Hospitals worldwide are transitioning from analog to electronic health record (EHR) systems. In the US, Statista reports that 89.9 percent of office-based physicians now use EHRs. Consequently, the demand for health informatics specialists has soared. You can take advantage of this opportunity by exploring the best online health informatics bachelor’s degrees.
In the sections below, we’ll discuss all there is to know about getting an online bachelor’s degree in health informatics. Additionally, we’ll cover how to speed up your program with an online associate degree in health informatics. Finally, you’ll learn how to upskill from a health informatics associate degree job to a health informatics bachelor’s degree job.
Where Can I Get a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Online?
You can get your online health informatics bachelor’s degree from universities like Arizona State University, South New Hampshire University, the University of Illinois Chicago, and the University of Central Florida.
What Schools Offer the Best Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degrees?
- South New Hampshire University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- University of Illinois Chicago
- University of Central Florida
- Colorado Technical University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online health informatics bachelor’s degree are a high school diploma, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and a college application. However, if you apply as a transfer student or enroll in a degree completion program, you may also need to transfer course credits.
Before admission into any program, you must prove that you graduated from a state-approved high school. Likewise, transfer students must prove that they’ve completed the prerequisite courses for the program. Afterward, you can submit your college application with a non-refundable application fee.
Remember that prospective health informatics students must submit at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or mentor. Lastly, you’ll need to submit test scores, which are your ACT or SAT scores in most cases.
Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Online application
- High school/college transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- SAT/ACT scores
How to Get a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Online
To earn your health informatics bachelor’s degree online, you need to meet the program’s degree requirements. Each school sets its degree requirements, so there may be slight variations in each program. Below we’ve listed some of the most common degree requirements for a 120-credit health informatics degree program.
Health Informatics Degree Requirements
- You must complete a minimum of 120 credits
- You must not fall below the minimum GPA and grade requirement
- You must complete a health information management capstone project
Best Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Degree | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Colorado Technical University | Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management – Health Informatics | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Husson University | Online Healthcare Administration and Public Health Degree | New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics | International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) |
| Pennsylvania State University World Campus | Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration |
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| Regent University | Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies – Healthcare Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| University of Central Florida | Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) |
| University of Illinois Chicago | Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services Management |
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
Best Schools for Health Informatics: Top Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
We’ve made a list of the top schools to earn your health informatics bachelor’s degree. In our deliberations, we considered factors like tuition, graduation rate, and accreditation status. Below you’ll find the best 10 online health informatics bachelor’s degree programs arranged alphabetically.
What Is an Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
An online health informatics bachelor’s degree is a program that teaches you how to use medical data and information systems to allocate resources, make decisions, and provide healthcare services. If you enroll, you’ll learn how to interpret, analyze, and convert medical data into information that will improve patient care.
Online health informatics bachelor’s degrees blend business management with informatics. They offer the same courses as in-person health informatics degrees and take about four years to complete. Unlike campus programs, they are flexible and affordable and conveniently fit into your schedule.
Online vs In-Person Health Informatics Degrees
The significant difference between online and in-person health informatics degrees is that while you can complete online degrees from home, an in-person degree requires you to commute to the university. Although both online and in-person degrees offer similar course content and award identical degrees, each program has unique benefits that may influence your decision. Below we’ve listed five benefits of each type of program.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics
- Schedule Flexibility. Online programs are flexible and convenient. You can access your lessons anytime. Working professionals can easily incorporate them into their schedules without sacrificing part of their lifestyle.
- Affordability. An online degree program is usually cheaper per credit hour than an in-person degree. Since you attend from home, you also save on related costs like transportation and housing.
- Accessibility. Online degrees are incredibly convenient. With just your smart device and an Internet connection, you can access announcements, lectures, assignments, grades, libraries, and your classmates.
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum. Employers, industry experts, and scholars design the online health informatics degree curriculum. They pay special attention to current trends in the job market so that you can learn the most in-demand skills in your field.
