Health Informatics

The University of Illinois at Chicago health informatics program was the first in the country to focus on the social and organizational issues affecting information technology in health care. We know it takes more than technical training for today's health care information professionals to be successful. Blending a technical foundation with coursework covering current clinical trends, government regulations, and health care-specific best management practices, UIC's curriculum equips students with the analytical and managerial expertise sought after in this dynamic field.

WHAT WE OFFER
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers master's and certificate programs in health informatics:

• Online Master of Science in Health Informatics
  NEW! The online master of science in health informatics program now offers a course-only degree option, as well as a more traditional research degree option. This change reflects the industry need for health informatics field professionals, as well as health informatics research professionals. In addition, with supplemental coursework, graduates pursuing the research option are eligible to take the national Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association.
  
• Online Certificates in Health Informatics
  Online IBHE Post-Master’s Certificate: This fully online program offers self-motivated, experienced health care or IT professionals the opportunity to study the application and management of computers within the health care setting. Designed for people who already have at least a master's degree, this certificate ensures graduates are conversant in the creation, implementation, operation, and control of health information systems. Like full degree programs at UIC, our post-master's certificate program in health informatics is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
  Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: This program addresses the needs of health care, IT, and health information management professionals with at least a baccalaureate degree who would like to receive graduate- level credit for either continuing education credit or a credential indicative of advanced, current knowledge in the health informatics field. Please note: This certificate does not provide the courses necessary to take the RHIA exam.
• Two unique joint degrees: Master of Science in Nursing Administration/Master of Science in Health Informatics and Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Science in Health Informatics.

We also offer our basic health informatics courses to students enrolled in the following UIC graduate programs:

• Master of Business Administration: An MBA degree with a specialization in health informatics is offered by the College of Business Administration. Students in this program choose a business curriculum to prepare them for managerial positions in the health care IT setting. >>Learn more
• Master of Public Health in Public Health Informatics: This program offered by the School of Public Health aims to produce a new generation of public health professionals prepared for roles in the development, implementation, and evaluation of information technology projects and surveillance systems in such diverse areas as traditional public health agencies and international health agencies. (Click here to view the key differences between public health informatics and health informatics) >>Learn more

ABOUT THE PROFESSION
At UIC, we define health informatics as the science of evaluating, implementing, and utilizing technology to manage all information related to the patient care delivery process: clinical, financial, technological, and enterprise. The field draws contributions from computer science, health information management, the clinical sciences, social and organizational influences, and business practices. Health informatics professionals typically work in managerial and executive roles.