Health informatics is one of the fastest growing and most in-demand healthcare career areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that demand for health informatics and other health informatics jobs will grow faster than the national average over the next decade. Simply put, the job prospects are high.
Learn more about this area and what you can do with a Master of Science in Health Informatics from George Mason University below.
What is health informatics?
The rapidly growing field of health informatics helps connect the information silos of the modern healthcare system and improve the quality of care through technology. We need informatics not only to use IT to support healthcare, but also to solve problems that the clinician and her IT people cannot deal with as a team. Health Informatics have the technical skills to understand medical, healthcare, and health data and information, and the context in which that data is created and used.
Mason’s Master of Health Informatics (MSHI) students are highly specialized in health data science, information management, and public health informatics for a variety of clinical, public health, public health, government, and research applications. develop skills. Students learn to analyze data, design and deploy systems, and solve problems to meet real-world challenges while mastering the right mix of technical proficiency and soft-her skills.
People working in a variety of health informatics careers are often interested in protecting patient data, collecting and analyzing data to improve health outcomes, and using data to communicate securely and efficiently with other health care providers. We perform our duties including optimization of
Health informatics is often confused with health information technology and bioinformatics. These are three very closely related but distinct areas:
- Health Information Technology (Health IT) focuses on the information technology necessary to collect and store patient data accurately and securely.
- Bioinformatics involves the use of computer technology to collect, store, analyze, and disseminate biological data and information.
- Health informatics is a practical use We combine data, data analytics and technology to enhance patient care and population health delivery.
In summary, health informatics provides a set of technical tools, bioinformatics is about biology, and health informatics focuses on improving patient care and population health.
Who Should Get a Master’s Degree in Health Informatics?
Health informatics is a great way to make a difference in healthcare for nurses, doctors, or other healthcare professionals who don’t want to be directly involved with patients. Health informatics indirectly help patients by transforming the healthcare industry using new methods such as computing and artificial intelligence.
For example, medical specialties rely on accurate and accessible patient records to provide quality care. Artificial intelligence techniques help clinicians diagnose and manage patients. Data is the backbone of an efficient and secure pharmacy. Healthcare administrators also routinely use data to guide administrative and commercial decisions. It would suffice to list just a few of the key features of health informatics.
Health informatics students learn the highly specialized knowledge and skills necessary to support the implementation and use of health information systems and data science tools. At Mason, you don’t need to have a previous health informatics-related education background to succeed in the Master’s program. From programming knowledge, to data analysis skills, to the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively, we equip all students with the skills they need in the field.
Many of our students come from healthy backgrounds. We teach clinicians, pharmacists, dentists, and health care professionals who want to focus on technology. Some students come from technical backgrounds, such as computer scientists, engineers, and IT professionals, while others come from completely new fields.
What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Health Informatics?
Health informatics is a diverse field that can lead to different career paths, including:
- health data scientist
- Analyst
- consultant
- health information specialist
- research specialist
- project manager
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Medical information system specialist
- computer system analyst
- more!
A recent analysis of alumni career tracks shows over 100 different job titles. While confusing at first glance, these jobs list requirements that are directly related to what is covered in our Master of Health Informatics programme. Job settings include private and public sector government agencies, healthcare IT vendors, hospitals and clinics, consulting and software companies, research institutes, and insurance companies.
Students will complete Mason’s Master of Health Informatics with the knowledge and skills to effectively analyze complex real-world health data, manage evolving health information systems, and support the increasing shift to electronic health records. graduate from the program. Our world-class faculty will provide the support you need to succeed in any of these valuable health informatics careers.
By combining communication, data information, and healthcare to enhance patient care, health informatics are increasingly needed to improve the health and well-being of all. Medical informatics work behind the scenes in the healthcare industry, but their work has made a huge impact in helping healthcare professionals get quick solutions and results for their patients. If you don’t face patients but are looking for a meaningful career in healthcare, Learn more about Mason’s Health Informatics, MS here.
Beyond a master’s degree?
If you want to further your education in health informatics beyond just a master’s degree, Mason can do it. We are one of the few universities to offer a full range of health informatics education, from bachelor’s to Ph.D. Our Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics program is the only such program at a Virginia public university. Also, the PhD in Health Services Research Program, with its emphasis on discovery science and health informatics, has a unique focus on health data and intelligent systems. Many of MSHI’s graduates go on to pursue PhDs in their own or other programs.
