If you are a student searching for degree programs to prepare you for a career in health informatics, this listing of Health Informatics Programs in Michigan is a valuable tool.
A report from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association says that the number one employer in Michigan is the healthcare industry. There are 546,000 Michigan residents whose wages come directly from their jobs as administrators, doctors and nurses, and even custodians.
One of the healthcare professions represented in the report is healthcare information systems technicians. These people manage both digital and paper patient records, but as electronic health records are utilized more, the professionals in this position must be computer experts.
Baker College—Flint
College of Health Professions
Baker College is a conglomeration of thirteen campuses in Michigan. It enrolls 8,100 students. The school is a private, not-for-profit coed career college. That designation means that all programs are designed to end in a specific career. There are few extracurricular courses or activities. Another term for career college is technical or vocational, school. Baker College is unranked by US News and World Report. It is a participant in the Smart Degree Program which is a cooperative path to getting a degree that features fewer courses and special “group rates” on classes.
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
This accredited health informatics program contains 71 credit hours in the major. It includes 26 hours in general education, and four credit hours in either Human Relations or General Psychology. The requisite general classes are determined by the programs they support. There are both day and evening classes offered, but the requisite clinicals are only offered during the daytime. The degree program is offered both online and in the traditional format. Incoming freshmen must take either “College Success Strategies,” or “College Success Online.” Clinicals may require up to 40 hours a week, and must not be paid positions. The curriculum for the 97 hour program is based on “Essential Functions and Technical Requirements” which include the areas of:
- motor
- sensory
- communications
- intellectual
All degree programs must be designed with the input of the program director for individualization. Upon graduation, students are equipped to sit for the RHIT exam to become certified.
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation For Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIM)
Contact
College of Health Professions
Baker College—Flint
1050 West Bristol Road
Flint, MI 48507
810-766-4147
amy.savage@baker.edu
Program Website
Baker College —Allen Park
Department of Health Sciences
This school is another campus of Baker College. It is different in that it specializes in management careers. It offers associate and baccalaureate degrees in five management areas. It is ranked, offering associate and baccalaureate degrees in five management areas. It is ranked #302 of management schools in the Midwest and 37th in Michigan. Tuition is about $11,000 annually. The school participates in the Smart degree Program. This means that each student in the program is assigned a mentor and that tuition is based upon blocks or groups of courses, in this case, $450 for three.
Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Information Technology
Because this school is an alternate campus for the Baker College System, the requirements for this degree are the same as on other Baker campuses. There are:
- 71 hours in the major
- 26 hours in general education
- four credit hours in either Human Relations or General Psychology
A minimum of 97 hours is required to graduate. Many of the courses in the program have practicum requisites (though these may occur as lectures). There is a clinical requirement that may involve as many as 40 hours a week and which cannot be a paid position. The classes are offered both in traditional and in online format. Many take place in the evenings. Clinical hours are daytime only. All freshmen are required to take orientation classes tailored to the traditional classes or to online students.
Accreditation
- Commission on the Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
Contact
Department of Health Sciences
Baker College—Allen Park
4500 Enterprise Drive
Allen Park, MI 48101
313-425-3707
kristina.nestor@baker.edu
Program Website
Baker College of Clinton Township
Health Sciences
This campus of the Baker College system is located in Clinton Township, a suburb of Detroit Michigan. There are 6,625 students and tuition is $7,740 a year for residents. The school operates on a quarter system. It is unranked by US News and World Report, but boasts state-of-the-art simulation lab learning. As the other campuses of Baker College, this school is private and not-for-profit. It offers certificates, associate and baccalaureate degrees. Classes are offered online as well as in a traditional format.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Healthcare Information Technology
Students applying to this degree program should be aware of the “Essential Functions” component of the curriculum. These are not requirements to be admitted to the program, but necessary skills to successfully complete the degree. The school complies with the Disabled Americans act. It will work with people who have disabilities in any of the areas represented in the Essential Functions. This is a 97 credit-hour program of which:
- 26 hours are in general education and foundational studies
- four credit hours are either Human Relations or General Psychology
- 71 hours are in the major
All incoming freshmen must take a three-week orientation course, either “College Success Strategies” for students who attend traditional classes or “College Success Online.” There are practicum requirements for several of the courses and a required clinical experience which may involve up to 40 hours of unpaid work a week.
