Medical Informatics: Exploring the Great Unknown

In a nutshell, Medical Informatics is the application of innovative technologies to improve health care. The proper use of medical informatics leads to better-informed decisions by patients, nurses and doctors. Medical Informatics has a strong technological ground, but its primary focus is not the use of technology for its own sake. Rather, medical informatics should be understood as an essentially human discourse. In a paper presented at the 2008 Australia`s Health Informatics Conference, Dr. Quynh Le pointed out that medical informatics ?deals with issues such as interpersonal communication, organizational interaction, trust, confidentiality?.?

As every working nurse knows, a strong awareness of these issues can make the difference between a competent nurse and an excellent nurse. One Marymont Heart Clinic administrative nurse explains, ?Even with the current shortage of nurses, the clinic still maintains high standards (in our hiring practice)?I screen out candidates with weak interpersonal communication skills, or who don?t take criticism well.?

Presently, there are not enough skilled medical informatics specialists to handle the nation-wide workload. To meet the goal of implementing electronic medical records for every patient by 2014, more trained medical informatics specialists are needed. Whether you decide to pursue a degree in medical informatics, or simply attend some seminars and trainings to enhance your skills in your current role, a strong foundation in medical informatics will give your career a boost.

You could become a clinical documentation specialist, like 10 of the nurses at Multicare Health System in Tacoma, Washington. The 10 nurses work full-time reviewing both electronic and paper records for Multicare?s three hospitals. They provide the hospitals with updates about the documentation and bring any concerns to the physicians directly. Because of the improved documentation, the hospitals made an extra $5.7 million in 2008. More importantly, patients benefit because the thoroughness of the documentation leads to more accurate diagnoses and better care.

Or, you could work as a health information technology specialist at a consulting firm. The CIO of Sutter Health in California said in 2004 that several employees had left to work for consulting firms, lured by higher salaries?the average was nearly $117,000. Whether they work for consulting firms, hospitals or private clinics, health information technology professionals are in high demand and can expect to receive pay raises on an ongoing basis.

Nurses who earned a specialized degree in Nursing Informatics have gone on to find work as clinicians, scientists, technologists, systems developers, nurse managers, nurse psychologists, legal nurse consultants, nursing policy officers and nurse researchers. With a degree in medical informatics, you will possess skills that transition well to practically any health-related environment.

Most medical informaticians working today started out in other health care fields and returned to school to earn a degree or certification in Medical Informatics after several years. Many individuals who are seeking a medical informatics degree choose online programs so that they can balance work and study more conveniently. Although informatics as a formally recognized field is quite new, there are already plenty of options for you to choose from if you are interested in earning your medical informatics degree from an accredited online institution.

Your degree in medical informatics will open windows onto unexpected horizons. Eric, a nurse researcher with a nursing informatics degree, says, ?Three years ago, I couldn?t have imagined the job I?m doing today, because it literally didn?t exist.?

Leaps and bounds in health sciences as well as an accelerated demand for electronic medical records are creating new opportunities constantly. The medical informatics skills you learn now may help improve health care in new and exciting ways.

?I can?t wait to see what I?m working on next year,? adds Eric. ?I?ll probably be using technology that hasn?t even been developed yet.?

Learn More About Medical Informatics Degree Programs
Achieve the education you need to turn your career goals into reality by requesting program information from accredited online schools that offer informatics programs that match your needs:

Explore Medical Informatics Programs, Explore Nursing Informatics Programs

Kaplan University

Campus

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:

• MS in Nursing - Informatics
• AAS in Health Information Technology
• MBA - Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

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

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:

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

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

Allied Schools

Campus

Considering a new career or need additional job training? Whether you want to train for a new career, advance within your current company, or simply learn new skills to stay competitive in today's job market, Allied's distance education training can help! Because the courses are offered online and through traditional distance education, the stress associated with driving to and attending a live class is eliminated. Start your new career training today, start it with Allied Schools.

Programs:

• Medical Terminology
• Electronic Health Records

Campus Locations:

Laguna Hills

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:

• Occupational Associate of Applied Science: Health Information Technology
• Associate of Applied Science: Health Information Technology

Campus Locations:

San Diego
Riverside

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:

Rancho Mirage
Santa Barbara
Santa Maria
Ventura

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

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

Stevens-Henager Online

Online

For more than 119 years, Stevens-Henager College has worked to train generations of graduates for new careers. Our experienced, student-oriented staff is prepared to assist students throughout all phases of their education experience. Academic majors are designed specifically to help graduates meet the changing trends and requirements of the business, technology, and medical employment markets.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
• BS in Computer Science with Social Media Technology emphasis
• BS in Computer Science with Programming emphasis

Rasmussen College Online

Online

You deserve a better career and a better life. Rasmussen College in Minnesota can help you get both. Earn a career-track degree in Business, Child Care, Criminal Justice, or Healthcare. Our personalized classes focus on your needs.

Programs:

• Health Information Technology Associate's Degree

Strayer University

Online

Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.

Programs:

• AA: Information Systems
• BSIT: Digital Forensics Technology
• MBA: Health Services Administration

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

Bellevue University

Campus

Bellevue University makes it possible for motivated adult learners to earn a high-quality college degree.

Programs:

• MS in Computer Information Systems

Campus Locations:

Bellevue

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:

Lathrop
Oxnard
Torrance
San Bernardino
Anaheim
San Diego
Sylmar
Rancho Cordova

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

Western Governors University

Campus

At Western Governors University, your competence - the knowledge and skills you possess - is the ultimate focus of every degree program.

Programs:

• B.S. in Health Informatics
• MBA - Healthcare Management

Campus Locations:

San Francisco

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

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 Online continues the tradition ofgiving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement tostudents wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue adegree while maintaining commitments to work and family.

Programs:

• MBA - Healthcare
• AS - Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Birmingham

Allied Health Institute

Online

Allied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.

Programs:

• Medical Office Assistant

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

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

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:

Alhambra
Riverside
Ontario

Northcentral University

Campus

At Northcentral University, we teach individuals, not just classes. Our unique, proven online educational experience is designed to help you achieve your goals using your own style of learning.

Programs:

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

Campus Locations:

Prescott Valley

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
Santa Monica
Orange
San Bernardino

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

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:

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

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

Concorde

Campus

We believe hands-on experience is the best way to learn. And at Concorde, you’ll find that a “learn by doing” approach to healthcare training will get you the skills you need to succeed-- and get you into the workforce quickly.

Programs:

• Medical Office Administration
• Medical Office Administration - Diploma

Campus Locations:

Garden Grove
North Hollywood
San Diego

Keiser University Graduate School

Campus

Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

Programs:

• MBA - Health Services Management (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

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

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