2026 Best Health Informatics Master's Degree Online
Compare student-rated online health informatics master's degrees using verified reviews.
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The best health informatics master's degree online helps prepare students to use data, technology, and information systems to improve healthcare delivery and decision-making. Graduate reviews can reveal how well each program connects technical training with the realities of working in healthcare.
Key Takeaways:
- Recommendation rates are exceptionally strong across these schools hosting online health informatics programs, with 11 out of 15 schools earning 100% recommendation rates.
- Tuition varies much more than ratings. Annual costs range from $6,233 at East Carolina to $33,022 at Northeastern, while just 0.53 points separate the highest and lowest review ratings.
We spoke with Dr. Gregory Gasic, a neuroscientist and biomedical research consultant, who explained how online health informatics degrees prepare students for a data-driven future.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online master's in healthcare informatics degree make the cut. On top of that, schools must also have at least five verified student reviews and an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a five-point scale. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize the most relevant student feedback by starting with reviews tied to the exact program and degree level. If too few master's in healthcare informatics qualify, we gradually expand the review pool to include related programs or other degree levels, while preserving the most program-specific results at the top of the list. This process continues until all eligible review data has been considered.
2026 Best Health Informatics Master's Degree Online
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | 100% | $28,079 | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University - Northridge | 4.39 / 5 | 100% | 86% | $13,440 | N/A | |
| Northeastern University | 4.28 / 5 | 100% | $33,022 | $112,151 | ||
| Texas State University | 4.23 / 5 | 100% | $15,428 | N/A | ||
| Arizona State University, Online | 4.23 / 5 | 92% | $19,100 | N/A | ||
| Temple University | 4.18 / 5 | 91% | $16,992 | N/A | ||
| Sacred Heart University | 4.14 / 5 | 100% | $14,850 | N/A | ||
| The University of Findlay | 4.12 / 5 | 100% | $13,860 | N/A | ||
| Indiana University - Indianapolis | 4.08 / 5 | 100% | $7,600 | N/A | ||
| University of Cincinnati | 4.07 / 5 | 100% | $10,923 | N/A | ||
| Florida International University | 4.06 / 5 | 100% | $19,411 | N/A | ||
| East Carolina University | 4.05 / 5 | 91% | $6,233 | N/A | ||
| Rutgers University | 3.98 / 5 | 100% | $22,224 | N/A | ||
| Creighton University | 3.89 / 5 | 100% | $18,450 | N/A |
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This is the #1 best online health informatics master's degree based on student ratings from surveys we've collected across U.S. schools.
- The online MPS in Biomedical and Health Informatics is a 35-credit, non-thesis degree that UNC says can be completed in as little as one year.
- It sits within the Carolina Health Informatics Program, whose interdisciplinary structure connects informatics study with clinical, public health, computing, and data-focused disciplines.
1 Student Review for Master's in Healthcare Informatics Degrees
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides an excellent platform for students coming from all walks of life. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are so diverse that you could find your area of interest very easily. In addition to academic... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray UNC-Chapel Hill as an energizing, high-value place where rigorous academics, renowned faculty, and a deeply rooted sense of community often translate into confidence, strong networks, and real career momentum. Many describe abundant clubs, research access, and alumni connections that make a large campus feel smaller once you get involved. The strongest criticisms center on uneven advising, inconsistent career support, and the need to be highly self-directed. Some found the workload intense, the atmosphere competitive, or certain departments isolating, while a smaller group raised concerns about transfer support, inclusivity, financial aid gaps, parking, and feeling overlooked at such a large institution.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,815 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $28,079
- Out-of-State Tuition: $28,079
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This online MS in Healthcare Data Analytics is built from three stackable certificates, allowing students to earn standalone credentials in Healthcare Data Management, Healthcare Systems and Operations, and Leadership and Strategy in Healthcare Analytics while progressing toward the master’s degree.
- The Leadership and Strategy certificate addresses biases in AI and machine learning, ethical data use, patient privacy, statistical analysis, and leadership ethics, giving the program a distinct governance and responsible-AI component.
