This is a list of schools and programs that focus on the Most Affordable Master’s in Healthcare Informatics Online Degree. Professionals in the health care industry know how important having access to an accelerated online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics program is for the healthcare industry.
With the mainstream adoption of electronic health records, the informatics field within the United States healthcare industry has undergone a massive renovation in its educational and work experience requirements for new professionals. Those with an undergraduate degree may find their career options are limited because a graduate degree is now a requirement for mid-level to senior-level roles within the field.
Online health informatics programs are growing because the professionals who are demanding them are working adults who do not have the time or freedom to take on the requirements of a traditional program. These programs often deliver flexible and affordable degrees that carry the same weight as traditional degrees. In this ranking, we explore the top 40 accelerated online master’s in healthcare informatics programs available today.
Methodology
Time to Completion
- 22 Months or Less: 1 point
- 20 Months or Less: 2 points
- 18 Months or Less: 3 points
- 16 Months or Less: 4 points
- 14 Months or Less: 5 points
- 12 Months or Less: 6 points
- 10 Months or Less: 7 points
Graduate Tuition
- Less Than $20,000: 1 point
- Less Than $15,000: 2 points
- Less Than $10,000: 3 points
- Less Than $5,000: 4 points
Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item
Presence of an Online Student Support Network– 1 point
Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
A good amount of research was necessary to ensure that the programs listed on this ranking are appropriate for working professionals. All information was gathered through the National Center for Education Statistics website and its College Navigator database, both of which are available for the public. The initial group of 75 schools was identified by searching for an online Master’s in Health Informatics. After the list was compiled, factors such as tuition rates and program study completion rates were considered, and the methodology above was applied. The 40 schools that are listed below were chosen based on the total estimated in-state graduate tuition cost. In the case of a tie, the more affordable school was awarded the higher ranking.
Types of degrees featured in this ranking include:
- Online Master of Health Administration (MAH) in Health Care Informatics
- Online Master of Science (MS) in Health Informatics
- Online Master of Science in Health Administration: Health Care Informatics
- Online Master’s in Health Informatics & Analytics
- Online Master’s in Health Information Management
- Online Master of Professional Science in Biomedical and Health Informatics
- Online Master of Health Informatics
- Online MS in Health Informatics and Information Management (MSHIIM)
- Online Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics
- Online Master of Science in Health Sciences: Healthcare Informatics
- Online Master’s in Health Informatics Administration
- Online MS in Biomedical and Health Informatics
- Online MS in Clinical and Health Informatics
- Online Master of Advanced Study in Health Informatics
#40—University of Cincinnati
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 4
Designed specifically for working professionals, the University of Cincinnati’s accelerated master of healthcare informatics program is a fully online option that can be completed within just two years of study. The curriculum features an optional Health Information Security certificate and includes core courses such as:
- Health Information Legislation, Privacy, and Security
- The Healthcare and Public Health Landscape
- Leveraging Analytics and Business Intelligence Tools for Healthcare
- Introduction to Healthcare Data Science
The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited the University of Cincinnati to award this fast online health informatics master’s degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the 65 best public schools in the nation.
Graduate Tuition: $12,790
#39—Kent State University
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 4
Kent State University’s accelerated master’s in health informatics online program is a convenient option designed for working professionals. Online students interested in enrolling in the program can take advantage of three different start dates per year and go on to earn their advanced credentials in healthcare informatics within just 24 months. Required course titles comprising the program’s 36-credit hour curriculum include:
- Legal Issues in Health Informatics
- Human Factors and Usability in Health Informatics
- Health Records Management
- Standardized Terminologies in Healthcare
A wide range of elective classes are also available, including:
- Health Informatics Inquiry and Assessment
- Public Health Informatics
- Change Management in Health Informatics
- Ethics, Politics, and Policy in Health Informatics
A culminating experience such as an internship, research paper, or thesis is also required for program completion. Kent State is fully accredited to award the fast online master of healthcare informatics degree.
Graduate Tuition: $11,766
#38—University of Scranton
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 4
The University of Scranton’s fully online accelerated master of health informatics option is an MS program that can be completed within two years. The curriculum for the program is comprised of 33 credit hours of coursework, featuring courses such as:
- Principles of Computer Science and Software Development
- Community Health for Health Informatics
- Health Information Policy and Governance
- Health Care Operations and Quality
A capstone course in health informatics is also required. The University of Scranton is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to confer this fast online master of healthcare informatics. The program is being considered for programmatic accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report has identified the university as one of the 40 best value schools in the nation.
