Health Informatics
Health informatics is a science that defines how health information is technically captured, transmitted and utilized.
Health informatics focuses on information systems, informatics principles, and information technology as it is applied to the continuum of healthcare delivery. It is an integrated discipline with specialty domains that include management science, management engineering principles, healthcare delivery and public health, patient safety, information science and computer technology. Health informatics programs demonstrate uniqueness by offering varied options for practice or research focus. (Source: The American Health Information Management Association)
Health informatics professionals make a difference in the lives of patients, health care providers and administrators by:
- Setting standards for electronic records;
- Educating and advising about electronic health records issues;
- Advocating for records quality and standards compliance, especially regarding patient privacy and security and interoperability;
- Providing health information to support clinical decision making;
- Anticipating and shaping new developments in mobile health, usability and big data application;
- Analyzing data for clinical research, auditing, quality assessment, risk management and costs assessment
Health Informatics Student Achievement Data
Options for study
- 36-credit hour Master of Science
- 18-credit hour graduate certificate
- RN-to-BSN program: A collaboration between the School of Nursing and the School of Information allowing high performing undergraduate nursing students to begin taking up to three graduate level courses (9 credits) that substitute for courses in their program and apply towards the Master of Science or graduate certificate in Health Informatics. More information on the RN-to-BSN program can be found at the College of Nursing.
- Informal dual degree between the Master of Science and any other graduate degree at Kent State (pending approval from both programs. For instance, the MS in Health Informatics can be a good combination with the Master of Library and Information Science. Contact the iSchool Office at ischool@kent.edu or 330-672-2782 if you are interested in this option to share credits between two master's degrees.
- Ph.D. in Communication and Information
Admissions
Learn more about this program's application requirements.
Careers
Find out more about the careers and career resources for students and graduates of our health informatics degree.