- Accelerated Learning. Online degrees allow you to pick up where you left off in your health informatics education. You may earn credits for things you already know, transfer credits from prior coursework, or earn credits from previous work experience.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics
- No Technical Requirements. There are no technical barriers to earning an in-person degree. You don’t need to be tech-savvy or purchase a high-spec computer to attend in-person degree programs.
- Accountability. In-person degrees have stricter schedules that push you to complete your work on time. While you may suffer a minor inconvenience, in-person programs force you to meet your goals on time.
- Social Interaction. In-person degree programs allow health informatics students to socialize within their learning environment. Students can build their network from people they meet in classrooms and easily find mentors in lecturers and senior students.
- Hands-on Learning. An in-person degree allows you to be directly involved in the learning process. You can also enjoy hands-on experience in practical aspects of your program.
- Conducive Environment. Universities are more conducive to learning than your home is. They have facilities like libraries and classrooms but also facilitate an atmosphere of studiousness that motivates you to learn.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Health Informatics?
The most common types of online bachelor’s degrees in health informatics are a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. You can also get a Bachelor of Arts in Health Informatics or a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Health Informatics?
A bachelor of science (BS) is a better choice than a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Health Informatics because it offers more job opportunities than a BA does. Additionally, you are eligible for high-paying jobs like clinical informatics and medical information officers with a BS degree.
However, that is not to say that a Bachelor of Arts in health informatics isn’t valuable. Even though there are fewer jobs you can get with the degree, it still offers plenty of career opportunities to explore.
How Much Does a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
A health informatics bachelor’s degree costs an average of $19,081 per year, which includes tuition and all related fees. You can calculate the estimated cost of your program by multiplying the number of credits you need to graduate by your school’s cost per credit rate.
If you are a state resident, you may be eligible for in-state tuition, and if you are a military veteran, you may qualify for subsidized tuition. If you need help paying for your degree, you can apply for federal financial aid by filling out the FAFSA form or applying for scholarships.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It takes four years to get a health informatics bachelor’s degree online. Since most health informatics bachelor’s degree programs require you to complete a minimum of 120 credits to meet your target of graduating in four years, you need to take at least 15 credits per semester.
You can speed up your health informatics degree by transferring credits from a previous program or earning credits from work experience. Many programs allow you to transfer up to 90 credits, which is 75 percent of your degree requirements, enabling you to complete your degree faster.
Are Online Health Informatics Degrees Respected?
Yes, online health informatics degrees are well respected. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) accredits them. The schools that offer these degree programs are also recognized for their excellent distance learning programs.
Is Health Informatics Hard to Learn Online?
No, health informatics is not hard to learn online since you can complete it online just as seamlessly as in-person. However, to thrive in this program, you must meet the technical requirements. They include having a computer with an Intel Core i5 processor or higher, at least 8GB of RAM, and multimedia capabilities.
Health Informatics Bootcamp vs Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
An online health informatics degree is better than a health informatics bootcamp because it offers a more comprehensive educational program. Bootcamps only last a few weeks, not nearly enough to cover the course contents. Additionally, online health informatics degrees culminate in a degree, making them better for employment than bootcamps.
However, health informatics bootcamps are still worthwhile pursuits. Each program has its strengths. In the section below, we will discuss the top five benefits of online degrees and bootcamps in health informatics.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree
- Comprehensive. Unlike health informatics bootcamps, which only last a couple of days and only cover limited ground, online health informatics bachelor’s degrees offer exhaustive online course content.
- Career Outlook. Health informatics bootcamps don’t issue any certification. On the other hand, you can display your certificate on your resume when you complete your bachelor’s degree program.
- Continued Learning. An online health informatics bachelor’s degree opens the door to further academic certifications like master’s and doctoral degrees.
- Personalized Learning. Unlike health informatics bootcamps with fixed curriculums, you can adjust your online program to account for existing knowledge and prior coursework.
