Best Online Health Informatics Programs

Want to work in the growing field of health informatics? Discover the best online health informatics programs to advance your career.
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Updated on March 5, 2024
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Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Health Informatics

Health informatics uses tech to manage medical data. During a health informatics program, you’ll learn how to manage complex health record systems, analyze health data to improve patient outcomes and improve the efficiency of medical information systems.

Specializing in health informatics can lead to in-demand roles like health information manager or health informatics specialist. If you’re looking for a major that blends healthcare and technology, health informatics might be the right fit.

Featured Online Health Informatics Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online Health Informatics Programs of 2024

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Best Online Health Informatics Programs

Texas Woman's University

  • Denton, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $238

Out-of-State | $658

Credits to Graduate: 120

You can earn your bachelor’s in informatics and health informatics at Texas Woman's University through a fully online or hybrid format. You also choose one of the following concentrations: clinical applications, health studies, community informatics, and data science.

If you have your sights set on a master's in informatics, you can pursue an accelerated BS in informatics major with a data science minor. TWU evaluates your academic achievements and standardized test scores to assess your college readiness.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,616
Out-of-state
$15,408
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,112
Out-of-state
$12,456
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
16,338
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Health Informatics Programs

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

Cost per Six-Month Term:

In-State | $4,085

Out-of-State | $4,085

Credits to Graduate: 120

WGU's fully online BS in health information management program allows you to take online courses at your convenience. Earning this degree also makes you eligible to sit for the registered health information administrator (RHIA) credentialing examination. WGU graduates have an 82% first-attempt pass rate — higher than the national average of 55%.

Program graduates have secured jobs in clinics, medical practices, hospitals, laboratories, and colleges and universities. Also, 97% of former students recommend this program, and over 60% of health information management students complete the program in three years. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,162
Out-of-state
$7,162
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
150,116
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Best Online Health Informatics Programs

University of Southern Indiana

  • Evansville, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $290

Out-of-State | $704

Credits to Graduate: 120

You can earn a BS in health informatics and information management at USI. This undergraduate program combines concepts in management, IT, and healthcare to equip you with the skills needed to become a health information system manager. 

You can join the program at multiple start dates each year, including in January and August. If you're an Indiana resident over the age of 25, you can apply for an Adult Student Grant for up to $2,000. As a fully online program, working professionals can incorporate their studies into their busy schedules. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,909
Out-of-state
$21,212
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,894
Out-of-state
$19,325
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
9,756
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Health Informatics Programs

University of South Carolina Upstate

  • Spartanburg, SC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education

Cost per Credit:

In-State, Full-Time | $5,604 per semester

In-State, Part-Time | $467 per credit

Out-of-State, Full-Time | $11,355 per semester

Out-of-State, Part-Time | $946 per credit

Credits to Graduate: 122

USC Upstate's BA in health informatics program can be completed in person or entirely online. The program covers various topics, including computer technology, information processing technology, and health information. These courses equip you with the skills needed to become a health information systems manager. 

If you're new to online courses, the school offers extra support with technology, communicating with faculty, and completing online assignments. To apply, you'll need to submit your official transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,208
Out-of-state
$22,710
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,734
Out-of-state
$29,760
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
5,438
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
85% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

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To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

What to Expect From an Online Health Informatics Program

An online bachelor's in health informatics blends healthcare with technology, allowing you to combine a love of data analysis with a passion for helping others. A strong STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) background can help you succeed in these programs.

Most programs require 120 credits and take around four years of full-time study to complete, but some online bachelor's in health informatics programs may offer accelerated options.

Many programs require one or more professional practice experiences, along with lab work in some courses. Online programs in health informatics typically offer all courses and experiences online, with no campus residency requirements.

Courses You Can Expect to Take in a Health Informatics Program

Data Analytics

This course gives you an overview of how data is collected and analyzed to boost healthcare quality. You learn best practices and relevant compliance considerations.

Medical Coding

In this course, you learn the process of translating medical terminology into diagnosis and procedure codes. You also explore ethical considerations in medical coding.

Health Law

This course introduces legal guidelines within the health informatics field and how to properly respond to possible legal issues as they arise.

Healthcare Information Systems Management

In this course, you explore evolving technologies and learn to manage IT as an organizational resource that supports overall healthcare strategy.

Healthcare Reimbursement

This course explores financial practices and reimbursement policies throughout the healthcare industry.

How to Choose an Online Health Informatics Program

Ready to start researching online programs? Curious about which online health informatics programs will help you meet your career goals? Consider these factors to find the right fit.

  • Minus

    Program Format

    In a synchronous program, you'll log in at the same time as your classmates to participate in live lectures and discussion groups. Asynchronous programs set deadlines for each course module and allow you to log in individually and complete work at any time before the deadline.

