What You Should Know About This Degree
When pursuing an advanced degree in the medical profession, it’s important to consider similar programs, such as the master of science in nursing in health care informatics (MSN) and master of health administration in health informatics (MHA). The MSN degree is designed for students who already hold a registered nurse (RN) certification and are interested in an advanced degree specializing in health information technology. MHA programs are focused on students who have a business background and are interested in leadership and administrative roles in the healthcare industry. Think about what role you would like to have in the medical field when determining which program is right for you.
Graduates may want to pursue additional certifications and licensure to demonstrate their expertise to potential employers. A Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) certification can help give students a competitive edge in the relatively new health informatics field. There are two HIMSS certification programs, the Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS) and the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS). CAHIMS certification is for new professionals in the healthcare industry, and the CPHIMS certification is for experienced health care information and management systems professionals.
What’s Next?
Here are a couple of questions to ask when considering a master’s in health informatics:
- Am I eligible for this program? Health informatics programs accept students from all educational backgrounds who hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Previous coursework in computer science, health policy, and statistics is recommended. Some programs might require previous professional experience in the field, as well as a minimum GPA and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most master’s programs in health informatics take two years of full-time study to complete. Students can expect to graduate with an advanced understanding of information systems and design. The programs on our list require 30 to 57 credits to graduate.
Application requirements and submission deadlines vary from program to program. Visit the admissions section of the school’s website to find detailed information about when to submit applications and which materials to include.
Consider how you will cover the costs of your graduate studies. Scholarships, work-study funds, grants, and other funding opportunities are available. Find out if you are eligible for government funding by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).