351
Core Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Health Information Systems,Security, Privacy & Legal Issues of HIS, Computer Programming for Health Informatics, Cloud Computing, HL7, and Analytics in Healthcare, Database Management in Health Care, Genomics & Personalized Care in Health Systems, Eval of Classification Sys, Reference Terminologies, & Data Capture Technologies in HC, Software Engineering Project Management, Evaluation Methods in Health Informatics, Telemedicine, Telerehabilitation & e-Health, Business Issues and Data Analytics in Health Care, Health Information Systems Internship, Lean Six Sigma & Other Improvement Methodologies for Health Care Management, Electronic Health Records