    Additionally, some programs require full-time enrollment, while others allow both full-time and part-time attendance. Some online programs offer an accelerated format that allows you to earn your degree in less than four years.
  • Minus

    Cost

    Tuition costs for an online bachelor's in health informatics vary significantly among schools. In-state students generally pay less than their out-of-state counterparts. Online programs often cost less than campus-based programs, but not always.

    As an online student, you may face both out-of-state tuition and extra technology fees at some schools. However, at some schools online students pay the same tuition rate as in-state students, regardless of their state residency status.
  • Minus

    Location

    Most online bachelor's in health informatics programs allow you to complete all program requirements online without visiting campus. In these programs, you may live wherever you like.

    If you prefer a hybrid college experience and want to use campus facilities, consider finding a school nearby that allows you to take both on-campus and online courses.
  • Minus

    Accreditation

    Accreditation creates a set of standards for all higher learning institutions to follow. Unaccredited schools may provide a spotty or low-quality education and credits from an unaccredited institution typically cannot transfer to an accredited school.

    In addition, you must attend an accredited school to receive federal financial aid.
  • Minus

    Student Support

    College-based student support helps many students achieve success. Student services may vary according to school, but most institutions offer academic advising, alumni networking, and mentorship programs. Additional services may include tutoring, internship opportunities, and career services.

    As an online student, it's important to look into which student services you can access. Some schools allow you to access their traditional support services, while others offer extra support for distance learners.

Featured Online Health Informatics Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Admission Requirements for an Online Health Informatics Program

Although this can vary by college, online bachelor's program admission requirements mirror those of on-campus programs in most cases. In addition to the requirements detailed below, some schools offer or require internal placement exams.

  • Check Circle

    Application

    You must first complete an application. In addition to personal information, you can expect to provide a list of extracurricular activities or volunteer work.
  • Check Circle

    Test Scores

    College entrance exams, such as the ACT and SAT, remain standard at many colleges. However, some schools now make testing optional.
  • Check Circle

    Letters of Recommendation

    Most schools require letters of recommendation. These can come from former professors, guidance counselors, or work supervisors.
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    Essays

    Application essays serve two significant purposes. They show off your writing skills and help admissions departments get to know you on a more personal level.
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    Official Transcripts

    You must submit official high school transcripts. If you have completed college coursework, you should also submit college transcripts for transfer credit evaluation.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Health Informatics Degree?

Many career opportunities are available with a bachelor's degree in health informatics. Medical and health services managers take charge of a department within a healthcare facility. EHR implementation managers help healthcare organizations switch to electronic records. Clinical data analysts focus on data mining, verification, and analysis.

Below are a few different career paths you can consider:

  • Medical and health services manager
  • Health informatics specialist
  • Clinical data analyst
  • Electronic health record implementation manager
  • Health information technology project manager

How Much Can You Make with a Bachelor’s in Health Informatics?

With this degree, you can pursue several different careers in healthcare, but a popular choice is medical and health services manager.

According to the BLS, medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $104,830 as of May 2022. The BLS projects a 28% job growth for these professionals between 2022 and 2032, far outpacing the average growth for most other professions requiring an undergraduate degree.

Below are the different industries you can work in as a health services manager.

Health Informatics Industries and Salaries
Health Informatics Work Setting Median Annual Wage (May 2022)
Hospitals (State, Local, and Private) $125,280
Government $119,100
Outpatient Care Centers $101,890
Offices of Physicians $99,440
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities $93,610
Source: BLS

Continuing Education

Many bachelor's degree-holders in health informatics go on to earn a master's degree in the field. Although many jobs in the field remain open to you with a bachelor's degree, a master's can give you a competitive edge.

In addition, many supervisory and executive roles in the field now require a master's degree. An advanced degree also allows you to select a concentration, such as public health informatics or health data analytics, which can be useful if you want to change positions within the field.

Featured Online Health Informatics Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Health Informatics Programs

Is a degree in health informatics worth it?

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A bachelor's in health informatics can be worth it, depending on your interests and career goals. The field boasts strong projected job growth, high starting salaries, and advancement potential within the field. Students with a passion for technology and helping others may find these programs rewarding.

Are health informatics majors in high demand?

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Yes, health informatics majors benefit from strong demand. For example, the BLS projects a 28% job growth for health information managers and other medical services managers from 2022-2032.

Is health informatics a lot of math?

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You'll need to take some math classes in a health informatics program. It varies by school, but most programs require coursework in statistics, data analysis, and probability. You may also need to take calculus. Review the curriculum at prospective health informatics programs to learn more about the math requirements.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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