The best health informatics bachelor’s degrees provide their students with the necessary skills to land entry-level jobs in the health information management field. Health informatics is an interdisciplinary field combining technology, medical knowledge, information technology, and law. If you want to work in healthcare but not directly with patients, then health informatics is for you.
This guide contains a list of the top health informatics bachelor’s degrees, admission and degree requirements, health informatics bachelor’s degree jobs, and whether a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics is worth it. Each health informatics program you’ll see is provided by an accredited institution and is fully tailored to turn its students into healthcare professionals.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics?
Some of the best schools where you can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics include Louisiana Technical University, George Mason University, Ferris State University, University of Washington, and the University of Kansas. Each of these schools’ programs is perfect for any student wanting to become a health informatics technician.
What Schools Offer the Best Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Louisiana Tech University
- George Mason University
- Ferris State University
- University of Washington
- University of Kansas
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics?
The admission requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics are different from school to school, but all will require you to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. A high school diploma is typically the minimum education requirement for any bachelor’s degree, regardless of the field of study.
Other common admission requirements for prospective health informatics students include the submission of your standardized test scores, one or multiple letters of recommendation, your resume, and a personal essay. Every school has an online application portal for students to begin the application and submit the necessary admission requirements.
Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school degree or equivalent
- Standardized test scores (ACT or SAT)
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal essay
How to Get a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree
The best way to get a health informatics bachelor’s degree is by fulfilling all the graduation requirements. The degree requirements and courses that students need to complete before they can successfully earn their Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics vary, but most undergraduate degrees require completing 120 credits and a capstone project as well as being in good academic standing.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics?
You need 120 credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics. These credits are divided between health informatics core courses, elective courses, prerequisite courses, and general education courses. Many healthcare informatics programs also include a capstone project that allows students to apply and showcase what they have learned over the course of the program.
Health Informatics Degree Requirements
- 70 credits of core courses
- 12 credits of elective courses
- 38 credits of prerequisite courses and general education courses
- Capstone project
- Good academic standing
Best Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| East Carolina University | Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Ferris State University | Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| George Mason University | Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Louisiana Technical University | Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Texas State University | Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of Central Florida | Bachelor of Science in Health Information and Information Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of Illinois Chicago | Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Kansas | Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Washington | Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Health Information Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Schools for Health Informatics: Top Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Prospective students looking for the best schools for a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics will come across a wide range of institutions offering this program. This section contains an overview of the bests schools for health informatics and other related information, including admission requirements, tuition, and how to apply to the school.
What Is a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
A health informatics bachelor’s degree is a four-year advanced degree program that teaches students the skills necessary to work as computer scientists in the health industry. Health informatics combines information technology and communications with the management and analysis of electronic medical records to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
These degrees in the field of health information cover subjects such as health data management, reimbursement systems, anatomy and physiology, health policy, US healthcare systems, and more. Students interested in leadership positions in the healthcare industry can later pursue their graduate studies in a master’s or a doctorate degree in health informatics.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics?
It is very important to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics because it provides the best training required to start a career in health informatics. It will provide a good mix of technical knowledge, administrative skills, and healthcare knowledge that students need to land leadership positions in the healthcare industry.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Health Informatics?
The different types of Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Informatics you can get are a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Both degrees can equip you with the relevant job skills to begin your career. The major difference between the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts is the coursework.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Arts instead of a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics if you want to receive a broader education and take courses in liberal arts subjects such as humanities, literature, foreign languages, history, and communications. It requires fewer credits from core courses and offers more flexibility, allowing students to customize their education to their career interests.
If you prefer a more structured curriculum that is strictly focused on your major and help you to learn the in-demand technical skills for your field, then a Bachelor of Science is the better option for you. The courses in a Bachelor of Science offer more in-depth knowledge to help students gain technical and scientific knowledge.
What Is the Difference Between a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree and a Health Informatics Certificate?
The main difference between a bachelor’s degree and a certificate in health informatics is the coursework, duration of the study, cost, and the job opportunities they allow you to apply for. A health informatics certificate focuses on building skills, exposure, and expertise in electronic health records and health information management.