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
Contact
Health Sciences
Baker College of Clinton Township
34950 Little Mack Avenue
Charter Two of Clinton MI, 48035
586-790-9426
april.martin@baker.edu
Program Website
Baker College of Jackson
Health Sciences
This Baker College campus is located in south central Michigan about 40 miles west of Ann Arbor. It is a small school with a rural feel, yet is relatively near shopping and amenities as well as study resources. The school was rated by Military Times magazine as one of the “Top 25” Best-for –Vets business schools. It is also high-ranked by “Get Educated” for online degrees. This school recently opened a satellite location in Coldwater, Michigan.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Healthcare Information Technology
This is the same degree program offered at all Baker campuses. It’s a 97 credit hour program that contains:
- 71 hours in the major
- 26 hours in general education
- four hours in either Human Relations or General Psychology
The classes may be taken online or in the traditional classroom setting. There is a required orientation course which lasts three weeks. It’s tailored to either the traditional classes or to online learning success. Several of the individual courses have practicum elements but these may be lectures. There is, however, a required clinical component to the degree. It may entail 40 hours of non-compensated work a week. The curriculum is based on an Essential Functions and Technical Requirements which include the areas of:
- motor
- sensory
- communications
- intellectual
The school will work with students who have disabilities to accommodate these requirements.
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
Contact
Department of Health Sciences
Baker College at Jackson
2800 Springport Road
Jackson, MI 49202
810-766-4168
catherine.ward@baker.edu
Program Websites
Davenport University Grand Rapids MI
College of Health Professions
This 11-campus school has a student body of almost 12,000. Grand Rapids is home to the main campus. It is a private school, and its ranking by US News and World Report is not published. All freshmen who attend traditional classes are required to live on campus. Although there is a fairly large student body, most classes have fewer than 20 students. The school has 11 campuses in Michigan. Tuition is $14,066. The four-year graduation rate is eight per cent.
Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Information Technology
This degree program has state-of-the-art virtual labs and enables graduates to sit for the RHIT exam. Classes are held in traditional classrooms and in online format, but all programs must be completed at the Livonia Campus. Classes are flexible but there is a required sequence. The 75 credit hour program consists of:
- 25 credits in “Foundations of Excellence” courses
- nine in Foundations of the Health Professions
- 40 in the major, including four practicums ( for a minimum total of 150 hours of practicum)
The program prepares students to advance to a baccalaureate or advanced degree. Sample classes include:
- coding
- introduction to reimbursement systems
- health record contents
- quality assessment
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Informatics and Information Management Education
Contact
College of Healthcare Professions
Davenport University at Grand Rapids
6191 Kraft Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49572
810-396-3647
TJhunt@davenport.edu
Program Website
Davenport University–Livonia Campus
College of Health Professions
This school was ranked #529 of Midwest schools by the Washington Monthly Magazine. The average student/faculty ratio in this quarter-based school is 16:1. In 2011, the Livonia campus of Davenport University hosted a Google conference. There are 37 majors at the school. Tuition is $12,700 and the four-year graduation rate is 24 per cent.
Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Information Systems
Professionals trained through this degree:
- work in quality control
- maintain both paper and digital patient healthcare records
- deal with financial reimbursement
The degree contains a minimum of 75 credits. Students in the program gain experience in a virtual lab with state-of-the-art simulations. Students may begin the program on any Davenport University campus but must finish on the Livonia campus. The degree begins with 36 credits in Foundations of Excellence. There are nine credits in the Foundations of Health Professions and 40 in the major. The associate degree also includes a mandatory 150 to 180 hour practicum.
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Information Management
This degree combines:
- healthcare
- business
- technology
It contains 121-122 credits. Students participate in the American Healthcare Information Management Program and have access to SOTA virtual labs and equipment. There are:
- 35 credits in the Foundations of Excellence
- 12-13 in the Foundations of Health Professions
- 74 in the major
There are also six credits in electives. The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Information Management offers a study-abroad option. The school offers the degree in traditional classroom and in online format. At the culmination of the program students are qualified to sit for the RHIA exam.
Accreditation
- Commission on the Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
Contact
College of Health Professions
Davenport University—Livonia Campus
19499 Victor Parkway
Livonia, MI 48152
586-620-4085
LindaSorenson@davenpport.edu
Program Website
Davenport University Online
College of Health Professions
This option for the healthcare information degree offered by Davenport allows the flexibility to study even while you are employed. It can be completed on your schedule. Tuition for the online degree program is $613 per credit hour. US News and World Report ranks the online bachelor’s program as #119 among regional universities. Online classes, like all Davenport classes are small.
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Information Management
This degree contains 121-122 credit hours just as the traditional classroom version of the degree does. It is completely online except for the final part which must be taken at the Livonia campus. The program qualifies for Title IV financial aid. The classes are broken up into seven and 10 week segments. The school may award credits for previous health service training and experience. There are required practicums (which may be labs or lectures) and internships offered with this degree. There is also an opportunity for study abroad. Students completing the online degree program will be qualified to sit for the RHIA exam.
