The Booming Field of Medical Informatics

Medical informatics, an esoteric, umbrella term referring to the analysis, application, storage, retrieval and dissemination of medical information, is making a rapid ascent within the lexicon of medicine. Specialists in this field work at the nexus of clinical medicine and information technology, using computerized systems to guide diagnosis, treatment and research. They may also bring expertise to the table in medical records coding, billing and reimbursement, and clinical analysis ? areas that are naturally information intensive. As the adoption of technology continues to take shape in the health care industry, the need for professionals possessing dual competency in medicine and technology will grow exponentially over the next twenty years.

Broad in its scope, the field of medical informatics intersects with myriad specialty areas that require the management of complex data. This information encompasses a broad set of uses, from clinical decision-making to research. Evidence-based medicine, a movement in the health care field, is partly driving informatics rise in importance. Accordingly, the need for knowledge management experts is fueling a new set of professional roles with job titles such as clinical information specialist and vice president of clinical information systems. The growth of new career paths is expected to gain momentum as the informatics field evolves in its complexity and direction.

For the prepared, opportunities will be ripe for the picking in myriad health care sectors. These include hospitals, public health clinics, physician group practices, pharmaceutical companies, medical software companies, consulting firms, federal and state health agencies, and insurance companies among others. The nationwide emphasis on electronic health records will create unprecedented career opportunities as the push toward integrating systems among disparate health care organizations reaches full trajectory.

While there is no single educational path, licensing or credentialing requirement to become a health informaticist, those who posess a degree in Health Information Management are prepared to bring an integrated package of competencies in IT and clinical medicine to the career and are most highly sought after. To prepare future entrants for the profession, growing numbers of traditional and online programs are sprouting up nationally to address the anticipated demand for talent. In particular, a bachelor?s degree in nursing combined with a master?s degree in informatics represents a proven route to top-tier positions in the field.

Because of the unique nature of the work, successful medical informatics professionals will need to possess a broad knowledge of the health care industry, including a working orientation to the third-party payor market. Strong interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and strategic thinking skills are also critical as these professionals are often called upon to bridge learning gaps between workplace colleagues, clinicians, patients, and the community at large. IT skills including competency with clinical software systems and data measurement tools are par for the course for any informatics professional.

As health industry reform efforts continue to spark widespread engagement of information systems, medical informatics professionals will be in great demand. Amid the need for clinical and decision-making tools that support the further expansion of the industry, this career promises to be one of the fastest-growing fields in the medical sector.

Earn A Medical Informatics Degree Online
Take the first step towards earning your degree in Informatics by requesting program information from schools that offer accredited online Medical Informatics degree programs. Featuring the same fully accredited content and expert faculty support available to students learning in the on-campus setting, online Informatics degree programs allow busy working adults the flexibility to learn on their schedule. Explore Medical Informatics Programs

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• Master of Health in Administration/Health Care Informatics
• Master of Health Administration/Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing/Informatics

Campus Locations:

San Francisco
Oakland
Elk Grove
Sacramento
Rancho Cordova
Livermore
Fairfield
Roseville
Beale AFB
Online
San Jose
Lathrop
Salida
Culver City
Ontario
Fresno
Lancaster
Gardena
Diamond Bar
Pasadena
Los Angeles
Palm Desert
Murrieta
Costa Mesa
San Bernardino
Bakersfield
Woodland Hills
San Diego
Visalia
Chula Vista
El Centro

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• Masters of Information Systems Management - Healthcare Informatics
• B.S. in Health Studies - Health Informatics
• M.S. in Health Informatics

DeVry University

Campus

DeVry University provides quality education that employers respect, and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (ncahlc.org), the same organization that accredits many other well-known public and private schools.

Programs:

• Associate - Health Information Technology
• Bachelor's - Computer Information Systems
• Bachelor's - Biomedical Engineering Technology

Campus Locations:

Pomona
Chicago
Anaheim
Sherman Oaks
Alhambra
Daly City
Long Beach
Fremont
Oakland
Palmdale
Colton
Fresno
Bakersfield
Elk Grove
San Diego
Irvine

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Science: Health Information Technology

Campus Locations:

San Diego

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Associate of Occupational Science in Health Information Technology

Campus Locations:

Anaheim

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics (Online)
• Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (Online)
• Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management

Campus Locations:

San Marcos
San Diego
National City

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Health Information Technology
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Santa Maria
Rancho Mirage
Santa Barbara
Ventura

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• AS - Health Information Technology

Campus Locations:

Oxnard
Lancaster
Canyon Country

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• M.S. in Health Care Informatics
• M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (dual degree)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Post University

Campus

Getting your Online degree does not have to be impersonal. At Post University Online, you will engage in meaningful career-oriented programs with like-minded students and receive personal attention from our dedicated faculty within a caring and supportive learning environment. Earn your bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or certificate in one of the many programs offered by Post University entirely online.

