1-877-206-4279
Master of Health Informatics (MS-HI)
Advanced Knowledge and Skills at the Intersection of Healthcare and Information Technology
Program Overview
The Master of Health Informatics (MS-HI) program is designed to prepare students with the advanced knowledge and skills that intersect healthcare and information technology. This comprehensive program focuses on the strategic and practice aspects of health informatics, enabling students to become leaders and change agents in the evolving healthcare landscape. Through a blend of theoretical foundations and industry collaborations, students will develop expertise in leveraging technology and data analytics to optimize healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and drive innovation.
What You’ll Learn
Students will possess a thorough understanding of the principles, theories, and concepts in health informatics, including healthcare information systems, data management, interoperability, privacy, security, and ethical considerations.
Students will gain proficiency in utilizing cutting-edge technologies and data analytics tools relevant to health informatics. They will be able to effectively manage health information systems, analyze healthcare data, and employ data visualization techniques to derive meaningful insights and support evidence-based decision-making.
Students will build on their leadership abilities, enabling them to drive change, manage health informatics projects, and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and implement technology-driven strategies to improve healthcare processes and outcomes.
Students will develop strategic thinking skills to address complex healthcare challenges through the integration of technology and informatics. They will learn to analyze organizational needs, assess risks and benefits, and design innovative solutions to optimize healthcare delivery, enhance patient safety, and improve quality of care.
Students will demonstrate a strong understanding of ethical and legal issues associated with health informatics. This includes being well versed in privacy regulations, security protocols, and data governance principles.
Students will enhance their communication skills, enabling them to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, IT specialists, administrators, and patients.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for individuals with a Master of Health Informatics (MS-HI) degree is positive, driven by the increasing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between healthcare and information technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of medical and health services managers, which includes health informatics managers, is projected to grow 28 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the expanding healthcare industry, the adoption of electronic health records, and the need for efficient data management and analysis. Additionally, the demand for health data analysts is expected to grow rapidly due to the need for analyzing and interpreting large volumes of healthcare data to improve patient care and outcomes. The BLS projects a 23 percent increase in employment of operations research analysts, which includes health data analysts, from 2021 to 2031.
Career Opportunities in Health Informatics
Upon completion of the MS-HI program, graduates will be well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in healthcare organizations, technology companies, consulting firms, government agencies, and research institutions. There are several available careers that fall under the Health Informatics umbrella, these include:
- Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO): CMIOs are senior-level executives responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and management of health information systems within healthcare organizations. They bridge the gap between clinical and IT teams, ensuring the effective utilization of technology to enhance patient care.
- Healthcare Data Privacy and Security Officer: Data privacy and security officers specialize in safeguarding patient health information and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. They develop policies, perform risk assessments, and implement security measures to protect sensitive healthcare data.
- Health IT Project Manager: Health IT project managers oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of health technology projects within healthcare organizations. They ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the desired outcomes.
- Health Informatics Manager: As a health informatics manager, individuals oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of health information systems within healthcare organizations. These professionals ensure the effective use of technology to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
- Health Informatics Specialist: Health informatics specialists work at the intersection of healthcare and information technology, focusing on optimization of clinical workflows and the integration of technology solutions to solutions to improve patient outcomes.
- Health Data Analyst: Health data analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting healthcare data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform decision-making and drive improvements in healthcare delivery.
- Health Informatics Consultant: Health informatics consultants provide expertise and guidance to healthcare organizations on adopting and optimizing health information systems. They assess organizational needs, develop strategies, and assist with implementation and change management.
- Health Informatics Researcher: Health informatics researchers conduct studies and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. They investigate topics such as the impact of health information technology, data analysis methodologies, and healthcare system improvement.
- Health Informatics Entrepreneur: Some individuals with an MS-HI degree may choose to leverage their knowledge and skills to start their own health informatics-related businesses. This could involve developing innovative software solutions, providing consulting services, or launching startups focused on addressing specific healthcare informatics challenges.
Program Summary
The Master of Science in Health Informatics program consists of a minimum of 35 credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals will be awarded the Master of Science in Health Informatic degree.
With flexible program options, students can tailor their learning experience to fit their lifestyle and professional goals. Course length is 7.5 weeks which allows for two sessions during the term whether working on the MS-HI at a full, or part-time status.
Full-Time Status: Enroll in four courses per term and complete your degree in only 12 months! This intensive pathway allows students to gain the expertise and confidence to make a significant impact in the healthcare field in a shorter timeframe.
Part-Time Status: For students looking for a more balanced approach that accommodates current commitments, our part-time program option allows students to enroll in two courses per term, providing flexibility while pursuing a master’s degree. The program can be completed in 20 months, exploring core concepts of health informatics at a pace that suits student needs.
Curriculum
| Information Systems in Healthcare (pre-requisite) * | Interoperability and Data Standards in Health Informatics |
| Health Information Technology Foundations (pre-requisite) * | Usability and User Experience in Health Informatics |
| Fundamentals of Health Informatics | Health Informatics Ethics, Privacy, and Compliance |
| Health Data Management and Governance | Managing Healthcare Initiatives |
| Foundations of Data Analytics | Strategic Leadership in Healthcare |
| Database Architecture | Applied Health Informatics Capstone |
FAQ
How long does it take to get a Master of Health Informatics Degree?
If you are a full-time student, you’ll be enrolled in four courses per semester. You will complete your degree in only 12 months.
If you are a part-time student, you’ll be enrolled in two courses per semester. You will complete your degree in 20 months.
What can you do with a Master of Health Informatics Degree?
Graduates will be well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in healthcare organizations, technology companies, consulting firms, government agencies, and research institutions. The following are examples of available careers that fall under Health Informatics: Chief Medical Information Officer, Healthcare Data Privacy and Security Officer, Health IT Project Manager, Health Informatics Manager, Health Informatics Specialist, Health Data Analyst, Health Informatics Consultant, Health Informatics Researcher, and Health Informatics Entrepreneur.
How many courses will I be taking at a time?
If you are a full-time student, you’ll be taking 2 courses every 7.5 weeks. If you are a part-time student, you’ll only be taking 1 course every 7.5 weeks.
Are the cost of textbooks included in the tuition?
Yes, the cost of all textbooks you’ll be using throughout the program is included in your tuition.
Will Cambridge help me find a job?
Yes! Our Career Services department will work with you on tailoring your resume to your new career, mock interviews, updating your online professional profiles and finding a job that aligns with your career goals. In fact, our Career Services team begins working with students prior to graduating to establish a relationship and identify career goals.