Health Informatics, MS
Data-driven innovations are revolutionizing healthcare as we know it, and applying, managing, and evaluating patient healthcare information is a critical part of improving treatment.
Healthcare Informatics is a rapidly growing field that uses data and technology to improve the efficiency, cost, and quality of patient care. Employment of health informatics technicians is estimated to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028—much faster than the average for all other occupations.
In partnership with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, the USciences Online MS in Healthcare Informatics program will enable you to solve healthcare challenges with informatics-related solutions. Benefit from a wealth of data and resources from Geisinger: the MyCode Community Health Initiative, which analyzes the DNA of patient-participants, to improve understanding and tailor treatment based on genetic influences on health; and Proven Portfolio, focused on delivering the best care every time with every patient. Learn from accomplished informatics specialists and gain the skills you need to take your career to the next level.
Program Overview
Throughout this 12-course program, you’ll master the data-driven strategies that continue to innovate healthcare. Gain skills in strategic planning, leadership, and data management, while developing a deeper understanding of the role of informatics in the health industry. Ten eight-week courses will teach you about healthcare legislation, data standards, research methods, health data science, project management, and more. Then choose two three-credit electives to take your learning a step further.
Upon graduation, you’ll be able to:
- Demonstrate how to effectively communicate between information technology and healthcare professionals and assess their needs and constraints
- Improve healthcare delivery outcomes with information technology and informatics concepts
- Use public health informatics, telehealth, and population health information to improve healthcare quality within a population
- Evaluate big data sets and discuss research methods
- Create and implement an organizational strategic plan using project management and change management skills
The MS in Health Informatics includes coursework taught by health informatics specialists that addresses real-world problems. You can transfer up to 12 credits of prior coursework with a 2.3 GPA or better upon admission.
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% growth in medical records and health information technician employment from 2018 to 2028—more than twice the average growth for all other occupations. But with an advanced degree, you could also pursue a career as a medical and health services manager—a job expected to grow 18% during the same time period.
Other potential careers include:
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Clinical Informatics Specialist
- Clinical Analyst
- Healthcare Data Manager
- Informatics Nurse
* Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics