Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Healthcare Informatics Degrees

Health care informatics professionals work to transition from paper-based to computer-based records systems.


The University of Illinois at Chicago defines health informatics as "evaluating, implementing and utilizing technology" with regards to patient care delivery. Completion of a degree in health care informatics prepares graduates to become certified as Registered Health Information Administrators (RHIA). Health informatics professionals work as data analysts, risk managers and information technology (IT) directors in health care organizations.


Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies


The medical informatics master's degree program at Northwestern University can be completed entirely online. The curriculum covers such topics as the U.S. health care system, computer-based medical records, health care technology and ethical issues in health care. All students in the master's program complete a capstone project during the final semester of study. The degree takes three semesters to complete on a part-time basis and graduates are prepared for careers as health information managers at physician practices or hospitals. It is recommended that applicants have work experience in clinical or information technology. Admission is based on a review of undergraduate transcripts, recommendation letters, a resume and a personal statement. Students attending medical school at Northwestern have the option of completing a health informatics degree concurrently with the M.D. degree.


Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies


339 East Chicago Avenue


Chicago, IL 60611-3008


312-503-6950


scs.northwestern.edu


University of Maryland--University College


Applicants to the University of Maryland's 36-credit master's program in health care administration informatics should have three years of related work experience prior to enrollment in the program. Students take courses in research skills, computer security, database systems and project management. The program is designed for information technology professionals and health care administrators. A capstone course taken at the end of the program reviews issues in health care policy and IT systems used to deliver information in health care settings.


University of Maryland University College


3501 University Boulevard East


Adelphi, MD 20783


800-888-8682


umuc.edu


University of Illinois at Chicago


Students interested in studying health care informatics at the University of Illinois can select from several online programs, including a master's degree, a post-baccalaureate certificate and a post-master's certificate. The master's degree program includes coursework in biomedical science, health care IT administration, and health information systems and design. Students can select from research or non-research options for their degrees. Applicants to the program need at least two years of related work experience in IT or consulting.


University of Illinois at Chicago


College of Applied Health Sciences


1919 West Taylor Street, Room 560 AHSB


MC 528


Chicago, IL 60612-7249


312-996-7337


ahs.uic.edu

Tags: health care, health care, University Illinois, care informatics, Illinois Chicago, information technology