- Schedule Freedom. Health informatics bootcamps are full-time, inflexible affairs. In contrast, online degree programs let you choose a schedule that works for you.
Top 5 Benefits of a Health Informatics Bootcamp
- Current Curriculum. Online health informatics bootcamps waste little time explaining theories, as would happen in an online program. Instead, they delve right into trending matters in the health informatics field.
- Network. Health informatics bootcamps are attended by students, working professionals, and industry leaders alike. They are an avenue through which you can network with experts in the healthcare industry.
- Intensive Hands-On Learning. Health informatics bootcamps usually feature intensive workshops and live practicals where you can learn in-demand skills directly from industry leaders.
- Affordability. Health informatics bootcamps cost less since they are much shorter than online degree programs.
- Quick. You don’t have to wait years to complete a health informatics bootcamp. It only takes weeks, and you can even complete some programs in as little as two days.
Why You Should Get a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Online
You should get your health informatics bachelor’s degree online because it is convenient while remaining affordable and comprehensive. It is also much quicker to complete than an in-person degree. Thanks to its versatility, you have access to your lessons, assignments, and grades wherever you may be.
An online health informatics degree covers the same online courses and is indistinguishable from an in-person program. Lastly, the online programs are highly rated, and the schools that offer them are well-known among employers in the industry.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Health Informatics?
An online bachelor’s degree program in health informatics requires you to take healthcare management and informatics courses. The curriculum consists of general education, upper-level, lower-level, and concentration courses. Below we’ve listed examples of courses you will take in this degree program.
Medical Terminology
While working at a hospital, you will inevitably encounter medical terms and jargon. This course helps you get familiar with the language so you can effectively communicate with other medical professionals. Throughout the course, you will define medical terms, expand your clinical vocabulary, and learn to read, spell, and pronounce medical terminology.
Introduction to Health Informatics
In this course, you’ll learn about health informatics and information technology systems in a healthcare setting. It includes information that health technicians use on systems to organize, manage, and analyze medical data. You’ll also explore hospital information infrastructure design, including the strategies for ensuring privacy and security.
Health Data Structures and Management
Students in this course will learn how to design, manage, and use databases to solve organizational problems. Not only will you create databases that comply with federal privacy and security requirements, but you’ll also explore database programs and their applications for managing medical data.
Healthcare Quality Management
This course aims to educate students on using information from medical data to improve hospital processes and operations. It involves recording measurements, streamlining processes, and tracking performances. Upon the course’s completion, you will have learned how to initiate process improvements and measure their results.
Coding and Classification Systems
The ICD-10-CM is the coding system hospitals use to organize their data, and this course will teach you how to identify and assign codes to it. In order to correctly organize records, you’ll learn the principles and guidelines behind assigning codes and get familiar with the classification system.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
After completing your online health informatics bachelor’s degree, you will be eligible to take the Certified Health Informatics Systems Professional (CHISP) credential exam and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification exam. Passing these exams opens up several career options, including jobs in managerial positions. If you want to further your education, you can also obtain a health informatics master’s degree.
Related Online Health Informatics Degrees
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What to Look for in the Best Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
There are several things to be on the lookout for when conducting your health informatics bachelor’s degree school search. We’ve listed five of the most important ones below to help you properly evaluate each program.
Accreditation
Ideally, your health informatics degree program should be accredited by CAHIIM. Failing that, the school offering the program should have a regional accreditation by the appropriate body. Accreditation is a sign of trust that confirms the quality of a program.
Program Format
Before enrolling in any program, ensure that the program format aligns with your educational goals. For example, you need to consider whether your program is 100 percent online or a hybrid. Another thing to consider is whether it offers its online courses synchronously or asynchronously.
Acceleration Options
Some online programs allow you to speed up your degree by transferring credits or taking assessments to earn credits for things you already know. If you intend to take advantage of acceleration options, make sure your program supports them before you enroll.