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe CSUN as a generally affordable, practical option where approachable professors, small-to-midsize classes, and career-minded faculty often make the biggest difference. Many reviewers credit mentoring, internships, research, networking, and flexible evening or online formats with helping them balance work and school while preparing for jobs or further study. The campus is often seen as friendly, diverse, safe, and resource-rich, with a strong library, recreation spaces, and useful support services. Still, recurring frustrations center on inconsistent advising, disorganized administration, limited course availability, commuter-school social gaps, parking, and a few departments criticized for weak teaching, poor communication, or inadequate professional preparation.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,204 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition: $19,062
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This online Master of Health Informatics is recognized by HIMSS as an Approved Education Partner program and is designed to prepare students for the CAHIMS or CPHIMS certification exams.
- Purdue Global positions the EJD pathway around non-practice legal expertise, including an available health law concentration, creating an unusual route for informatics professionals interested in compliance, regulation, policy, or healthcare law without pursuing a bar-qualifying JD.
6 Student Reviews for Master's in Healthcare Informatics Degrees
I am scheduled for graduation on February 17, 2024, and this has been a great experience. All the professors are attentive and accessible. If you have any questions, they are always available to answer them. Being a non-traditional student with outside... Read More
I would first like to thank the entire staff for the excellent knowledge they have given me regarding health information management. At this university, my dream has come true. Several reasons make me like Purdue Global. 1. First and foremost, it was... Read More
I'm a 3rd generation Boilermaker and I was looking to advance my career options in healthcare IT. I had worked in the industry for ~5 years and wanted a flexible opportunity to work while pursuing education. Purdue Global offered me a doable schedule... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Purdue Global split sharply, but the strongest throughline is frustration with administrative operations, especially financial aid. Many describe contradictory answers, delayed disbursements, unexpected fees, transcript problems, and confusion around military or veteran benefits, sometimes severe enough to delay starts, trigger withdrawals, or leave people with debt near graduation. Positive reviews focus less on bureaucracy and more on classroom experience: responsive professors, supportive advisors, flexible scheduling for working adults, and coursework that some found rigorous and career-relevant. Several also praised credit for prior learning and transfer options. A recurring caveat, even in favorable reviews, is that success often depends on strong self-direction.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 14,364 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $13,440
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,440
- Program Length: 18 months
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Northeastern says its M.S. in Health Informatics was the first master’s program in the field, giving it a long history in a relatively young academic discipline.
- This online MSHI program is intentionally interdisciplinary, combining clinical, technical, and business perspectives so students learn to communicate across healthcare practitioners, administrators, and IT professionals.
- Northeastern designed the degree for students entering from different backgrounds, including those without prior clinical or technical experience.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Northeastern as a school people value most for turning education into employment. Again and again, respondents say co-ops, internships, research placements, and strong employer ties helped them test careers, build networks, earn money, and graduate with unusually marketable experience. Many also praise supportive professors, rigorous coursework, and online formats that work well for full-time professionals. Boston is frequently described as a major advantage, with access to jobs, hospitals, and other institutions. The recurring frustrations are cost, inconsistent teaching quality, and a bureaucratic culture marked by poor advising, red tape, and departments that pass people around without clear answers.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,642 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $33,022
- Out-of-State Tuition: $33,022
- Program Length: 18 months
- Median Earnings: $112,151
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Texas State’s online Master of Health Information Management is CAHIIM-accredited through October 2028.
- It's designed to prepare graduates to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.
- The program does not require prior clinical experience, making the MHIM accessible to both healthcare professionals and career changers.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Texas State University as a place where approachable professors, a scenic San Marcos setting, and a strong sense of community often make the experience memorable. Many describe faculty who know them personally, offer practical guidance, and open doors to internships, research, networking, and career confidence. The river, Hill Country views, and balance between a lively campus and manageable size come up repeatedly. Criticism centers on inconsistency: some departments feel disorganized, too theoretical, or uneven in teaching quality, while advising, registration, financial aid, and online course design can be frustrating. A smaller group reports weak mentorship, outdated coursework, and administrative communication problems.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 944 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $15,428
- Out-of-State Tuition: $15,428
- Program Length: 14 months
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Arizona State University Online skew positive, driven by strong marks for flexibility, responsive support, and a platform many said made it possible to keep working, parenting, traveling, or serving in the military while staying enrolled. Students often praised helpful professors, accessible advisors, and career resources that translated into internships, jobs, or graduate study. The recurring frustrations were cost and inconsistency. Negative reviewers focused on steep tuition, extra fees, confusing financial aid, weak advising, and online courses that sometimes felt like self-teaching through prerecorded lectures, compressed schedules, vague instructions, and limited faculty interaction. Several also warned that some paths lacked clear workforce payoff.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.1 Student Review for Master's in Healthcare Informatics Degrees
Arizona State has a very innovative online program. It allows you the flexibility of online learning while still working. You will learn a lot and the education is top notch. I have not regretted the opportunity of going back to school. Arizona State... Read More
- Online Enrollment: 19,221 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $19,100
- Out-of-State Tuition: $19,100
- Program Length: 18 months
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Temple University as a place where many found strong academic value, supportive professors, and unusual access to hands-on experience, internships, research, study abroad, and Philadelphia-based networking. Students often describe the campus as diverse, energetic, and full of opportunity, with some saying a large university still felt surprisingly personal through mentoring and smaller communities. The recurring frustrations are just as clear: financial aid and other administrative offices are frequently labeled slow or disorganized, commuter and satellite-campus experiences can feel overlooked, and safety concerns about the surrounding neighborhood come up repeatedly, even when reviewers praise campus security and ongoing improvements.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,458 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $16,992
- Out-of-State Tuition: $16,992
- Program Length: 30 months
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Sacred Heart University are largely favorable, with many describing a close-knit campus where professors are accessible, invested, and often central to the experience. Students repeatedly praise small classes, strong mentorship, practical preparation, and abundant ways to get involved, from clubs to community service, alongside upgraded facilities and useful career support. Online learners appreciate flexibility, shorter terms, and lower cost, but several say virtual offerings feel less developed and less personal. The sharpest criticism targets administration, inconsistent instructional quality in some areas, housing or location concerns, and, in a few health-related tracks, punitive policies and weak placement support.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,143 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $14,850
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,850
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray The University of Findlay as a place where many students value close faculty relationships, small classes, and practical preparation, especially when instruction feels personal rather than anonymous. Several describe professors as accessible, invested, and still supportive years later, while hands-on learning, internships, and flexible formats for working adults stand out as meaningful advantages. The strongest complaints center on price and uneven value. Some reviewers say the private-school tuition leaves heavy debt, with weaker career services and fewer resources than larger universities. A few also report disappointing curriculum gaps, inexperienced newer faculty, and, in isolated but severe cases, poor treatment and administrative inconsistency.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 257 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $13,860
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,860
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Indiana University - Indianapolis as a practical, opportunity-rich campus that works especially well for people balancing school with jobs, commuting, or family responsibilities. Many praise accessible professors, responsive staff, strong mentoring, and plentiful internships, research, and networking tied to the downtown location. Students often feel career-ready and appreciate the school’s affordability relative to similar options. The sharpest criticisms focus on inconsistency: some departments are described as disorganized, advising can be slow or unhelpful, and course quality varies widely by instructor. Several reviewers also mention limited campus community, parking frustrations, safety concerns, and tuition or financial-aid problems, especially for out-of-state students.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,607 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $7,600
- Out-of-State Tuition: $7,600
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray University of Cincinnati as a place where strong faculty, demanding coursework, and especially co-op, internship, and field placements often translate into practical experience and career momentum. Many describe supportive professors, accessible online formats, and a campus that feels lively, diverse, and opportunity-rich despite its size. The most consistent complaints center on uneven administration: poor communication, disorganized departments, weak advising, and frustrating financial aid or transfer processes. Safety around the surrounding neighborhood also appears repeatedly, with some feeling uneasy at night. A smaller group questioned whether certain paths delivered enough career preparation, funding, or long-term value relative to debt.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 4,684 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $10,923
- Out-of-State Tuition: $10,923
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray FIU as a generally well-regarded, affordable university where diversity, flexible scheduling, and approachable professors stand out. Many describe strong instruction grounded in real-world experience, plus practical opportunities such as research, internships, networking, and hands-on learning that build confidence for careers or graduate study. The campus is often praised as modern, lively, and resource-rich, especially for commuters and working adults. Criticism centers less on academics than on administration: inconsistent advising, slow or unhelpful offices, financial aid confusion, parking headaches, overcrowding, and some uneven teaching quality. A few reviewers also felt unsupported in online formats, arts-related areas, or specific departments.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 2,780 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $19,411
- Out-of-State Tuition: $19,411
- Program Length: 17 months
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray East Carolina University as a place where many found caring professors, approachable staff, and a campus culture that feels larger in scale but surprisingly personal. Students often praise hands-on learning, strong preparation for careers or further study, and flexible online options that make it possible to keep working while enrolled. They also highlight affordability, school spirit, and a wide range of clubs, events, and support resources. Criticism is more targeted than broad: several reviews mention inconsistent advising, uneven department quality, safety concerns, limited post-graduation or clinical access in some areas, and online courses that can feel overly self-directed, rigid, or exhausting.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,497 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $6,233
- Out-of-State Tuition: $6,233
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Across these reviews, Rutgers is portrayed as a high-opportunity, high-self-direction environment. Students consistently praise the school’s diversity, breadth of clubs and classes, strong faculty in many areas, and the career value of research, internships, networking, and name recognition. Many say the experience can be transformative if you actively seek community and resources. The most persistent drawbacks stem from scale: crowded lectures, inconsistent advising, and the sense that you can disappear in the system. Transportation between campuses, housing quality, financial aid frustrations, and uneven career preparation or practical training also surface repeatedly, especially among those who wanted more individualized support.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,342 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $22,224
- Out-of-State Tuition: $22,224
- Program Length: 18 months
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Creighton University as a place where many found unusually personal attention, small classes, and professors who were accessible, mentoring, and invested in long-term success. Students frequently credit the school with rigorous preparation for graduate study, careers, clinical work, and research, while also praising its close-knit community, values-driven culture, and flexible online options that still feel supportive. The strongest complaints center on cost, uneven diversity, and some programs viewed as rigid or unsupportive, particularly around grading policies, administration, and work-life balance. A few reviewers also describe limited funding, weak career support outside the region, and dissatisfaction with campus or safety-related experiences.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,265 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $18,450
- Out-of-State Tuition: $18,450
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Standout Features of the Best Online Health Informatics Master's Degrees: An Editorial Analysis
For Students Who Want Informatics Plus an MPH
Temple University
At Temple, online graduate students can pair the MS in Health Informatics with an MPH in Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, or Social and Behavioral Sciences, creating a formal dual-degree pathway. That structure could be most useful for those who are interested in using healthcare data for disease surveillance, policy analysis, population health programs, or health-system strategy.
Informatics With Clinical and Research Connections
Indiana University - Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis' program has connections to IU鈥檚 Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Dentistry, along with the Regenstrief Institute and the VA, giving students access to an environment where clinical data, health systems, and informatics research intersect. The curriculum also moves well beyond introductory analytics, with options involving natural language processing, unstructured health data, clinical decision support, health information security, programming, and clinical research informatics.
A Practicum-Heavy Informatics Degree
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati gives applied work substantial space in its 33-credit Master of Health Informatics. Rather than ending with a small capstone course, the curriculum includes a required six-credit practicum built around a real-world project and concrete deliverables. That makes experiential work a significant portion of the degree.
Dr. Gregory Gasic on How Online Health Informatics Master's Degrees Prepare Students for a Data-Driven Future
What do you see as the main advantages of pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in health informatics online?
"An online master's in health informatics provides flexibility which is great for working professionals. We have a variety of learning options which allow students to progress at their own speed while at the same time present them with relevant and up to date information from industry experts."
Which technical and soft skills are most important for success in today鈥檚 health informatics roles?
"Key tech skills we see are:
-
EHR systems,
-
Data analysis tools like SQL, R, or Python
-
Having a good handle on HIPAA and interoperability"
What types of roles do graduates of online health informatics programs typically move into?
[We] see [graduates] going into roles like clinical informatics analyst, EHR specialist, health data analyst or health care IT project manager, which is based on what they bring to the table.
Also, we are seeing growth in areas like AI in clinical decision support, telehealth data management and public health informatics, which is very exciting and has great career potential. These areas are what is going to shape the future of health care delivery."
Are there certain certifications that help accelerate career growth?
"Yes, we do see value in getting certifications like CAHIMS for the new blood and CPHIMS for the more experienced professionals. Also other useful are CHDA or PMP which again is based on what you want to do."
FAQs About Choosing the Best Online Health Informatics Master鈥檚 Degree
What Should You Know Before Choosing a Health Informatics Master鈥檚 Degree?
Health care informatics refers to the intersection of the health care industry with computer science and data science. A master鈥檚 degree in health care informatics helps students develop the skills they need to pursue data-centric careers in health care and health management, such as researchers, analysts, and information specialists.
Health care informatics is an interdisciplinary field that draws on a range of disciplines, including medicine, software engineering, bioinformatics, data science, information technology, business, and more.
Master鈥檚 degrees in health informatics typically take around two years of full-time study to complete. Students who choose to pursue a master鈥檚 degree at a part-time pace may take longer to complete the program. Applicants with any academic background may apply for this degree, but familiarity with statistics or computer science can be helpful. Some programs may require entrance exams, like the GRE, or a certain minimum GPA.
Pursuing a graduate degree in this field is one way that students can make themselves more competitive and obtain advanced positions in this industry. With the demand for jobs in health informatics expected to grow over the next decade, students with an online master鈥檚 in health informatics will be well-positioned to take advantage of this burgeoning field.
Is an Online Health Informatics Master鈥檚 the Right Format for You?
It鈥檚 possible to get a health informatics master鈥檚 degree online. Pursuing an online degree can be a good fit for students who have other family or career responsibilities, those who don鈥檛 live near a school that offers degrees in this field, and those who prefer the convenience of online learning.
Students interested in an online degree in health informatics should make sure that the school they enroll in is accredited. Accredited schools are reviewed by an independent third party to ensure that they meet certain educational standards. Students should also review information including cost, scholarship and funding opportunities, and student satisfaction ratings.
Which Branch of Health Informatics Should You Focus On?
Health informatics is a larger umbrella discipline that includes many subdisciplines. Some branches of health informatics include the following:
- Bioinformatics
- Clinical informatics
- Consumer health informatics
- Dental informatics
- Nursing informatics
- Pharmacy informatics
- Public health informatics
Students may choose to focus on one or more of these branches during their studies, and depending on their chosen school, they may be able to take a concentration in that field. The skills involved in these branches are similar, but students may develop familiarity with and competency in different areas of health care that will prepare them for careers in this area of specialization.
Should You Choose Health Informatics or Clinical Informatics?
Clinical informatics and health informatics are similar 鈥� and sometimes the terms are even used interchangeably 鈥� but there are a few important differences between these two terms. You can think of health informatics as a broader umbrella term, which encompasses clinical informatics as well as other types of health informatics, such as nursing informatics or pharmacy informatics. Clinical informatics, on the other hand, refers specifically to using data in order to support the clinical decision-making process.
Should You Choose Health Informatics or Bioinformatics?
Health informatics and bioinformatics are two different but related disciplines:
- Health informatics refers to the intersection of health care and data science more broadly, and it includes a variety of different branches, including bioinformatics as well as clinical informatics, nursing informatics, pharmacy informatics, and more.
