Health Informatics Degrees

Hybrid & online programs

Since health informatics is a technology-driven degree, there are many options for students that are offered entirely online. The availability of online and hybrid programs depends on the level of education being pursued with master’s level programs being much more common in the online or hybrid format. Below is a selection of health informatics programs that have been accredited by the CAHIIM, which may be required for certain certifications.

The CAHIIM program directory has a list of all online learning programs that are accredited.

• University of Maryland Global Campus (MS in Health Informatics Administration) – With annual tuition just over $659 per credit for out-of-state students and $458 for Maryland residents, the University of Maryland Global Campus is an affordable option with local prestige. The program comprises of 36 credits that allow students to gain experience in both information science and health care administration. Students must have 3 years professional healthcare experience or information tech in a healthcare setting to apply.
• University of Illinois at Chicago (MS in Health Informatics) – The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Public Health, Nursing, and Computer programs are some of the best in the nation. This school is noted for its flexibility, offering both a 100 percent online MS option, as well as a hybrid research degree option. This is a CAHIIM-approved program, meaning that graduates are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
• Louisiana Tech University (MS in Health Informatics) – Louisiana Tech University offers an online master of science in health informatics degree through its college of applied and natural sciences. Although the school notes that admission is competitive, the GRE is not required for this program. To apply, students should have completed a bachelor’s degree in health information management or a related field.
• University of Mississippi Medical Center (BS in Health Informatics and Information Management) – The University of Mississippi Medical Centers offers online delivery for two bachelor’s-level programs. The traditional program allows students new to the health informatics field to earn a bachelor’s degree online while the progression program is designed for those who already hold the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential. Both programs feature online coursework and have been accredited by the CAHIIM.

Accreditation

To obtain a job as a health informatics specialist, it is not necessary to complete a program that is specifically accredited by any one body. However, most mid-level and top-level positions will be filled by those who have been credentialed by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). In order to receive the AHIMA credential of Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), students will need to complete a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

CAHIIM accredits both health information manager (HIM) and health informatics programs, including undergradaute and graduate-level programs. The process is specific to each level of education, although the targeted main program outcomes are the same. Programs that have been approved by CAHIIM focus on curriculum that appropriately teaches the information systems, social-technical aspects of information-sharing, and the technology involved in managing healthcare information.

In addition to curriculum overview, all approved health informatics degree programs must undergo several on-site evaluations to ensure that the educators, curriculum, and technology components are up to national standards. The CAHIIM also ensures that each element of the program will successfully prepare students to sit for the AHIMA exams.

Not only must a college be accredited by CAHIIM, but it must also be accredited by a regional or national accrediting body. Distance education courses should be accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). On-campus programs may be accredited by a number of organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission. Please be aware that there are several online health informatics degree programs that are accredited by the DEAC but not CAHIIM. These organizations will render graduates eligible to sit for any national certification exams.

Licensing & Certification

Although it is not strictly required to be licensed or certified to become a healthcare informatics specialist, students who complete certification requirements will be much more competitive in the field. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is the most prestigious and well-known licensing body for healthcare informatics, and they provide students with a standardized test to demonstrate their mastery of the field.

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential requires that students pass an exam to earn the designation of Registered Health Information Technician. In order to sit for this exam, students must complete a qualifying program from a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Usually, this means at least a 2-year investment towards a healthcare informatics degree, either at a US college or a foreign school who meets the CAHIIM reciprocity agreement.

For students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in health informatics, there is a higher level of certification available through AHIMA. These students are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam, which is necessary for top-level management positions. This certification is also only available to those who have completed programs approved by CAHIIM.