Graduate Tuition: $11,580
#37—State University of New York-Oswego
Online MS in Biomedical and Health Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 4
The fast online master of healthcare informatics offering from State University of New York-Oswego is a versatile offering featuring three distinct tracks:
- Health Information Management: Health Data Science
- Health Informatics: Intelligent Health Systems
- Health Informatics: Professional
Core requirements for the program include:
- Health Informatics Methods
- Systems, Design, Integration, Safety & Security
- eHealth Systems
Depending on the chosen concentration, online students may be required to take additional classes such as:
- Quality Assurance Through Informatics
- Geospatial, Temporal & Network Data Science
- Decision Support and Intelligence Systems
An internship, thesis, or research project may also be required for successful program completion. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited SUNY-Oswego to confer the accelerated online master of healthcare informatics degree. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the college as one of America’s top 10 best value schools.
Graduate Tuition: $11,310
#36—Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 4
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale’s fast online health informatics master’s option is a comprehensive 45-credit hour Master of Health Informatics program. Courses comprising the program’s curriculum include:
- Methods of Medical Informatics
- Health Informatics Applications and Project Management
- Systems Analysis, Design, and Database Management in Health Care
- Strategic Leadership in Healthcare
A research project or residency is also required for successful program completion. SIU- Carbondale is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to award the accelerated master’s in health informatics online. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the nation’s top public schools.
Graduate Tuition: $11,268
#35—University of Wisconsin-Madison
Online MS in Clinical and Health Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 4
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers an interdisciplinary fast online master’s in healthcare informatics program through its School of Medicine and Public Health. The program is offered entirely online, and online students can work at their own pace, earning their advanced health informatics credentials in as little as two years. Course titles comprising the program’s curriculum include:
- Translational and Outcomes Research in Health and Health Care
- Foundations of Data-Driven Healthcare
- Evaluation of Health Informatics Solutions
- Health System Pharmacy Data Analysis and Informatics
UW-Madison is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award the accelerated master of health informatics online. It has been ranked among the top 100 best value schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Graduate Tuition: $10,728
#34—Grand Canyon University
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 4
The fast online master of healthcare informatics option from Grand Canyon University is an MS program offered through the school’s College of Nursing and Health Care Professions. This accelerated program features a comprehensive 42-credit hour curriculum that can be completed within just two years. Required courses include:
- Health Care Information Systems and Technology
- Health Care Data Management
- Health Information Systems Security
- User Interface Design for Informatics
The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited GCU to award the online accelerated master’s in health informatics. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the country’s top national universities.
Graduate Tuition: $10,175
#33—College of Saint Scholastica
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 5
The fast online master of healthcare informatics program from the College of Saint Scholastics is a two-year MS option. The curriculum for the program is prescribed, and features required course titles such as:
- Health Information Security Systems
- Advanced Biostatistics and Health Analytics
- Consumer Health Informatics
- Human Factors and Usability Assessment
The College of Saint Scholastica is institutionally accredited to confer the accelerated master’s in healthcare informatics online. It also holds programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top national universities in the United States.
Graduate Tuition: $13,986
#32—University of Illinois-Chicago
Online Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI)
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 5
The accelerated master’s in healthcare informatics program from the University of Illinois-Chicago is a fully online MSHI offering that can be completed within two years. Although versatile, the curriculum for the program features five required core courses, including:
- Communication Skills in Health Informatics
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Health Informatics
- Information Sources in Biomedical & Health Information Sciences
A wide variety of elective classes are also available such as:
- Knowledge Management in Healthcare Organizations
- Patient Safety Topics in Health Informatics
- Theoretical Concepts of Clinical Decisions Support Systems
Students who elect to complete the optional Health Data Science concentration will take two additional required courses:
- Applied Statistics for Health Data Science
- Essentials in Health Data Science
The University of Illinois-Chicago is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to confer this fast online health informatics master’s credential. The graduate offering is also programmatically accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). U.S. News & World Report has ranked the UIC among the top 55 public schools in America.
Graduate Tuition: $13,276
#31—University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Online Master of Health Informatics and Health Information Management (HIIM)
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 5
Offered through its prestigious College of Health Professions, the online accelerated health informatics master’s degree program from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center features both an entry-level and post-graduate track. Courses are available completely online and may include titles such as:
- Legal Issues in Heath Information Technology and Systems
- Leadership for Health Information Technology and Systems
- Financial Management for Health Professionals
- Healthcare Vocabularies and Clinical Terminologies
An applied research project is also required before graduation. UTHSC is institutionally accredited to confer this fast online master’s in health informatics by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The program itself also holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Graduate Tuition: $13,099
#30—University of South Florida
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 5
The University of South Florida offers a fully online accelerated master’s in health informatics from its Morsani College of Medicine. Courses are eight weeks in length, and the program can be completed within a two-year timeframe. Students enrolled in the program can expect to take core courses, including:
- Legal Aspects of Health Information Management
- Foundations of Management Information Systems
- Healthcare Project Management
- Health Data Management
Elective classes may include:
- Medical Terminology for Health Informatics Professionals
- Health Outcomes Research
- Introduction to Healthcare Analytics
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited USF to confer this fast health informatics master’s online. U.S. News & World Report has recognized it as one of the top 75 best value schools in the nation.
