Are you interested in learning about Health Informatic degree types? If you would like to become a Health Information Manager or informatics specialist, it is important to complete a formal training program that teaches you technical skills and laws surrounding health information. As the specialty becomes larger and the need for health informatics majors continues to grow, more and more degree programs are created. While there are several different programs that you can choose from, not all Health Informatics degrees are created equal. You must take time to compare each of the programs to ensure that you choose the right program to prepare you for the field.
Undergraduate Degree Options for Health Informatics Majors
If you do not currently possess a degree, a Bachelor of Science degree will help you get your footing in the healthcare industry. As an undergraduate-level program, you will gain a foundation of knowledge in various areas that are relevant to the field of informatics within the healthcare industry. Typically, you will enroll in a Bachelor of Science program majoring in Healthcare Management with a concentration in Health Informatics if you want to obtain the didactic theory and earn your Bachelor’s. You may cover a variety of different subjects, but some of the most common core courses you must complete include: patient access, project management, economics of healthcare, revenue cycle management, and health information systems.
Graduate-level Degree Options in HIM
Once you earn your Bachelor’s degree, you will need to decide if you will need a graduate-level degree to achieve your career goals. You may be able to secure an entry-level positions in Health Information systems with a B.S., but for many, advancing with an advanced degree is an ultimate goal. If you would like a leadership position as a Director or IT or a Vice President of Information Technology, having a MBA in Health Informatics is almost a must. If you would like to become a Health Information Manager or an upper-level data analyst, you may need a more technical degree like a Master’s of Health Informatics. You must first consider the path you want to take, and then choose a degree program that will prepare you for leadership or as an expert in the field.
Online and Traditional Degree Programs
You can also select between two different degree program formats– online and traditional. For working college students who have children or other obligations, online degree programs have become a very popular choice. If you prefer a social classroom setting and face-to-face instruction, a traditional degree program may be more suitable for you. You should compare programs based on their reputations, learning outcomes, and also based on their accreditation status. It is best choose a program that has a programmatic accreditation from an agency like the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education so that you know that the program meets the strict standards set by accreditation officials.
If you have a passion for information technology but you would like to work in the healthcare industry, a degree in health informatics could be right for you. Decide if you would like to earn a Bachelor’s, an MBA, or a Master’s, and then once you have distinguished between the health informatic degree types, you can map out the route you will take.
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