Compared to the 120-credit health informatics bachelor’s degree, it is shorter and only requires 12 to 18 credits of foundational courses, meaning it can usually be completed in eight to twelve months. That being said, the depth of skills and knowledge you’ll be able to gain in a certificate compared to a bachelor’s degree is significantly lower.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics?
The Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics cost is $28,775 per year, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics. Fees such as room and board, travel, and books can add to expenses. Tuition can fluctuate wildly from school to school, and students in private institutions spend an average of $45,932 annually for their health informatics bachelor’s degree.
The best way to manage the cost of your bachelor’s degree is to apply for federal and private loans as well as seek out scholarships offered by the school or by external bodies. When applying to a university program, talk to the student financial advisor about available financial aid assistance.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics. Students need to complete a minimum of 120 credit courses to fulfill the degree requirement and will have to take 15 credits per semester to graduate in four years. Some schools offer accelerated options. You can apply to take an extra course per semester if your grades are high enough.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics?
It is hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics as it incorporates technology and medicine, making it crucial for students to develop a broad skillset in programming, data analytics, and management to succeed. Students will also need to master industry codes and classification systems and become proficient with health management systems.
Health informatics bachelor’s degree programs also tend to be quite competitive and have strict admission and completion requirements. That being said, not all schools are as competitive as others, so take into consideration each school’s admission requirements as well as your own grades during your school search.
Why Should You Get a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
You should get a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics because it will provide you with the specialized skills you need to succeed in the industry, including programming knowledge, data analytics skills, knowledge of health data systems, communication and collaboration skills, and problem-solving skills.
Additionally, the huge demand for health informatics professionals means that getting a health informatics bachelor’s degree will strategically position you to land high-paying jobs in the industry. The skills you learn in a health informatics bachelor’s degree will not only allow you to apply for master’s programs but are highly transferable and let you work in other tech fields.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Health Informatics?
Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics courses will differ from program to program but will teach the skills you’ll need for a long and healthy career. Common courses you may find include medical terminology, healthcare information systems management, anatomy and physiology, health information law and regulations, and classification systems.
Medical Terminology
A medical terminology course teaches students about the basic components of medical terminology and the ways in which different medical terms are used to describe body structures and systems. It also covers topics including immunity, cancer, infections, and mental health.
Healthcare Information Systems Management
A healthcare information systems management course will introduce students to the various applications of information systems in healthcare. The course curriculum will cover the ways in which information technology can be utilized to support healthcare delivery strategies both historically and currently.
Anatomy and Physiology
An anatomy and physiology course provides students with a basic foundation in human anatomy and physiology and the relationship between them. Students will also learn about the various body systems such as the digestive, skeletal, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems.
Health Information Law and Regulations
A health information law and regulations course teaches students how to manage health information in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines at both the national and state levels. Students will also learn how to respond to questions and challenges during legal issues.
Classification Systems
In a classification systems course, you will learn about the different classification systems used in the health informatics field, including medical coding classification, quality standards, and coding audits. It also covers the use of electronic health record systems and leadership principles for managing ICD and CPT codes.
Continuing Education Paths for Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a health informatics bachelor’s degree is to pursue a Master’s Degree in Health Informatics, Healthcare Management, Healthcare Administration, or related fields. After completing any one of these, students can then go on to pursue a doctorate and gain even more specialized knowledge in this field.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics prepares students to write professional certification exams such as the RHIA, organized by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Earning an RHIA is essential for becoming a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
Related Health Informatics Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best health informatics bachelor’s degree programs are a legitimate accreditation, a learning format that suits your educational goals, a wide array of career services, a strong reputation, and cost and fees that you can afford and that you feel are justified.
Accreditation
It is crucial to consider the accreditation status of the online universities you are thinking of applying to. The school should be nationally or regionally accredited as well as accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). This ensures that the program will adequately prepare you for a career in the health informatics field.