- Bioinformatics specifically refers to the intersection of data science and biological data, which can be used, for example, to develop new drugs.
Determining which course of study is right for you depends on your interests and what career paths you want to pursue. A degree in health informatics is broader and will prepare students for careers in a variety of different health care adjacent disciplines. Bioinformatics, on the other hand, is a more specific degree that has a stronger emphasis on biology, chemistry, and genomics.
What Courses Should You Compare in Health Informatics Master鈥檚 Programs Online?
Health informatics is an interdisciplinary field that draws on disciplines including medicine, computer science, data science, and more. The study of health informatics includes both theoretical and practical knowledge concerning how health care and information technology intersect.
- Introduction to Health Informatics: As the name suggests, this course introduces students to the field of health informatics, along with foundational concepts and ideas related to the discipline. Students learn about the intersection of data and health care, the history of data in medicine, the design and implementation of information technology in health care, and current trends in health informatics. Students may be asked to use the skills they develop throughout this course in a variety of real-world applications.
- Electronic Health Records: Electronic health records are an important component of health informatics; in this course, students learn how computer-based health records systems work. They also learn about health information privacy and confidentiality, data modeling and visualization, relevant legal issues, and more. Students are also often exposed to current research regarding the efficacy and benefits of implementing electronic health records in a clinical setting.
- Databases in Health Care: Faculty expose students to concepts surrounding databases and data science in this course, especially as they relate to medicine and health care. Students learn about the management and analysis of data in a health care setting, knowledge modeling, and SQL queries while also gaining some practical experience in creating, analyzing, and maintaining databases.
- Designing Consumer Health Technologies: Based on current theories and best practices in health informatics, human behavior, and data science, students learn how to create new consumer health technologies. Designing Consumer Health Technologies is an advanced course designed to give students experience generating and implementing design ideas for health care technology.
- Introduction to Biostatistics: This course provides students with a foundational understanding of biostatistics, which refers to the intersection of statistics with life sciences. In particular, students explore the statistical methods and principles used to collect and analyze health-related data 鈥� including sampling, correlation, and regression.
What Career Paths Should You Consider With a Health Informatics Master鈥檚 Degree Online?
Students wondering if health informatics is a good career choice can rest assured by the fact that it's a growing field with a variety of different specializations available. Those who graduate with a master鈥檚 degree in health informatics can pursue careers at the intersection of health care and data science. Health informatics jobs can span a variety of different subdisciplines, including nursing informatics, clinical informatics, pharmacy informatics, and public health informatics, to name a few.
Below are some common career options in this field, but it's important to note that none of these jobs require a master's degree:
- are responsible for creating and maintaining databases. In the health care industry, database administrators may oversee databases of medical records and health care information. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for jobs in this field is projected to grow by 8% over the next decade, which is on par with the growth rate for all occupations.
- oversee and coordinate operations within a health care facility or department. This role typically includes both management and administrative duties, and it requires familiarity with the latest developments in health care technology and business practices. According to the BLS, these jobs are expected to increase by 32% over the next decade, which is significantly faster than average. It means that approximately 51,800 new job openings are projected each year through 2030.
- are responsible for analyzing and interpreting data to provide meaningful information. In the health care field, data scientists work with health care-related data, including patient records, medical information, and insurance claims.
- design, develop, and modify health care information systems. Similar to medical records and health administration specialists, they ensure that records are accurate, secure, and easily accessed by other medical professionals.
As health care and data become more and more intertwined, health care informatics workers are increasingly in demand over the next decade. Demand for most jobs in this field are expected to increase at either an average or higher-than-average rate.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Earning a Master鈥檚 in Health Informatics Online?
There are a variety of benefits to pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in health informatics. First and foremost, this degree helps prepare students for well-paying positions in an in-demand industry. Jobs in the health care informatics field are especially well-suited to students with aptitudes for data science and computer programming who are also interested in working in the health care field but may not want to study medicine or work with patients directly.
