Students passionate about health and technology can use an online bachelor’s in health informatics to become information specialists, working with hospitals, local organizations, or private companies. This degree involves collecting and analyzing health-related data to ensure efficient health systems and improve overall patient care. You might help diagnose and treat individual patients by gathering and analyzing data or address a health issue affecting an entire community.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth of 28% (much faster than average) for medical and health services managers from 2021 to 2031, with a median annual salary of $101,340. The BLS projects job growth of 23% for operations research analysts, with a median yearly salary of $82,360.
A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years, but that timeline depends on how many credits you take each year. Most online bachelor’s in health informatics programs require about 120 to 130 credits at roughly $180 to $1,200 per credit, depending on whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the 2021-22 academic year average tuition for undergraduate students was $7,869 at public universities and $37,095 at private institutions.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Health Informatics Degree Program
Choose your area of study
This degree combines healthcare and technology, so students learn about health insurance, finance, managed care, data management, legal issues, medical terminology, pharmacology, and data analysis. A degree in health informatics often doesn’t involve a concentration. However, some schools allow for customizations through elective courses. It’s wise to check whether potential schools offer any flexibility.
Research schools and programs
As you research programs, schools, and specialties, note whether these schools or programs are accredited through a reputable entity. Schools should be regionally accredited through an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, while programs should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Accreditation impacts whether the school receives federal financial aid and ensures that the program meets specific educational standards.
If you’re already employed, you’ll also want to determine whether any schools require lab work and in-person professional practice experiences, as these on-site activities might affect a full-time work schedule.
Additional questions students should ask when researching online bachelor’s in health informatics degrees include:
- What support services does the school offer online students?
- What networking opportunities are available to online students?
- Who are the faculty, and what are their credentials?
- Are classes offered synchronously or asynchronously?
To get answers to these questions, visit the school’s website, participate in virtual tours and information sessions, follow schools and programs on social media, and contact admissions counselors.
Prepare for tests and applications
Each program varies in its application requirements and process. However, most bachelor’s degree programs in health informatics require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Official high school transcript
- Scores from a standardized test such as the ACT or SAT
- A personal essay or letter of intent outlining your goals
- Letter(s) of recommendation from former teachers or employers
Depending on the program’s focus to which a student applies, there might be other prerequisites, such as a minimum GPA or particular math and social sciences classes.
Before starting your application, contact the school’s admissions office to confirm application requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Some students apply to a single program tailored to their interests and needs, while others submit multiple applications to increase their chances. Whatever you choose, most schools charge an application fee, which can add up if you apply to several schools. If you need financial assistance, contact the school to ask about a fee waiver.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
During the research process, students should also gather information about a program’s cost and what types of financial aid they have available, including scholarships, grants, work-study, fellowships, and assistantships.
Another critical step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which schools use to determine eligibility for federal student loans and need-based institutional aid.
Students already working can ask if their employer covers some costs through employer tuition assistance benefits, especially if their degree relates to their current job. Talk with your school’s financial aid office for more detailed information about how to pay for your degree.
The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Health Informatics Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
This list features some of the best online bachelor’s in health informatics programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. Many of the schools on our list have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online bachelor’s in health informatics programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect from an Online Bachelor’s in Health Informatics Degree Program?
Online bachelor’s in health informatics programs vary based on the school. Still, students can expect a core curriculum to focus on healthcare regulations, electronic medical records, and managing healthcare data securely.
Students will also likely have classes designed to build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Other courses may focus on executive leadership roles, overseeing a budget, evaluating information technology services, and developing a healthcare organization’s strategic plan.
In addition, some schools require in-person lab work, fieldwork, or an internship. This requirement will be a challenge for students who work full-time. You should speak to an admissions counselor at the school about fulfilling such requirements under your particular circumstances.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in health informatics degree program
- Introduction to Health Informatics. Learn more about the role of technology in patient records, from the standard technology platforms the healthcare field uses to the regulations governing the storage of this data. Students also will learn more about the infrastructure and maintenance of healthcare information systems, including software, hardware, communications, and storage.
- Medical Terminology and Coding. A course of this type familiarizes students with medical terminology and how to translate that into codes for diagnoses and procedures. Expect to learn about various healthcare classification systems and ethical considerations around medical coding.
- Healthcare Information Flow. In this course, students learn management skills helpful in overseeing data for healthcare organizations. A course like this also covers healthcare data collection, data security, electronic health records, and computerized medical billing.
- Healthcare Reimbursement. A course like this explores reimbursement policies and financial practices throughout the healthcare industry. Expect to learn the role health informatics plays in improving reimbursements and the impact of reimbursements on the revenue cycle.
- Healthcare Delivery Systems. Students will learn about the function and organization of health systems in the United States and other countries. They’ll also likely study the political, cultural, social, and economic forces influencing healthcare delivery, such as government funding.
- Cultural Competence and Population Health. A course like this discusses population-based approaches to disease, managing care, and developing healthcare policy. Students will learn how medical practitioners apply health informatics data to real-world scenarios, such as developing programs to improve wellness among certain age groups.
Online Bachelor’s in Health Informatics Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online bachelor’s in health informatics degree program?
Check the application process for each school of your choice. Some schools have online portals to accept applications. Others use a streamlined admissions application system, such as the Common Application, which provides a central hub where students can apply to multiple schools. Be sure to have electronic versions (such as PDFs) of all the required information in the appropriate file size to upload. Talk with a school admissions counselor to verify you’ve gathered everything needed, such as relevant transcripts, test scores, an essay, and any letters of recommendation.
How much does an online bachelor’s in health informatics program cost?
In the 2021-22 school year, the average tuition for an undergraduate degree was $7,869 at public universities and $37,095 at private institutions. However, several factors impact the ultimate cost of an online bachelor’s in health informatics.
The tuition rate for public university students may vary based on whether they are in-state or out-of-state, although many schools charge online students a flat tuition rate. Students should also expect to pay school fees for technology, library resources, and healthcare services. On the other hand, online students often see savings on transportation, housing, and living expenses.
How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s in health informatics degree?
While this depends on the curriculum and the school, most schools say their online bachelor’s programs in health informatics take about four years to complete. Some schools offer accelerated options, which allow students to complete their required credits on a quicker timetable. A student’s enrollment status also impacts the program’s length; attending part-time instead of full-time could stretch that timeframe to six years or longer.