Best Online Bachelor’s in Health Informatics Programs of 2023
Healthcare is a booming field, and it shows no signs of slowing down. However, you don't have to work in nursing or directly with patients to take advantage of what these jobs have to offer. Use your computer skills and passion for data to make a difference in the healthcare field with a bachelor’s in health informatics.
Why This Matters
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45% OF HEALTH INFORMATICS SPECIALISTS HAVE COMPLETED A BACHELOR’S
Data from O*NET indicates that 45% of those employed as health informatics specialists have completed a bachelor’s degree. 5% had an associate degree while another 41% needed a master’s degree for their position.
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8% PROJECTED JOB GROWTH
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects that jobs for medical records and health information specialists will grow much faster than average, with a projected 29,000 jobs added by 2029.
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EARN $44,090 PER YEAR
Those working in the health informatics field can earn an average of just over $44,000 per year, with those working in hospitals or private companies earning even more.
Our Research
Our list looks primarily at online bachelor’s in health informatics programs that award a Bachelor of Science. These degrees focus on education in the science, math, and technical fields to prepare students to handle data and complex computations. All of the programs on our list are offered in either an online or hybrid format.
It’s important to look for accreditations when researching bachelor’s degree programs to ensure the degree you choose will prepare you for a career and be accepted by employers. The main accrediting body for health informatics is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
- 65 hours to write this article
- 164 universities and colleges we assessed
- 245 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Health Informatics Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
Degrees that are similar to an online bachelor’s in health informatics include both those in the research and data fields as well as the health industry. Degrees in statistics, for example, focus more on computations and using data for practical applications while a degree in clinical health focuses more on patient care.
When researching these programs, look for schools that are accredited by the CAHIIM.
The job outlook for positions in the health informatics field is very strong. The BLS projects faster-than-average growth, and this is likely to continue as advances in both the medical and technology industries continue.
The American Medical Informatics Association offers a Health Informatics Certificate for those who want to show employers that they can perform job duties at an advanced level. Certification in this field isn’t widely required, but it can give you an edge when looking for a job after graduation.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in health informatics programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? To get started in an online bachelor’s in health informatics program, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalency. Some schools may also require a certain score on the SAT, ACT, or placement test such as COMPASS. Online-only students may also need to have specific computer equipment or a high-speed internet connection.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Online college courses are often taught asynchronously and formatted so that you complete work at your own pace and submit it by a specific deadline. However, some of the programs on our list are also synchronous programs, which means you have to log in at a specific time with the rest of your classmates.
It’s important to note that each college has its own policy on admissions and application deadlines. Some offer rolling admissions, which means that you can apply anytime and will be added to the next semester if accepted, while others have specific deadlines each year. If you need financial aid, it’s also important for you to be aware of deadlines for potential scholarships and grants.