Graduate Tuition: $8,350
#29—Liberty University
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 5
Liberty University’s online accelerated master’s of healthcare informatics is a comprehensive 42-credit hour program that can be completed within just two years. The curriculum for the program is entirely prescribed and features course titles such as:
- Health Information Systems & Integrated Technologies
- Quantitative Methods in Healthcare Management
- Organizational Behavior in Health Systems
- Health Data Analytics & Decision-Making
An integrated capstone course is also required for program completion. Liberty University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this fast online master of health informatics degree.
Graduate Tuition: $7,980
#28—University of Utah
Online Master of Biomedical Informatics: Applied Clinical Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 5
The fast online master’s of health informatics offering from the University of Utah is a Master of Biomedical Informatics emphasizing Applied Clinical Informatics. Offered through the university’s School of Medicine, the program is a non-thesis option that can be completed entirely online within just two years. Sample course titles comprising the program’s curriculum include:
- Clinical Information Systems Architecture
- Human Systems Interaction
- Clinical Decision Support
- Population & Public Health Informatics
Students must also complete a capstone project before graduation. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities Commission on Colleges has accredited the University of Utah to award the accelerated master’s in healthcare informatics online. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the 40 best public schools in the nation.
Graduate Tuition: $7,211
#27—Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Online MS in Health Information Management
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 5
The fast online master’s in health informatics from Southwestern Oklahoma State University is offered through the School of Allied Health Sciences. The 36-credit hour curriculum for the program is entirely prescribed and includes classes such as:
- Corporate Compliance and Quality Data Management in Healthcare
- Healthcare Vocabularies and Clinical Terminology
- Healthcare Strategic Planning
- Healthcare Decision Support Systems
Students must also complete a capstone project in health information management before graduation. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Southwestern Oklahoma State to award the online accelerated master of healthcare informatics. SOSU has been ranked among the top 45 best public schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Graduate Tuition: $6,084
#26—University of Pittsburgh
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 16 Months
Points: 6
The University of Pittsburgh offers an accelerated master’s in healthcare informatics online through its School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. The program is versatile, featuring four distinct curriculum tracks:
- General Health Informatics
- Data Science
- Health Care Supervision and Management
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
Courses required for the degree include:
- Health Information and the Health Care System
- Data Analytics and Machine Learning in Health Science
- Data Science in Health Informatics
- Security, Privacy, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Health Information Systems
The University of Pittsburgh holds the institutional accreditation necessary to confer this fast healthcare informatics master’s online from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the 50 most innovative schools in the nation.
Graduate Tuition: $23,530
#25—Mercer University
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months
Points: 6
The fully online accelerated health informatics master’s offering from Mercer University can be completed in just 18 months of full-time study. Required courses comprising the 30-credit hour curriculum for the program include:
- Healthcare IT Project Management
- Research Methods in Health Informatics
- Healthcare Data Management
- Informatics for Healthcare Systems
Elective classes are also available, including options such as:
- Healthcare Informatics Risk Assessment and Ethics
- Human Computer Interaction and Usability in Health Informatics
- Clinical Decision Support Systems and Tele-Health in Health Informatics
Mercer University is institutionally accredited to confer this fast online master’s in health informatics. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the top 40 best value schools nationwide.
Graduate Tuition: $15,422
#24—George Mason University
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 22 Months
Points: 6
The accelerated master’s in health informatics online program from George Mason University features two distinct concentrations:
- Health Data Analytics
- Health Informatics Management
Required courses comprising the 39-credit hour curriculum for the program includes:
- Advanced Health Information Systems
- Computational Tools in Health Informatics
- Health Care Databases
- Health Data: Vocabulary and Standards
A professional development seminar and capstone practicum in health systems management is also required for program completion. GMU is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This fast master of health care informatics online program is also programmatically accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Graduate Tuition: $12,144
#23—Indiana University
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 6
Indiana University offers a 36-credit hour accelerated master of health informatics online program from its School of Informatics and Computing and the Department of BioHealth Informatics. Both professional and thesis tracks are available, and core courses include:
- Foundations of Health Informatics
- Informatics Project Management
- Applied Statistical Methods for Biomedical Informatics
- Health Informatics Standards and Terminologies
Depending on the track they choose, students enrolled in the program will be required to take additional classes like:
- Biomedical Analytics
- Human Factors Engineering for Health Informatics
- Informatics Research Design
- Security and Privacy Policies and Regulations for Health Care
This fast online master’s in health informatics is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). IUPUI is institutionally accredited to award the degree by the Higher Learning Commission.
