Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics

The Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics is an 18-credit hour program of study designed for healthcare professionals seeking to specialize in the growing field of health informatics. This online program consists of six courses and can be completed in three semesters.

Program Details

• The program is designed for professionals looking to specialize in a focused area of healthcare and to enhance skills to advance their careers or change fields.
• It is an online program, allowing students to complete all required classes online.
• The program goals for students graduating with a Certificate in Health Informatics include understanding the systems and processes associated with health informatics, analyzing and drawing relevant conclusions, and effectively working in the health information, technology, and administration industry.

Admissions Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in any field with at least two years of experience in a healthcare or information technology (IT) setting is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with healthcare and its structure will be beneficial.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals knowledgeable of the applicant's professional and academic abilities are required.
• A current resume including education, work experience, and professional development is necessary.
• A personal statement identifying educational/professional goals and the purpose for applying to the specific graduate option is required.
• Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are needed for applicants whose native language is not English.

Tuition and Fees

• The tuition for this online program is $450 per credit hour, which is the same for all students regardless of geographic location.
• An online learning fee of $660 per semester applies if enrolled in 6 or more credit hours.

Curriculum

The program consists of at least two courses per semester and can be completed in 12 months (three semesters). For detailed curriculum information, refer to the university catalog.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Health Informatics program can pursue various career paths, including:

• EMR analyst
• Patient health information management
• Quality improvement
• Research informatics
• Case management
• Database administration
• Healthcare reporting/analytics
• Software sales
• Subject matter expert
• Training specialist
• Application analyst
• Health informatics specialist
• Clinical informatics specialist
• Clinical informatics manager
• Account management
• Clinical/business intelligence
• Data analyst
• Business analyst
• Implementation analyst
• Security and privacy
• Health I.T. project manager
• Revenue cycle
• Clinical analyst
• Health informatics consultant
• Systems analyst
• Process improvement specialist
• Strategy & planning specialist
• Application developer

Program Outcomes

The learning outcomes for a student graduating with a Certificate in Health Informatics include:

• Analyzing and evaluating the systems and processes associated with health informatics.
• Demonstrating the ability to effectively function in multifunction teams operating in the field.
• Presenting analysis and evaluations of health information systems and processes as an integrated part of the health information industry and a larger healthcare system.
• Using critical thinking in decision processes.
• Demonstrating effective oral and written communication skills.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: June 30
• Spring: November 15
• Summer: Not applicable

Financial Assistance

Georgia State University offers various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs. Students can use the university's Cost Calculator to estimate the investment required for their path of study. Corporate assistance and military assistance are also available.