A master鈥檚 degree in health informatics may not be the best fit for students who are uncomfortable working with data or interested in a career with more face-to-face interactions with patients or customers. While online degree programs in health informatics can satisfactorily prepare students for jobs in this field, some students may benefit more from an in-person learning environment. That said, for most students interested in pursuing jobs in the field of health care informatics, an online master鈥檚 degree in this discipline is a great way to learn practical skills in order to advance their careers.
Which Is Better Health Informatics or Bioinformatics?
Health informatics and bioinformatics are two different but related disciplines:
- Health informatics refers to the intersection of health care and data science more broadly, and it includes a variety of different branches, including bioinformatics as well as clinical informatics, nursing informatics, pharmacy informatics, and more.
- Bioinformatics specifically refers to the intersection of data science and biological data, which can be used, for example, to develop new drugs.
Determining which course of study is right for you depends on your interests and what career paths you want to pursue. A degree in health informatics is broader and will prepare students for careers in a variety of different health care adjacent disciplines. Bioinformatics, on the other hand, is a more specific degree that has a stronger emphasis on biology, chemistry, and genomics.
What Professional Organizations Can Health Informatics Students Join?
Students interested in health informatics may benefit from joining professional organizations during or after their studies. These organizations can help students expand their peer network, gain certifications, and stay up-to-date on current practices. You may consider joining the following organizations in this field:
Student Reviews of Online Healthcare Informatics Programs
I am scheduled for graduation on February 17, 2024, and this has been a great experience. All the professors are attentive and accessible. If you have any questions, they are always available to answer them. Being a non-traditional student with outside responsibilities makes school a challenge, but my experience with this University leaves me with a positive feeling. Although I had a very busy schedule, the flexibility of the professors proved to be just what I needed to make my journey a success.... Read More
Review Date: 1/13/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The best University. The professors and the advisors are great! My advisor always follows up with me to check my progress. The professors respond to my questions and emails on time. The program is very interesting and the classes that I'm currently taking are very beneficial to me.
Review Date: 10/30/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I would first like to thank the entire staff for the excellent knowledge they have given me regarding health information management. At this university, my dream has come true. Several reasons make me like Purdue Global. 1. First and foremost, it was effortless for me to manage my time. 2. Students could perform their studies at their own pace. It was difficult for me to return to university after 20 years as an international student. Thank you to all of the devoted, experienced faculty and advisors... Read More
Review Date: 8/15/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Although I would not immediately recommend this program to just anybody that is interested, it MIGHT be an ideal program in a particular situation depending on the student's career path and what they want and expect from this degree. However, my impression of the curriculum in this online graduate degree program is that it is more of an OVERVIEW or SURVEY of informatics in general. Each semester is divided in half with courses being 9 weeks in length. This time frame worked out fine for some courses,... Read More
Review Date: 1/5/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I'm a 3rd generation Boilermaker and I was looking to advance my career options in healthcare IT. I had worked in the industry for ~5 years and wanted a flexible opportunity to work while pursuing education. Purdue Global offered me a doable schedule that I've now completed after 1.5 years to get a master's degree.
Review Date: 9/20/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The college is great and so are the professors. There's a lot of assignments and it can be quite overwhelming. If you work hard, you'll get the grade you deserve. Its a school that definitely stands out from others as the curriculum is good and the professors are very knowledgeable.
Review Date: 8/9/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Health Informatics program is very informative and seems to cover a lot of ground. Despite the comments here, I have found the instructors to be easy to work with and helpful. However, the instructors are COMPLETELY hamstrung by the lecture schedule. For example I have a lecture from 10pm - 11pm on Tuesday nights. This covers the topic for the assignment DUE at midnight! There is no possible way to incorporate items from the lecture or guidance on the subject into a paper/project due in an hour.... Read More
Review Date: 12/10/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I took my masters level courses at USF online while working full time as a nurse. The classes were well instructed, engaging, and worth the price of tuition. Each student was also provided with an assistant who checked in frequently to address any needs.