Learning Format
Not every student has the same needs and wants out of their undergraduate education. While many students are content with a traditional four-year in-person bachelor’s degree program, others require an option with more flexibility. During your school search, pay attention to whether or not the school offers their program in a hybrid or online format if either would suit you better.
Career Services
As a prospective undergraduate student, you want your school to adequately prepare you for the workforce before you graduate. During your school search, look at what career services each program offers. These can help you with networking, interview prep, and resume writing, making it easier for you to land a job after graduating.
Reputation
The reputation of the school often reflects the academic quality of the health informatics degree it offers. Some schools are known to offer stronger academic programs than others. Students who attend a university with a good reputation in health informatics will be able to impress prospective employers after graduation.
Cost and Fees
You should have a clear estimate of the cost of getting a health informatics bachelor’s degree. College education can be expensive so do your homework before you choose a school. Inquire about financial aids and scholarship opportunities to help alleviate tuition fees. Keep in mind that a more expensive program won’t necessarily provide you with a better education.
What Is the Most Affordable Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics is the one offered by the University of Central Florida. Its 120-credit program costs $212 per college credit for in-state students and $748 for out-of-state students. Overall, it costs $25,440 without considering fees for an in-state student to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics from the University of Central Florida.
Salary and Job Outlook for Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Due to the increase in the application of big data and the number of people on health insurance, there are a wide variety of health informatics bachelor’s degree jobs available. Graduates of Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Informatics can earn a good salary working entry-level positions in healthcare organizations, healthcare compliance firms, and health insurance companies.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
It’s not hard to get a job with a health informatics bachelor’s degree. There is a massive demand for health information professionals, with an anticipated job growth rate of 32 percent in the next ten years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Health informatics bachelor’s degree grads can explore a wide range of career opportunities as the healthcare field keeps growing.
What’s the Average Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics is $65,000 per year, according to PayScale. However, the actual salary you would earn can depend on factors such as your employer, location, experience, and professional certifications.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a health informatics bachelor’s degree include working as a health informatics specialist, clinical data specialist, informatics nurse, medical biller, and medical and health services manager. All of these are great jobs with a high projected growth rate where the skills you learn during your degree will see daily use.
Health Informatics Degree Jobs
- Health Information Specialist
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Medical Biller
- Informatics Nurse
- Clinical Data Specialist
Potential Careers With a Health Informatics Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics?
You can make between $41,015 and $101,340 per year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics. There are a wide variety of high-paying career options in the medical informatics field. According to AHIMA, health informatics bachelor’s degree graduates can work in specialized roles like data quality, revenue cycle management, informatics, risk, and compliance.
Highest-Paying Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $101,340 |
| Informatics Nurse | $79,789 |
| Clinical Data Specialist | $56,178 |
| Health Informatics Specialist | $45,240 |
| Medical Biller | $41,015 |
Best Jobs for Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Grads
Some of the best jobs for health informatics bachelor’s degree grads are medical and health services manager, informatics nurse, clinical data specialist, health information specialist, and medical biller. This section provides an overview of health informatics bachelor’s degree jobs and related information such as job outlook, average salary, number of jobs, and highest-paying states.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics is worth it if you want to work in the field of health data management. You’ll acquire in-demand hard and soft skills that employers demand from health informatics professionals, setting you apart from others in the job market and increasing your chances of landing high-paying job roles.
Additional Reading About Health Informatics
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Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Health informatics is a good major for people who want to work in the healthcare industry without working directly with patients. It is a booming industry with numerous opportunities in all aspects of healthcare.
With a degree in human informatics, you can become a health information specialist, clinical information analyst, electronic medical records keeper, medical biller, or informatics nurse. There is a wide range of career options for human informatics bachelor’s degree holders.
The best health informatics bachelor’s degree schools include Arizona State University, University of Kansas, Texas State University, Western Kentucky University, and the University of Central Florida.
Yes, you can get an online bachelor’s degree in human informatics. Students who prefer to study online can earn a bachelor’s degree while still completing the same coursework and content as on-campus students.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