Programs:

• BS in Computer Information Systems / Database
• B.S. in Computer Information Systems

Campus Locations:

Waterbury

Colorado Technical University Online

Campus

Take your career to new heights with Colorado Tech Online! Since 1965, Colorado Technical University has helped thousands of students achieve success in business, management and technology careers. Learn more today.

Programs:

• Doctorate Computer Science in Enterprise Information Systems - Executive Format
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Health Care Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Colorado Springs

Baker College Online

Campus

Baker College Online is fully accredited and offers over 40 programs that will help you earn your Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate degree affordably. Learn more now.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Information Systems - Computer Information Systems
• Master of Science in Information Systems - Management Information Systems
• Master of Business Administration - Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Lisle

Regis University

Campus

Regis University offers a rich tradition of Jesuit education to enrich your life and further your career.

Programs:

• BS in Computer Information Systems
• MBA: Health Systems Management
• MBA: Health Industry Leadership

Campus Locations:

West Jordan

ITT Technical Institute

Campus

The ITT Technical Institutes offer programs in some of today's hottest technical areas. With over 100 locations nationwide and several online programs available, the ITT Techs are one of the leading providers of technology education. Each ITT Tech offers convenient class schedules and Career Services are offered to help you find a job.

Programs:

• School of Health Sciences

Campus Locations:

San Bernardino
Anaheim
Torrance
Oxnard
San Diego
Rancho Cordova
Lathrop
Sylmar

Bryan University

Online

Earn your post-baccalaureate certification online from Bryan University. We offer an e-discovery project management certificate that can be completed 100% online.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Applied Health Informatics

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Electronic Health Records

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

Bryan College

Campus

Get your career started with training from Bryan College! We offer programs in Court Reporting, Advanced Health & Fitness Training, and Health Information Management & Coding at both our Sacramento and Los Angeles campuses.

Programs:

• Health Information Management and Coding

Campus Locations:

Rancho Cordova

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Professional Blogging
• PCs for Beginners
• Vocational High School - Computer

Campus Locations:

Norcross

Everest University Online

Campus

Expand your career horizons with an online degree from Everest University Online. Balance work and family while you study for your Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree.

Programs:

• Computer Information Science (Bachelor's)
• Computer Information Science (Associate's)

Campus Locations:

Santa Ana

Virginia College

Campus

Virginia College continues the tradition of giving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement to students wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue a degree while maintaining commitments to work and family.

Programs:

• MBA - Healthcare
• AS - Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Birmingham

American InterContinental University Online

Campus

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

Programs:

• MBA - Healthcare Administration
• Bachelor's (BIT) - Software Analysis and Development

Campus Locations:

Schaumburg

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Administrative Specialist

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Alhambra
Riverside

Northcentral University

Campus

Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University. We offer online doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs in education, behavioral and health sciences, and business.

Programs:

• Applied Computer Science - D.B.A.
• Applied Computer Science - MBA

Campus Locations:

Prescott Valley

Western International University

Online

Pursue your degree with Western International University. We offer programs at three campuses in Arizona and a live, interactive online classes taught by experienced industry professionals.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Business / Minor in Informatics
• Bachelor of Science in Informatics

Argosy University

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

• Health Care Administration (MBA)

Campus Locations:

Alameda
Orange
Santa Monica
San Bernardino

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Master's in Business Administration - Health Care Management

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

San Francisco
Milpitas
Rancho Cordova
Concord
Salinas
Hayward
Salida
Fresno
Stockton
Roseville

Jones International University

Campus

Earn a high quality degree in Business, IT, Education, or Communications. Jones International University® offers self-paced bachelor's and master's degrees tailored to your needs.

Programs:

• MBA in Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Englewood

Charter College Online

Online

You can advance your career with a degree from Charter College Online. We offer several Associates and Bachelors degrees in the business, health care, accounting and legal fields. Our accelerated programs are designed to help you complete your degree as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We help students get not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Health Care Administration

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Personal Computer Specialist