Review Date: 2/10/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
American Sentinel allowed me to continue to work full time while obtaining my Master's Degree. There were a lot of projects to complete per class however you could often choose how you wanted to complete them wether it was a posterboard, paper, powerpoint etc. I loved the options. It was a lot of work but It also provided quite a bit of flexibility. If you have the ability to hunker down and work on your own without an external push this would be a good program for you.
Review Date: 3/19/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
While EVMS has an incredibly supportive faculty, its administrative services are severely lacking... to the extent that it's greatly impacted my overall experience with the school. I can't speak for the school's MD, other doctoral, or PA program, but I would pass on this school for non-professional Master's degrees. My course material was appropriate, however, after graduating I realized that my program severely underprepared me to find a job in my field. We were not even appropriately taught how... Read More
Review Date: 12/16/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The teachers were available to answer questions. With the exception of one class, the textbooks were easy to follow and informative. This degree is actually from their Morsani College of Medicine which is highly rated. However, just be cautious that if you are a Florida resident you pay out of state fees because the program is managed through Bisk,
Review Date: 4/23/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Aspen University was an excellent choice for me because it met four main priorities: it was accredited, affordable, did not require campus attendance, and most of importantly, no work was expected on the Sabbath day of rest. I was also blessed to have excellent instructors and advisors throughout the program. The assignment instructions were clearly relayed, and were mostly graded in a timely manner. The few times assignments were not graded within the specified time frame, the instructors clearly... Read More
Review Date: 7/1/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Its a great school. Not easy but worth the hard work. The grading is fair and the courses are very well laid out. The professors are extremely helpful. Its worth the effort and the degree! I would recommend this school to others especially if they are working full time and just can't attend classes. The world has changed now anyways, online or hybrid is the way to go especially for grad school!
Review Date: 6/21/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I enrolled in Rutgers' Masters of Nursing in Nursing Informatics based on reputation and accessability. As I started exploring the different options for MSN programs for NI, I received a lot of positive feedback about the success of the Rutgers students and how well prepared they were upon graduation. In addition, the program is almost 100% online, except for optional experiences you can attend and, of course, the practicum. This is an absolute must for adult professionals who are continuing their... Read More
Review Date: 3/16/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My time with Capella has been nothing but great. The progression of the courses and its content was relevant and effective. I particularly liked one course where we were asked to do and record a powerpoint presentation together with a paper. It was definitely training for the real world. Online classes work best for students who are self-directed and motivated to do the coursework correctly and on time. I am 2 courses away from graduating and my facilitators are providing feedback on content and... Read More
Review Date: 2/20/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
There is a reason it is recommended that you take this program one class at a time; it is a very intensive program. However, it allows you to make connections with various individuals across the country, and world sometimes, working in your desired field (Instructors) or studying right along with you to get there.
Review Date: 4/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I've chosen to attend Capella University because the admissions process was a lot easier to pass; though I prefer a more brick-and-mortar college. Capella is a nice university of itself. However, my program in health care informatics do not live up to the expectations that I had. The courses taken are fluff. I wish the program was more tailored on informatics itself without all of the irrelevant extras. But looks like I'm enrolled in the program for now. This is the only downfall that I have about... Read More
Review Date: 9/19/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I have been happy overall with the degree program that I am enrolled in for online classes, but I feel that I must warn potential students of one thing that can ruin their grades. That thing is the FINAL SUBMIT link that must be clicked in order to turn in your weekly assignments. This seems to be an unnecessary extra step in a process that requires you to first click New Attempt, then browse for and attach your paper, and then click Save. Nonetheless, that is not finished yet.... You must also then... Read More
Review Date: 7/23/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Arizona State has a very innovative online program. It allows you the flexibility of online learning while still working. You will learn a lot and the education is top notch. I have not regretted the opportunity of going back to school. Arizona State is a great University.
Review Date: 8/8/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Customer service is great at this school, there is always a student advisor willing to help. The rigor of the educational programs is comparable to any, I would definitely recommend this school to anyone who is looking for the beat at an affordable cost.
Review Date: 12/31/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes