Health Informatics MS

Health informatics is a dynamic field that operates in the convergence of technology, policy, and innovations in health care delivery and public health. Advances in digital technology have enabled the delivery of  high-value health care as measured by the health of the community, the experience of the individual, and the sustainability of the system.

On the surface, the changes brought about by technology can be seen in the rapid spread of telemedicine and patient portals, providing an unprecedented amount of information to patients while the electronic medical records and associated artificial intelligence support clinical providers.

Underneath, this work requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary effort to gather a broad array of data via health information exchange and present relevant, high-stakes information for clinical decision support, all while meeting high standards in usability, privacy, and security.

Health Informatics professionals create the information ecosystems that enable high-reliability operations at health care organizations. Big data (genetics, imaging, socio-behavioral and clinical information) and applied computer science are leading toward a structural transformation of the health care model. 

This program is unique in that you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice during a three-day on-site component at one of several health care delivery sites in the Rochester, NY area. You’ll be able to work with physicians and other health care workers in various specialties and settings to understand how practitioners are interacting with patients and technology.

You will choose one of two specialty tracks based on your professional and/or academic background:

• The clinician track is ideal for current healthcare professionals who want to learn how to leverage data analytics and technology to provide continuity of care in a patient-centered and data-driven environment.
• The analyst track will focus on the development of health informatics technologies with a strong focus on advanced programming techniques and data analytics.

Electives

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred.
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Submit a current resume, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
• Complete an interview with the program chair (for those without health care or IT work experience).
• It is recommended that applicants have a minimum of three years of experience in a health care, health-related, or information technology organization. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be asked to complete certain undergraduate courses as a bridge for the content knowledge required for the graduate program.
• Applicants from international universities are required to submit GRE scores.
• A test of English Language aptitude (TOEFL) is required of all applicants and course registrants whose native language is not English. 

The online MS in Health Informatics requires 30 credits and costs $1,191 per credit hour (Academic Year 2020 – 2021). This tuition reflects the RIT Online discount of 43% off the traditional campus-based program cost.

Keep in mind that there are many options available that may help you lower your costs including: 

• Military tuition benefits
• Support from employers 
• Private scholarships 
• Financing 
• Payment plans