Best Online Health Informatics Programs of 2024
2024Health 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.
Best Online Health Informatics Programs of 2024
Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,616
- Out-of-state$15,408
- In-State$5,112
- Out-of-state$12,456
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled16,338
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,162
- Out-of-state$7,162
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,500
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern Indiana
- Evansville, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,909
- Out-of-state$21,212
- In-State$9,894
- Out-of-state$19,325
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled9,756
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Carolina Upstate
- Spartanburg, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,208
- Out-of-state$22,710
- In-State$13,734
- Out-of-state$29,760
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled5,438
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
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.
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.
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.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.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.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.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.
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.
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.Test Scores
College entrance exams, such as the ACT and SAT, remain standard at many colleges. However, some schools now make testing optional.Letters of Recommendation
Most schools require letters of recommendation. These can come from former professors, guidance counselors, or work supervisors.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.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 $110,680 as of May 2023. 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 Work Setting | Mean Annual Wage (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Hospitals (State, Local, and Private) | $145,390 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $129,500 |
| Offices of Physicians | $134,330 |
| Nursing and Residential Care Facilities | $106,520 |
| Home Health Care Services | $109,300 |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Health Informatics Programs
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.
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