what is health care informatics?
health care informatics is an interdisciplinary field that includes the areas of business analytics, information technology and health sciences, all with a health care focus. an easy way simplify health care informatics is to think of these five essential elements; data, information, knowledge, technology and automation.
this specialty integrates a variety of expertise to leverage information to ensure optimal outcomes, financial efficiencies and enhance patient care. additionally, health care informatics professionals utilize all of these elements daily in their roles. professionals with the following titles would be an ideal fit for this program:
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health care informatics careers
"traditionally, cios came from the networking side. i believe going forward that cios will be sought from the data side.”
- eduardo conrado, president of ascension
the health care informatics field is continuously growing with increasing demands of this exciting field expected to grow 20 percent in the coming years. here are some of the jobs appearing in this profession:
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according to the bureau of labor statistics, salaries in the health informatics field can average anywhere from $70,000 to $100,000. for example, health care managers have a median salary of $101,340 a year as of the may 2022 assessment. meanwhile, a computer systems analyst’s average annual salary is $99,270 per the may 2021 assessment.
note: keep in mind that pay varies widely based on the job itself, experience, company, location and more.
program overview
meet the increasing demands of this field by pursuing your master's degree or certificate in health care informatics (hci). whether your background is in health care, it or business, this program is designed to build on your strengths and make you a leader in medical informatics. nashville, widely known as the health care industry’s capital, is the perfect place to start with more than 500 health-focused companies. and now you can complete this exciting degree from anywhere.
lipscomb started the second health informatics program in the nation with a mission to help you make an impact on the health care system. translate your passions into enhancing and transforming health care delivery and outcomes. become equipped to improve the quality of care and reduce health care costs, making the industry more efficient and economical.
develop expert skills for today’s essential technologies like electronic health records and emerging technologies like blockchain. set yourself apart by learning from faculty who are nationally recognized for their eminence in research, innovation and leadership. network and collaborate with your cohort throughout your course of study.
- complete one course online every month
- classes meet online every other weekend
- external and internal pharmd students may enroll as dual-degree students
once you’re certified, you’ll join 99 percent of your peers who completed this program and landed careers in leading-edge health information technology, working to enhance quality of care and health outcomes.
admissions requirements
eligible students should hold a u.s. bachelor’s degree or equivalent with one prerequisite course in statistics. no gre required.
application process
in addition to the online application, the following items must be submitted before the application folder is complete:
- application fee. a non-refundable $50 application fee must be submitted online with credit card or by check before the application is evaluated by the admissions committee.
- coursework or demonstrated competency in medical terminology, statistics and pc literacy (evidenced through work experience as it appears on the resume or coursework as it appears on the transcript).
- two letters of recommendation. the references selected need to be individuals who are able to comment on your academic or professional abilities as well as your interpersonal skills.
- personal statement of goals and purpose for obtaining the degree. consider including such information as:
- how the university can assist your personal and career goals
- why you are seeking a degree in health care informatics
- resume
- official transcripts from each institution attended.
courses
the master of science in health care informatics program features 42 hours of coursework. classes are scheduled for friday evenings (4-8 p.m. cst) and saturdays (8 a.m.-5 p.m. cst), allowing the highest quality educational experience without disrupting one’s professional career. to assist with financial aid planning, we typically offer four courses each spring, three courses each summer, and five courses each fall. this enables students to complete the full master's program in as little as 14 months.
beginning in fall 2022 all courses will be held online and consist of both synchronous and asynchronous content delivery at the discretion of the faculty member.
tuition & aid
the college of pharmacy and health sciences prepares students to become competent health care professionals at every level. our degree in health care informatics opens new doors for those passionate about research and reporting, while equipping you with skills necessary for a lifetime of practice marked by compassionate care. this is our defining trait, and we are committed to making a career in health care informatics feasible for all students.
tuition and fees for the mhci program are as follows:
- 42-hour program / $899 per credit hour (all classes are three hours)*
- course materials and fees included in tuition
- tuition adjustments occur each may