Graduate Tuition: $8,826
#22—University of Mississippi Medical Center
Master of Health Informatics and Health Information Management (HIIM) Online
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 6
The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s fast online master’s in healthcare informatics is a Master of Health Informatics and Health Information Management (HIIM) degree that can be completed in just two years. The program features two tracks:
- Health Information Management
- Health Informatics
Depending on the track they choose, students enrolled in the program will take classes such as:
- Health Information and Computer Science
- Data Architecture, Analytics, and Visualization
- Management of Health Information Services and Systems
- Development of Electronic Health Information Systems
Both tracks require the completion of a capstone course. UMMC is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to confer the accelerated master’s in health informatics online. The program’s health informatics track is also separately accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Graduate Tuition: $8,718
#21—University of Alabama-Birmingham
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 6
Fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), the fast online master of health informatics from the University of Alabama- Birmingham can be completed in just two years. The program is offered through the university’s School of Health Professions and the Department of Health Services Administration and features two curriculum tracks:
- Data Analytics
- User Experience
Regardless of concentration, all students will complete required core courses such as:
- Analysis and Design of Health Information Systems
- Security and Privacy in Healthcare
- Research Methods in Health Informatics
- Strategic Planning, Project Management, and Contracting
Coursework is offered completely online, but an on-campus residency is required each semester. UAB holds its institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The college has been ranked among the top 75 best value schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Graduate Tuition: $8,100
#20—University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston
Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics Online
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 6
The accelerated master’s in health informatics online program from the University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston is offered through its School of Biomedical Informatics. The program features two distinct tracks:
- Research
- Applied Biomedical Informatics
Depending on the chosen concentration, courses comprising the curriculum for the degree may include:
- Quality and Outcome Improvement in Healthcare
- Applied Data Management
- Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Informatics
- Research Design and Evaluation in Biomedical Informatics
The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston is institutionally accredited to confer the fast online master of healthcare informatics degree by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The program holds separate accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Graduate Tuition: $7,729
#19—University of Central Florida
Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 6
The 39-credit hour fast online master’s in healthcare informatics from the University of Central Florida is an MS program offered through the school’s College of Community Innovation and Education. Students enrolled in the program can expect to take classes such as:
- Health Care Database Management
- System Analysis and Design
- Health Care Informatics and Information Technology
UCF is institutionally accredited to award the accelerated master of healthcare informatics online. The program itself holds specialty accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the top 20 most innovative schools in America.
Graduate Tuition: $6,916
#18—Louisiana Tech University
Master of Science in Health Informatics Online
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 6
The accelerated master of healthcare informatics online program from Louisiana Tech University is a CAHIIM-accredited Master of Health Informatics (MHI) offering. The 39-credit hour curriculum for the program is prescribed and requires course titles such as:
- Healthcare Information Analysis
- Health Informatics Advanced Statistical Methods
- Database Architecture
- Medical Vocabulary and Class Systems
No thesis is required, but a capstone project must be completed before graduation. Louisiana Tech is institutionally accredited to confer this fast online master’s in health informatics by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Graduate Tuition: $6,592
#17—Dakota State University
Online MS in Health Informatics and Information Management (MSHIIM)
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 6
Dakota State University’s accelerated online master of healthcare informatics is offered through its College of Business and Information Systems. The 33-credit hour curriculum for the program is entirely prescribed and features course titles such as:
- Workflow and Usability Organization in Health Informatics
- Health Information Lifecycle Governance
- Leadership and Management for Health Informatics
- Research Design in Health Informatics
In addition to coursework, students must also pass a final assessment exam before graduation. Dakota State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to confer this fast online master’s in health informatics. The program itself is separately accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information management Education (CAHIIM).
