What are the Different Types of Health Informatics Degrees?

health-informatics-degreesIf you have ever thought about attaining an education in order to pursue a career in health informatics, an important question has probably crossed your mind: “What are the different types of health informatics degrees?” By reading the information found below, you can obtain an answer to this question and several others that pertain to the field of health informatics.

Health Informatics-A Brief Overview

Although defined diversely, health informatics is basically a field of study and praxis that functions as the intersection of computer science, information science, and health care. This field involves analyzing the devices, resources, and methods that are necessary to optimize the storage, acquisition, retrieval, and utilization of information in biomedicine and health.

There are a variety of tools that are used to facilitate health informatics processes. Some of them include:

  • clinical guidelines
  • computers
  • communication and information systems
  • formal medical terminologies

Health informatics can be applied across many fields, including:

  • clinical care
  • nursing
  • pharmacy
  • dentistry
  • public health
  • physical therapy
  • occupational therapy
  • alternative medicine

In addition to being referenced as health informatics, this field also goes by the terms:

  • health care informatics
  • health information systems
  • medical informatics
  • clinical informatics
  • biomedical informatics
  • nursing informatics

The Different Types of Health Informatics Degrees

There are a variety of types of health informatics degrees that an individual can earn. Some of them include:

Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management

The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management offers students instruction in the use and management of information systems for:

  • resource allocation
  • executive-level decision making
  • healthcare provision and planning processes

Students who earn this degree will generally explore important topics such as:

  • systems analysis
  • coding
  • health information research
  • data quality management

In many cases, this degree program is designed to prepare students to take the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.

Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI)

This degree offers students an advanced education to provide them with:

  • leadership skills
  • technical knowledge
  • hands-on experiences

The acquisition of these things facilitates the improvement of access to health information. It also advances the delivery of patient care throughout the world. Individuals who graduate from a master’s in health informatics program will be ready to lead their businesses or organizations in the development and implementation of patient care strategies.

Post-Master’s Certificate in Health Informatics (PMC HI)

The Post-Master’s Certificate in Health Informatics provides students with an in-depth understanding of the perpetually changing and expanding world of health informatics. Graduates will be equipped with the change management and leadership skills necessary to thrive in the field. Students learn how to organize, collect, and analyze electronic health records as well as medical information. They will be able to make several positive contributions to the world of healthcare while also improving the quality of patient care.

Other Options

The above list has just three of many health informatics degrees that an individual can earn. Some other options include earning a PhD in the field or specializing in an area of interest such as:

•Health Services Information Systems
•Health Services Finance
•Healthcare Policy
•Business Intelligence and Data Analysis (with Lab)
•Project Management
•Basic Medical Terminology

If you are thinking about pursuing a career in the field of health informatics, you should know that there are several types of degrees available. Now that you have an answer to the question, What are the different types of health informatics degrees?, you can make an informed decision regarding which type of degree will best help you accomplish your goals.