Overview of Master Degree Programs in Health Information Systems
Majors Overview August 6, 2018This article talks about master’s degree programs in health information systems and their educational requirements, coursework, career options, job and wage outlook, and continuing education options.
Master’s Programs in Health Information Systems
Schools offer master’s degree programs dealing with health information systems that are commonly called health informatics programs. The focus of a Master of Science (M.S.) in Health Informatics degree program is in healthcare, computer science, biomedical science, information technology, and the collection and application of healthcare data. Before they complete the program, enrollees are required to complete a master’s program thesis or capstone project. Those who seek professor or researcher positions in the field must earn a doctoral degree.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, along with demonstrating competence in computers, medical terminology, and statistics and submitting a resume and a personal statement.
Coursework
Program coursework may cover subject areas such as database principles, health information systems, and health informatics methods. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Clinical Informatics
•Security in healthcare databases
•Database design
•Creation of medical knowledge
•Biostatistics
•Software management
Career Options
Program graduates can seek careers in work settings such as insurance companies, hospitals, healthcare consulting firms, and information system companies. They may choose from available job positions such as:
•Product developer
•Systems Engineer
•Chief information officer
•Systems Analyst
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2017-2027 decade, a 23% job growth rate has been predicted for medical and health service managers, including health information managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2017, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $98,350 (BLS).
Continuing Education Options
Program graduates may pursue continuing education by enrolling in Ph.D. programs in Health Informatics to build on research and advanced fundamental knowledge acquired through master’s programs. Program graduates may seek senior-level research and professional positions in healthcare industries, along with tenure teaching positions in universities and colleges.