Graduate Tuition: $5,939
#16—East Carolina University
Online MS in Health Informatics and Information Management
Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years
Points: 7
Offered through the school’s College of Allied Health Sciences and the Department of Health Services & Information Management, the online accelerated master of health informatics from East Carolina University is a comprehensive program that can be completed within just two years. Sample course titles comprising the curriculum for the program include:
- Database Systems in Health Care
- Health Information Privacy and Security
- Health Data Structures
- Evaluation Methods in Health Informatics
An internship is also required for successful program completion. ECU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the fast master’s in health informatics online is separately accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Graduate Tuition: $4,749
#15—Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master’s in Health Information Management
Minimum Time to Completion: 15 Months
Points: 8
An approved education partner of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, Southern New Hampshire University offers a 15-month accelerated online master of health informatics degree program. Courses required for the 36-credit hour curriculum include:
- Data Management and Data Quality
- Health Information Governance
- Health Information Management Applications and Systems
- Leading as a Health Information Management Professional
A capstone course is also required before graduation. The program prepares students for licensure as registered health information administrators or technicians. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award this fast master’s in healthcare informatics online degree. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school as the top #1 most innovative school in the nation.
Graduate Tuition: $18,810
#14—University of South Carolina
Online Master of Health Information Technology
Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months
Points: 8
The accelerated online master of healthcare informatics program from the University of South Carolina is offered through the school’s College of Engineering and Computing and the Department of Integrated Information Technology. The program is offered fully online and can be completed in as few as 18 months of full-time study. Students who wish to pursue the credential on a part-time basis can earn their degree in just 2 years. Core courses comprising the program’s curriculum include:
- Approaches and Concepts for Health Administration
- Project Management for Health Information
- Management of Health Information Systems
- Systems Analysis & Design for Health Applications
Students may also choose up to 12 credit hours of electives from offerings such as:
- Healthcare Policy and Principles of Health Insurance
- Effective Data Management for Public Health
- Conceptual Basis of Health Systems
- Health Economics
USC is fully accredited to award the fast master’s in health informatics online by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The program itself also holds separate accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the top 55 public schools in the nation.
Graduate Tuition: $13,737
#13—City University of New York
Master of Science in Population Health Informatics Online
Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months
Points: 8
The accelerated online master’s in healthcare informatics program from the City University of New York is a unique MS in Population Health Informatics that can be completed in just a year and a half of full-time study. The 39-credit hour curriculum for the program is fully prescribed and features course titles such as:
- Designing and Evaluating Public Health Interventions
- Applications of Population Health Informatics
- Public Health Leadership and Management
- Population Health Dashboards
A population health informatics project is also required for successful program completion. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has fully accredited the City University of New York to award this fast master’s in health informatics online. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the top 100 public schools in the country.
Graduate Tuition: $9,930
#12—University of Maryland Global Campus
Online Master’s in Health Informatics Administration
Minimum Time to Completion: 20 Months
Points: 8
The accelerated online master of healthcare informatics from the University of Maryland Global Campus is an affordable master’s in health informatics administration program that can be completed in well under two years of full-time study. Classes can be taken entirely online or via a hybrid format. Courses comprising the program’s core curriculum include:
- The Application of Information Technology in Healthcare Administration
- Information Technology Project Management
- Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations
- Research Methods for Healthcare Managers
A capstone course in Health Informatics Administration is also required. UMGC holds its institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This fast online master’s in health informatics holds programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management.
Graduate Tuition: $8,640
#11—University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Online Master of Health Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
Points: 9
Offered through its Institute for Health Informatics, the online accelerated master’s in healthcare informatics from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a 31-credit hour program that can be completed within a year of full-time study. Courses comprising the curriculum for the program may include:
- Clinical Informatics and Patient Safety
- Population Health Informatics
- Health Data Analytics and Data Science
- Biostatistics
- Applied Health Care Databases: Database Principles and Data Evaluation
The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities to award this fast online master’s in health informatics. U.S. News & World Report has named the university one of the 30 best public schools in America.
Graduate Tuition: $17,580
#10—Franklin University
Online MS in Health Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
Points: 9
The online accelerated master’s in healthcare informatics is one of the fastest options in our ranking, enabling students to earn their credentials within just one year. The prescribed curriculum for the program is comprised of 32 semester hours of coursework, including course titles such as:
- Health Information Governance
- Issues in Database Management
- Healthcare Strategic Management
- Clinical Workflow & Applications
Upon completing this fast online health informatics master’s degree program, students will also earn a SAS Tier 2 academic specialization in Data Analytics. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Franklin University to award this graduate credential in healthcare analytics.
Graduate Tuition: $16,080
#9—Capella University
Online Master of Health Administration (MAH) in Health Care Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
Points: 10
The accelerated online master’s in health informatics consists of a Master of Health Administration (MAH) offering with a Health Informatics concentration. The robust curriculum for the program features eight core courses, including:
- Data Analysis for Health Care Decisions
- Health Care Finance and Reimbursement
- Strategic Health Care Planning
- Health Care Law and Policy
Four concentration-specific classes are also required and include:
- Cornerstones of Health Informatics for Organizational Operations
- Leadership, Management, and Meaningful Use of Health Care Technology
- Health Care Delivery: New Environments in Health Informatics
- Health Care Information Systems Analysis and Design for Administrators
Capella University is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to confer this fast master’s in healthcare informatics online.
