Online Health Informatics Degrees

Pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Health Informatics

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A professional arena at the nexus of medicine and technology, health informatics involves the acquisition, organization, and analysis of health and personal information. Health informatics professionals help medical practitioners deliver efficient and appropriate patient care.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical records and health information technicians earn a median salary of $42,630 per year. The BLS projects employment for these professionals to increase 8% from 2019-2029, much faster than the average for professionals in all fields. A health informatics degree can lead to high-paying and stable careers.

Questions About Health informatics

What Are the Goals of a Health Informatics Degree?

Students earning a bachelor's degree in health informatics prepare to work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, nursing facilities, and private physicians' offices. Some schools offer specializations in areas such as healthcare policy, data analysis, and health information systems.

Health informatics programs typically feature courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and healthcare compliance. Learners also practice using the latest healthcare technology during classes such as information technology, health systems management, and healthcare data.

Why Get a Health Informatics Degree?

Many schools offer two-year associate programs in health informatics. However, earning a bachelor's degree in health informatics can lead to several career benefits, including those below.

Courses in Health Informatics

Health informatics degrees feature coursework in both health information and medical topics. Learners develop a broad knowledge base in both fields, along with strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills. Additionally, health informatics degree-seekers usually complete an internship to gain practical experience.

Although curricula vary by school, many bachelor's degrees in health informatics offer the following courses. Some programs also offer concentration options and specialized courses to prepare learners for niche roles.

• Data Management

  This course explores topics such as database management, data integration, quality control issues, and various healthcare systems. Students learn how to analyze and interpret large sets of health-related data. Graduates apply this knowledge to make evidenced-based recommendations to medical practitioners regarding treatment options and patient care.

• Network Security

  Students in this class learn how to keep patient information secure, organized, and accessible to medical professionals. Course topics include cryptography, access control and log-in technology, data-recovery methods, and risk analysis and mitigation. Degree-seekers also examine current and emerging ethical and legal issues involved in data acquisition and management.

• Healthcare Operations and Quality

  In this course, students explore fundamental principles and concepts related to healthcare management and process improvement. Learners prepare to improve the delivery and quality of health services. Course topics include patient safety, components of various clinical processes, and relevant regulatory requirements.

Career and Salary Outlook for Health Informatics

Graduates of health informatics programs often qualify for jobs in several professional arenas. The large-scale adoption of electronic health records throughout the medical field makes health informatics practitioners integral to the healthcare delivery system. Graduates' career prospects and salary potential varies by specialization area. The list below highlights a few common positions for individuals with a bachelor's degree in the field.

• Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

  The specific duties of health information technicians vary based on the size and type of facility in which they work. Typical responsibilities include reviewing patient records for accuracy and completeness, organizing and maintaining electronic data, and tracking patient outcomes. They also assign accurate clinical codes for insurance filing and data analysis.

• Medical and Health Services Managers

  Sometimes called healthcare executives, these managers hire and supervise staff members, enhance the delivery of health services, and improve the quality of patient care. Medical and health services managers also prepare and monitor budgets and make sure their facility complies with regulatory requirements.

• Health Educators and Community Workers

  Community health educators assess public health needs to determine the most beneficial healthcare services. These professionals also develop and implement health-related programs, provide health services information, supervise staff, and advocate for improved community healthcare.

Source: Bureau Labor of Statistics

Scholarships for Health Informatics Students

Students pursuing a health informatics bachelor's degree can explore financial assistance opportunities from various sources. Many colleges offer scholarships and work-study programs. Learners can also apply for awards from professional associations, nonprofits, and healthcare-related companies. The scholarships below represent a small sample of the financial aid options available to health informatics students.

Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Health Informatics Programs