Earning a Master’s in Health Informatics Online
Should I Pursue a Master's in Health Informatics Online?
Those interested in working to improve patient care should consider an online master's in healthcare informatics. Health informatics incorporates foundations in health information technology while emphasizing the science and theoretical concepts behind it. Learners interested in working to advance the use of electronic health records (EHRs) benefit from a degree in this field, as graduates often enter careers as medical information officers, directors of clinical informatics, and IT consultants within healthcare organizations.
Earning an accredited master's in health informatics online offers learners a flexible option without the campus commute. Distance learners in health informatics can engage with current technology and practice the skills they need to succeed upon entering the job market.
Employment Outlook for Master's in Health Informatics Graduates
Master's in Health Informatics Salary
Professionals in health informatics work in many industries and fields, both within and outside of healthcare. Earning potential in this field varies based on location and experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), health informatics professionals in California and New York earn the highest annual mean wages. The tables below offer more detailed salary information, based on location and experience level.
Top Paying States for Medical and Health Services Managers
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | 34,140 | $122,500 |
| New York | 25,850 | $136,770 |
| Texas | 23,740 | $107,290 |
| Ohio | 15,330 | $100,290 |
| Pennsylvania | 14,540 | $96,400 |
| United States | 346,980 | $111,680 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Top Paying States for Medical and Health Services Managers
- Entry-Level (0-5 Years):
$48,000 - Mid-Career (5-10 Years):
$61,000 - Experienced (10-20 Years):
$70,000 - Late-Career (20+ Years):
$82,000
Source: PayScale
Master's in Health Informatics Careers
With an online master's in health informatics, you can choose from many career paths, both within and outside of traditional healthcare settings. These professionals may work in information technology, offering support to healthcare organizations, while others might work more specifically in healthcare settings, managing health records and information. The careers listed below are examples of careers available to graduates of online master's in healthcare informatics programs.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Annual Median Salary: $98,350
Projected Growth Rate: 20%
Medical and health services managers often work in administrative roles to maintain efficient and high-quality medical services in healthcare settings like hospitals. They may manage finances and billing, hire and train new staff members, and manage service records for the facility.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Annual Median Salary: $139,220
Projected Growth Rate: 12%
Computer and information systems managers coordinate and implement computer-based initiatives within organizations, handling the information technology for that organization. These professionals work to upgrade networks, train employees on medical record-keeping software, and manage digital and electronic medical records.
Health Information Management Director
Annual Median Salary: $70,302
Projected Growth Rate: 20%
Health information management directors serve as the head of record keeping within a healthcare facility. They manage all electronic records and ensure all databases and record-keeping methods align with set federal policy and guidelines. They also ensure staff members stay trained on patient data collection policies.
Clinical Informatics Manager
Annual Median Salary: $90,310
Projected Growth Rate: 20%
Clinical informatics managers generally oversee multiple departments in healthcare facilities, giving technical direction for turning patient and clinical information into data that staff across the facility can access and utilize for patient care. Clinical informatics managers hold at least a bachelor's degree, although a graduate degree is preferred.
Clinical Analyst
Annual Median Salary: $67,487
Projected Growth Rate: N/A
Clinical analysts aim to improve the clinical practices within an organization. They monitor clinical activity, collect data, and create reports with information on streamlining and making the organization more efficient and effective. They must stay current on any legislation or policy surrounding clinical practice and ensure adherence to those policies.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Health Informatics Program?
Health informatics online degrees vary depending on the school and program you choose. However, this guide provides some common information about these programs, including sample courses and available certifications in healthcare informatics.
Curriculum for an Online Master's Degree in Health Informatics
Although actual courses and required curricula vary depending on the school, the courses below are examples of common courses in these degree programs.
- Foundations in Information Management: This course in information management provides a broad overview of the types of information management systems available, including what they do, what types of healthcare settings utilize each, and basic skills needed to operate different systems.
- Health Data Management: One of multiple courses on this subject, this course covers data management and online analytical processing systems, as well as best practices for utilizing and managing cloud-based storage systems. This course may also explore concepts in data mining and healthcare-specific data management.
- Healthcare Analytics: Sometimes offered as introductory and advanced courses, classes in healthcare analytics focus on providing foundations in the science of analytics within the healthcare field. This includes exploring data collection methodologies and practices of analytics in the field.
- Medical Terminology: Healthcare informatics requires a working knowledge of medical terminology, and this course provides an overview of the terms needed. This may include a look into forms of medical coding and practical applications for medical terminology within healthcare informatics and electronic record keeping.
- Healthcare Project Management: This course examines project management within the healthcare field, emphasizing the necessary skills for planning, organizing, and implementing projects. It also explores theories and practices for project management in the healthcare field, specifically projects rooted in information technology.
Certifications and Licenses a Master's in Health Informatics Prepares For
- Registered Health Information Administrator: This certification, provided by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), offers a pathway for health informatics professionals to potentially earn higher salaries and advance their careers. Applicants must have graduated from an approved baccalaureate or graduate program and must pass an examination.
- Certified Professional in Health Informatics: This certification from the AHIMA helps professionals in health informatics advance their careers. In order to sit for the exam, applicants must have a bachelor's and at least two years of experience in health informatics, a master's and one year of experience, or a master's in health informatics.
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