Graduate Tuition: $14,767
#8—Jacksonville University
Online Master of Science in Health Care Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
Points: 10
The 30-credit hour accelerated master’s in healthcare informatics online from Jacksonville University can be completed in just one year of full-time study. Coursework for the program is prescribed and includes classes such as:
- Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Health Informatics
- Advanced Health Care Database Management
- Legal and Social Issues in Health Informatics
- Advanced Coding and Classification
An internship or research project is also required as a capstone element. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Jacksonville University to award the fast online master of health informatics degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the college among the top 30 regional universities in the South.
Graduate Tuition: $14,706
#7—University of Massachusetts-Lowell
MS in Health Information Management Online
Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
Points: 10
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell’s fast master’s in health informatics online offering is an MS in Health Information Management program that can be completed in just 12 months of full-time study. Part-time options are also available but will lengthen the completion time to 2 years. Offered through the school’s College of Health Sciences, the program features two distinct concentrations:
- Health Management
- Health Informatics
Core classes required for the degree include:
- Law and Ethics in Healthcare
- Operations Analysis and Quality Improvement
- Organizational Behavior in Healthcare
- Healthcare Finance
Students pursuing the Health Informatics concentration will take additional courses such as:
- Healthcare Database Design
- Health Information Systems Planning
- Electronic Health Record Systems
- Healthcare Project Management
The New England Commission of Higher Education has accredited UMass- Lowell to confer the accelerated master of healthcare informatics online. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the university as one of the nation’s 100 best public schools.
Graduate Tuition: $14,590 (Financial aid is available when needed)
#6—Arizona State University
Online Master of Advanced Study in Health Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
Points: 10
The highly accelerated master’s in health informatics online program from Arizona State University can be completed within just one year when pursued on a full-time basis. This MAS in Health Informatics option is comprised of 7.5-week classes such as:
- Human Factors Engineering for Biomedical Applications
- Biostatistics with Computational Applications
- Foundations of Biomedical Informatics Methods
- Project Management for Interdisciplinary Teams
A supervised applied project is also required for successful program completion. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited ASU to confer the fast online master of healthcare informatics credential. U.S. News & World Report has named Arizona State the most innovative school in the nation and one of the top 50 best public schools.
Graduate Tuition: $11,720 (Financial aid is available when needed)
#5—Northern Kentucky University
Master of Science in Health Informatics Online
Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
Points: 10
Offered through its unique College of Informatics, the online accelerated master’s in health informatics from Northern Kentucky University is designed to be completed in as few as 12 months. The 33-credit hour curriculum for the program emphasizes real-world application of skills and requires that students take classes such as:
- Technical Foundations of Health Informatics
- Information Systems in Healthcare Organizations
- Information Technology Project Management
- Evidence-Based Healthcare Methods
A capstone course is also required for successful program completion. NKU is accredited to award this master’s in healthcare informatics online by the New England Commission of Higher Education. It’s been ranked among the nation’s top public schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Graduate Tuition: $11,034 (Financial aid is available when needed)
#4—University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Online Master of Professional Science in Biomedical and Health Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
Points: 10
The accelerated online master’s in health informatics offering from UNC at Chapel Hill is an interdisciplinary Master of Professional Science program that can be completed in just one year. To earn this credential, students must fulfill 35 credit hours of coursework, including core informatics classes such as:
- Programming for Information Professionals
- Information Visualization
- User Interface Design
- Web Databases
Students enrolled in the program will also elect either a Clinical Informatics track or Public Health Informatics track. Depending on the track they choose, students will take additional courses like:
- Healthcare Quality and Information Management
- Consumer Health Informatics
- Data Management in Clinical and Public Health Research
- Evidence-Based Health Information Practice
The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill holds accreditation to confer this fast online master of healthcare informatics from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has named it one of the top 15 best value schools in America.
Graduate Tuition: $10,552 (Financial aid is available when needed)
#3—Florida International University
Online Master of Science in Health Informatics & Analytics
Minimum Time to Completion: 14 Months
Points: 10
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), the accelerated online healthcare informatics master’s program from Florida International University can be completed in as few as 14 months. Required courses for the degree include:
- Technical and Data Architectures and Standards for Health Care
- Healthcare Data Visualization
- Quality and Outcome Analytics
- Healthcare Information Security and Privacy
A practicum experience or capstone course is also required before graduation. FIU holds institutional accreditation to confer this fast online master’s in healthcare informatics from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university has been ranked among the top best value schools in America by U.S. News & World Report.
Graduate Tuition: $8,912 (Financial aid is available when needed)
#2—University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley
Online Master of Science in Health Sciences: Healthcare Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months
Points: 11
The affordable and highly accelerated master of healthcare informatics online program is a MS in Health Sciences with a concentration in Healthcare Informatics that can be completed in just one year of study. The curriculum for the program is prescribed and features core courses such as:
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care
- Health Care Policy, Organization, and Financing
- Research in Health Sciences
- Health Computer Information Systems
- patient outcomes
Students will also complete elective courses in the health informatics concentration, including:
- Information Management Technology and Consumer Health
- Leadership in Health Informatics
- Healthcare Database Management
- Clinical Information Systems Life Cycle Management
UTRGV is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the fast online master’s in healthcare informatics degree.
Graduate Tuition: $8,132
1. Slippery Rock University
Online Master of Science in Health Care Informatics
Minimum Time to Completion: 10 Months
Points: 12
The most accelerated online master of health care informatics in our ranking, the degree plan from Slippery Rock University can be completed in just 10 months. The curriculum for the program is mostly prescribed and features course titles such as:
- Healthcare Ethics, Law, Privacy, and Information Assurance
- Foundations of Public Health
- Database Systems, Modeling, and Security
- Data Mining and Data Analysis
An informatics internship or capstone course is also required for successful program completion. Slippery Rock University is institutionally accredited to award the fast online master’s in healthcare informatics by the Middle States Commission of Higher Education. The university has been ranked among the top 60 best value schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Graduate Tuition: $9,288
About Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics Programs
Like nearly every other industry in America, healthcare industry is rapidly becoming more and more high-tech. Patient care is still on the ground, but everything else to improve health outcomes is going digital. Increasingly, medical records are kept digitally, and everything that takes place within a hospital or other clinical setting is stored in an online database. This trend in medical data and health services has created a huge demand for professionals who have a unique skill set, including knowledge of healthcare and information technology.
Fortunately, training programs in health informatics have also gone online, enabling graduate students interested in the field to earn their master’s credentials from the comfort of their homes (or anywhere they have a Wi-Fi connection!). Online master’s degree programs in this particular discipline are becoming more and more prevalent as prospective students flock to the growing discipline of healthcare informatics.
About Online Master of Healthcare Informatics Degree Options
Some of these online master’s degrees in healthcare informatics are more appealing than others. Busy professionals who are anxious to begin their lucrative careers in the field may prefer an online program that they can complete quickly and conveniently. Thus, accelerated online master’s in health informatics are popular. These programs enable students to complete their credentials in a fully or mostly online format within just two years of study. Contact student services to learn more.
Types of Master’s in Healthcare Informatics Programs
The two characteristics that all online accelerated master’s in health informatics programs share are that they’re fast and offered via distance education. Beyond that, you’ll find a fair amount of differences from one program to the next.
Fully Online Versus Hybrid Online Accelerated Master of Health Informatics
Some graduate programs in health informatics labeled as “online” programs still require some campus visits. However minimal, these required on-campus classes mean that the program is better described as a hybrid offering. Hybrid master’s in health informatics programs can have their benefits. For example, students who thrive in face-to-face classes or require more individualized instruction may prefer these types of programs. On the other hand, students who have particularly demanding schedules may need a fully online healthcare informatics master’s program.
Asynchronous Versus Synchronous Accelerated Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics
Another difference to consider when looking for an online healthcare informatics master’s program is its content delivery method. There are two methods you should be aware of: asynchronous and synchronous content delivery methods. Asynchronous programs are the most convenient of the two as they allow students to log into virtual classes whenever they wish to view pre-recorded lectures and complete assignments. Synchronous programs are less convenient but arguably more interactive. These offerings rely on streaming lectures and live class discussions via web conferencing software. That means that students enrolled in these programs will need to commit to being online at specific times. Some programs combine elements of asynchronous and synchronous delivery methods for a “best of both worlds” learning experience.
Accelerated Healthcare Informatics Online Master’s Degree Programs: Admissions
Like the programs themselves, admissions criteria for an online accelerated master of healthcare informatics programs are similar but may vary somewhat from one school to the next. Generally, you will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university to be eligible. Some schools may require that you have an undergraduate background in healthcare and/or information technology, while others will be more lenient. You may need to prove a minimum undergraduate GPA, which can also vary depending on the school and program you’re applying to. Other admissions requirements may include:
- GRE score
- Professional resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Essay or personal statement
- Writing sample
Online Accelerated Master of Health Informatics Degrees: Curriculum
Most accelerated online master’s in health informatics programs share similar curricula, but you can expect to encounter some differences, especially if the program you attend includes concentrations or specialization options.
The core curriculum for the program will generally address topics in both healthcare and information technology. It can span coursework in sub-fields like data science, public health, biostatistics, computer science, database management, and healthcare quality. Below, we’ve listed some sample core courses representative of accelerated online master’s in health informatics degree plans. Keep in mind, though, that specific course titles will vary
Sample Core Courses
- Health Informatics, Information Systems and Technology
- Database Modeling and Design
- Social and Organizational Issues in Health Informatics
- Management of Healthcare Communication Systems
- Community Health for Health Informatics
- Health Information Policy and Governance
- Security and Privacy in Health Informatics
- Strategic and Financial Planning for Health Information Systems
- health care project management
- business data communication
Popular Concentrations for Accelerated Online Master’s in Health Informatics Degrees
Healthcare informatics is a fairly specific field, so it’s not uncommon for the curriculum for an accelerated online master’s in health informatics to be prescribed, meaning all course titles are predetermined. However, some programs do enable students to specialize in a highly specific sub-field of healthcare informatics. Below, we will discuss some of the options you’ll find for this type of specialization.
Bioinformatics
Online master’s in health informatics students who elect a concentration in Bioinformatics work with biological data such as DNA, RNA, and genomes. These students will also gain critical knowledge of the computer programs used to analyze this type of data. Coursework may include:
- Machine Learning for Bioinformatics
- Advanced Bioinformatics: Genome Analysis
- Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining
- Introduction to Medical and Bioinformatics
Clinical Informatics
An accelerated master’s in health informatics with a concentration in Clinical Informatics will train healthcare and IT professionals to use healthcare data to improve the clinical environment. Topics will address patient safety, health care delivery services, and quality of care. Students enrolled in such a program can expect to take classes such as:
- Decision Support Systems and Health Care
- Health IT Integration and Interoperability Standards
- Telecommunication Networks
- Introduction to Data and Analytics
Population Health Informatics
The Population Health Informatics concentration within an online master of healthcare informatics program will train students to use health data to evaluate and improve conditions related to community and public health. Health informatics courses comprising the curriculum for such a program may include:
- Geographic Information Systems and Health Information
- Introduction to Population Health Informatics
- Applications of Population Health Informatics
- Design and Development of Population Health Information Systems
Questions are inevitable when considering an academic endeavor as significant as an accelerated online master of health informatics. Below. We’ll address some of the most commonly asked questions about programs of this kind by providing some general information and guidance. For more specific information about a particular school or program, we recommend you speak to an admissions counselor or other school representative.
How soon can I completed an accelerated master of healthcare informatics online?
Completion times will vary, but the programs featured in our ranking can be completed in two years or less. The most accelerated master’s in health informatics online program that we discovered in our research is a 10-month offering from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.
How much does an online accelerated health informatics master’s online program cost?
Costs can vary widely from one program to the next. It is possible to find an accelerated online master’s in healthcare informatics for as little as $5,000 per year or as much as $50,000 per year. Reputable schools will offer federal financial aid and career services to help you on your way.
What is the best accelerated online master’s in health informatics program?
There is no single best program suited for everyone. Instead, you’ll need to evaluate the different characteristics of these academic offerings in order to select the ideal program for you. Some factors you should consider include tuition, curriculum, scheduling, and accreditation, for instance.
Are careers in healthcare informatics in demand?
Yes! Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs for health services managers, including those who work in health technology informatics, are growing at a faster-than-average pace. Health informaticists may have particularly good employment prospects because of the increased use of electronic medical records in today’s modern healthcare system.
How much will I make with an online health informatics master’s degree?
Your average annual salary will vary depending on your job title as well as where you work and for whom in the American healthcare system. Still, PayScale reports the average annual wage for health care providers with a master of science in health informatics to be just over $72,000 per year.
What jobs are available in healthcare informatics?
There are numerous jobs available for graduates of master’s in health informatics degree programs. Some of these include:
- Health information management supervisor
- Clinical systems analyst
- Health informatics specialist
- Healthcare informatics consultant
- Patient data recorder
What professional organizations in health informatics should I join?
There are a number of professional associations in health administration informatics and related medical services. Some of these include:
- International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA)
- American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
- American Nursing Informatics Association (ANIA)
- Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
- National Committee for Vital and Health Statistics
Sources:
- National Center for Education Statistics: College Navigator
- PayScale
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
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