Cost
The cost of your health informatics degree can vary depending on the online school you attend, your residency status, and in some cases, your military status. You want to make sure that the program you apply to is within your price range, and if you intend to supplement your tuition with financial aid, confirm that your school offers scholarships and grants.
Student Support
Career support can be essential to your success. Before you enroll in any online health informatics program, ensure that it has a solid support network, academic advising, distinguished alumni, and student opportunities like internships and workshops.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
The University of Central Florida has the most affordable online health informatics bachelor’s degree with annual tuition of $6,368. The program takes four years to complete, so your bachelor’s degree will cost you a total of $25,472.
Can I Get a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a health informatics bachelor’s degree online for free. However, there are free online courses you can explore to get started on the subject. You may not have to pay for your health informatics bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, if your program is accredited, you can apply for federal aid to offset the cost.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
An online bachelor’s degree in health informatics can be your pathway into a health informatics career. You’ll be able to get jobs with hospitals, physician offices, behavioral health organizations, insurance corporations, and pharmaceutical companies. Upon graduating, you can go on to take the certification exams before applying for jobs with your online degree.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a health informatics bachelor’s degree. Employers are getting comfortable with online degrees, and many schools ensure their students have career support and real-world experience with practicums, mentorships, and internships. Whatever career track you choose, you’ll enjoy career opportunities in technical and managerial roles.
What’s the Average Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
PayScale estimates that the average salary of a health informatics bachelor’s degree holder is $65,000. However, that figure can vary wildly depending on your job. Practice managers are one of the lowest-paid, with a salary between $36,000 and $67,000. On the other hand, health information management directors earn between $65,000 and $148,000 yearly.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
With your online health informatics bachelor’s degree, you can become a risk manager, clinical informatics manager, and healthcare information management director. You also can become a system analyst in a scientific capacity or work as a health informatics instructor.
Health Informatics Degree Jobs
- Health Information Technologist
- Database Administrator
- Medical Records Manager
- Privacy Officer
- Health Data Analyst
Potential Careers With an Online Health Informatics Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree?
The best-paying jobs you can get with an online bachelor’s degree in health informatics can earn you between $86,000 and $150,000 annually. The majority of these jobs are either managerial or have a heavy technical requirement. Below you’ll find an overview of the highest paying jobs you can get with an online health informatics degree arranged by salary.
Highest-Paying Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Job | Average Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $85,225 |
| Clinical Informatics Specialist | $78,133 |
| Operations Research Analyst | $67,563 |
| Medical Coder | $45,353 |
| Health Information Technician | $40,236 |
Best Jobs for Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best online health informatics bachelor’s degree jobs pay high salaries and have a positive job outlook. They are usually in healthcare, education, scientific or professional service, and technology. This section will introduce you to the best jobs to explore after graduating.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, online health informatics bachelor’s degrees are worth it because they allow working professionals to earn respected degrees without sacrificing their jobs or disrupting their schedules. With just an Internet connection, anyone can access the program while saving on accommodation and transportation costs.
Health informatics blends the fields of data analytics and health management. Before you commit to a four-year health informatics degree, you can explore data analytics bootcamps to see if an online health informatics bachelor’s degree is right for you.
Additional Reading About Health Informatics
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Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, a health informatics degree program will include courses on coding. However, besides programming, health informatics degrees teach a different type of coding called medical coding. Medical coding refers to the classification of diagnoses and procedures in hospitals.
Yes, a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics is a good degree to earn. Information technology is becoming prevalent in health systems, and the job outlook for professions in the field is positive. Students in this program gain analytical, leadership, and decision-making skills that can serve them in careers outside healthcare.
Health informatics degree holders can work in several employment areas, including healthcare, education, information technology, and program management. Depending on which professional track they choose, they may hold jobs like clinical informatics specialist, health informatics instructor, health administrator, and project manager.
Glassdoor reviews show that health informatics employees enjoy insurance, health, and retirement benefits. There are also additional perks like paid time off, job training, tuition assistance, and diversity programs.
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.