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
Contact
College of Healthcare Professions
Davenport University at Grand Rapids
6191 Kraft Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49572
616-233-3471
Email through website
Program Website
Davenport University—Saginaw
College of Health Professions
This school is a campus in the Davenport University system. It is a rural campus, yet close enough to metropolitan areas to offer amenities and scholastic resources. All freshmen must live on campus. Resident tuition for the traditional classroom delivery of degrees is $15,840 and for online study $16,140. The school offers a “brush-up” program that allows students to repeat classes in which they did poorly (making them unprepared for their job responsibilities) at reduced cost or even free.
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
This is the same degree offered at other Davenport campuses. It contains 121-122 credit hours. The degree must be finished at the Livonia campus. Students in the program participate in the American Health Information Management Association program with SITA virtual labs and equipment. There are:
- 35 credit hours in Foundations of Excellence courses
- 12-13 hours in Foundations of Health Professions
- six in electives
- 74 in the major
Several of the classes require practicums which may be labs or lectures.
Accreditation
Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Informatics and Information Management
Contact
College of Health professions
Davenport University Saginaw
5300 Bay Road
Saginaw MI, 48604
810-396-3647
TJHunt@davenport.edu
Program Website
Ferris State University
College of Health Professions
This school has more than 14,000 students but half of classes have fewer than 50 students. The main campus is at Big Rapids, MI and there are 19 off-campus sites. The courses are career-driven which means you take fewer courses in other disciplines. The transfer rate for this school is the highest of any Michigan school. It is ranked by US News and World Report as #54 of regional universities. Instate tuition is $10,677.
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
This program has a minimum of 64 credit hours, with 13 hours in general studies. Students are required to take:
- Introduction to Human Anatomy/Physiology
- English
- either Interpersonal Communications or Small Group Decision Making
There are also social awareness classes and cultural diversity courses along with classes on the US Healthcare System and courses in the major. Students must have an overall 2.3 GPA to graduate. This is a five-semester program including a six-week hospital internship.
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
This program has:
- 16 credits in general education
- three to four in scientific understanding
- none each in cultural and social classes
- core courses to comprise the minimum 131 credits necessary to graduate
Applicants must have three credits in quantitative study or be able to demonstrate proficiency in the skill. They must also demonstrate proficiency in intermediate algebra (through an ACT score of 19 or an SAT of 460).
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Information and Information Management
Contact
College of Health Professions
Ferris State University
1201 South State Street
Big Rapids, MI 49307
616-643-5726
PaulaKoning@ferris.edu
Program Website
Macomb Community College
Health, Sciences and Technology Department
This community college transfers many students to Ferris University. It is a large school with 24,468 students. The public school has several locations throughout the Warren area. In 1982 the college opened the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. Other schools, including universities, offer advanced classes on the Macomb center campus. In-state tuition is $4,161.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology
This degree contains 72 credit hours. Students must carry a “C” or better GPA to graduate. There are several required preliminary classes in the program including:
- Medical Terminology
- Computing and Information Processing Principles
- Business Communication
The first and second semesters students learn:
- fundamentals of information technology
- biology
- pharmacology
- coding
In the third semester there are more advanced classes as well as the first of two professional practice experiences. Semester four introduces management concepts and brings the second professional practice experience. Students must take a minimum of 18 credits in arts and science classes and 64 in their major.
Accreditation
- Commission of Accreditation for Health Information Technology and Information Management
Contact
Macomb Community College
14500 East Twelve Mile Road
Warren, MI 43088
586-226-4809
dunsmorek@macomb.edu
Program Website
Schoolcraft College
Healthcare and Health Sciences Department
This school was originally called the Northwest Wayne County Community College. It has campuses in Garden City and Livonia, Michigan. The college is noted for its culinary arts program. With a student population of 13,579, the large school has an in-state tuition of $3,810. This is a two-year college and the highest degree they award is the associate.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Healthcare Information Technology
This degree program contains 68 credit hours. It is a restricted access degree which means that there are some prerequisite classes and/or scores to be accepted. Graduates of the program are qualified to sit for the RHIT exam and may also seek additional certification in:
- cancer registry
- trauma registry
- quality management
- coding specialist
Students must carry a 2.0 GPA on all classes. The first year includes fundamentals and the first of two clinical experiences. The second experience comes in the winter semester of the second year as well as advanced classes in:
- coding
- statistics
- management.
Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation of Health Information Technology and Information Management
Contact
Health and Health Sciences department
Schoolcraft College
1757 Radcliff Street
Garden City, MI 48135
734-462-4429
counseling@schoolcraft.edu
Program Website
The schools represented in this article are large entities with many campuses. Each school’s degree program is identical with the main campus, but the personalities of the campuses will vary. Therefore, if you want a smaller, rural campus, you should visit the websites of schools fitting that description. You can use this list of accredited Health Informatics Programs in Michigan to choose the campuses and schools that interest you most, then research those schools further.
Related Resource: Healthcare Management Masters Programs in Michigan