Informatic degrees, especially in healthcare, are fast-paced and rewarding and offer various career opportunities. Health informatics uses the data from information management systems to create knowledge. However, there are different types of health informatics degrees, and your interest in a field should determine which one to choose.
Health Informatics vs. Information Systems Degrees
Before getting an informatics degree, it’s important to understand the difference between the two common types of information-related degrees. Below is a breakdown of the differences between health informatics and an information systems degree:
Health Informatics
A health informatics degree prepares you to handle information management by building database management, network infrastructure, and communication in the healthcare setting. Primarily, it is an informatics degree focused on the health sector without emphasizing additional applications. Students will regularly be engaged in coding, classification, and healthcare organizational management.
Information Systems
Unlike health informatics, information systems prepare students to handle the design, implementation, and maintenance of various computer and tech systems in the workplace. The degree focuses on developing skills in decision-making, research, programming, conceptualization, and communication.
Different Types of Informatics Degrees
In the healthcare setting, there are different informatic degrees that you can consider. Below are a few of the major ones:
Bachelor of Science in Online Health Informatics and Information Management
This bachelor’s offers a curriculum integrating business management, systems analysis, medical coding, and more. Depending on the institution you’re getting the degree, you can also participate in a hands-on internship that provides real-world experience and makes you stand out from the crowd when seeking employment.
During the online learning process, students may get insight into the use and management of information systems for:
- Resource allocation in healthcare settings: Understanding resource allocation allows you to support the organization’s objectives. It helps provide employees with the right resources and match them with the appropriate tasks to maximize engagement performance.
- Healthcare provision and planning processes: Informatics helps health organizations foresee healthcare needs and effectively plan.
- Executive-level decision-making: Informatics equips healthcare professionals, especially executives, with real-time comprehensive patient data that promotes quick and accurate decision-making.
Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI)
The Master of Science in Health Informatics teaches students leadership skills, provides hands-on experience, and ensures a technical knowledge base. Graduates of the MSHI should know how to use IT in organizing and analyzing health records to improve healthcare outcomes.
Potential MSHI Careers
Some of the potential MSHI careers include:
- Health Informatics Consultant: They work with a healthcare organization to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
- Health Informatics Specialist: These specialists analyze, design, evaluate, test, and maintain health data systems.
- Chief Informatics Officer: The Chief Informatics Officer oversees the adoption and management of health IT systems, including electronic health records (EHR) and computerized physician order entries (CPOE).
- Clinical Data Analyst: This analyst is solely responsible for managing information and reviewing data trends. They collect, compile, and analyze healthcare information to ensure the company’s data systems meet safety standards.
- Health Information Technology Project Manager: As the title says, this person is responsible for managing health IT projects, including networks and systems in the facility.
- EHR Implementation Manager: The EHR Implementation manager keeps the project on track. They ensure there are no barriers to the project’s success.
Post-Master’s Certificate in Health Informatics (PMC HI)
The Post Master’s Certificate in Health Informatics provides an in-depth understanding of the changing and expanding world of health informatics. Graduates will be trained in change management and leadership skills to thrive. PMC HI students will also learn to organize, collect, and analyze health records and medical information.
Final Thoughts
Health Informatics is a broad field with several available areas of specialization. So, choosing any specialization based on your area of interest is easy. You can consider an option that allows you to study online without directly changing your routines. This option is great for students who aren’t close to the institution.
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