Key Information:
- Health informatics certifications prepare professionals to manage and analyze vast healthcare data, enabling data-driven decisions and improved patient care.
- Top online programs like those from UC Davis, Johns Hopkins, and UIC offer flexible, accredited training in health IT and analytics.
- These certifications can lead to high-demand roles such as clinical informatics specialist or EHR implementation manager, with salaries up to $120,000.
- Success in health informatics requires both technical skills and continuous learning, supported by hands-on tools and recognized credentials.
Did you know that the healthcare industry generates about 30% of the world’s data? By 2025, the data generated is projected to increase to 36% by 2025. The rise is attributed to the rapid growth in medical imaging use and digital health recording.
This is where health informatics comes into the picture. Health informatics is crucial in the effective and efficient use of healthcare data being generated.
If you’re a professional with a health informatics certification, you can:
- Make electronic health records easier to manage, store, and use
- Enable independent health systems to share information
- Help doctors and administrators make informed decisions
Indeed, your ability to transform raw data into useful insights is in high demand. You’ll have a competitive edge for career growth opportunities in health informatics. Leadership positions mean higher earning potential, too.
How can you take advantage of these benefits? Earn one or more of the best online health informatics certifications. You’ll also love their flexible schedules, affordable costs, and quality instruction.
So, read on if you want to know more about the best online health informatics certifications. We’ll cover the top programs, key benefits, and career outlook, among others.
Related:
- Best Telehealth and Telemedicine Certifications
- Top Healthcare Certifications to Boost Your Job Prospects
- What Is a Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)?
- Best Artificial Intelligence (AI) Certifications in Healthcare
Why Health Informatics Certifications Matter
Students in health informatics certificate programs prepare for the challenges and rewards ahead. Your formal education and training matter in light of these developments.
There’s a growing need for data-driven healthcare systems.
Did you know that the average hospital in the US generates about 50 petabytes of data every year? However, only about 97% of the data generated remains unused.
The good news is that more healthcare organizations want data-driven systems. This is where you, a health informatics-certified professional, come in.
Employers are actively seeking certified professionals.
If you have formal education and training in it, you’ll have a competitive edge. Health informatics, after all, demands specialized skills.
The rise of integrated healthcare IT systems continues to change healthcare.
Your knowledge of telehealth platforms, EHRs, and HIEs is valuable here.
Use these certifications to become a specialist or upskill.
You can earn the CHDA credential (upskill) or the CPHI credential (specialist). If you want to become successful, continued learning is a must.
What to Look for in an Online Health Informatics Certification
Look for these characteristics of the best online health informatics certifications.
Accreditation and reputation
Check for the university’s regional accreditation first. Then, consider its reputation in health informatics certification training.
Program content and curriculum focus
The best online healthcare IT certifications offer these core courses:
- Healthcare data management
- Health information exchange
- Electronic health records
- Data analytics
- Clinical workflow integration
Look for programs offering hands-on experiences with industry tools (e.g., Epic Systems).
Duration, flexibility, and learning format
If you’re a working professional, consider self-paced programs. You’ll want to consider live classes and peer interactions, too.
Then, consider the time commitment. Do you want to spend a few months or a full year to earn your certification?
Industry-recognized credentials and continuing education pathways
If you want to get the best value for your money, consider this factor. You want employers to recognize your credentials. Then, you want to take it to the next level through continuing education and upskilling.
Cost and financial aid options
Finally, ask yourself if you can afford the cost of the certification program. If not, look for financial aid options. Be sure to consider the costs of the certification exam and other requirements, too.
Top Online Health Informatics Certifications
University of California, Davis – Health Informatics Certificate
If you want to become a respected certified health informatics specialist, start here. UC Davis provides advanced training in health informatics. Graduates find lucrative jobs due to the university’s prestige and rigorous training.
Students complete the program in 6-12 months. Key courses include Clinical Data Standards, Decision Support, and EHR Systems.
This is an affordable program, too, considering UC Davis is a public university. Financial aid opportunities may be available.
If you’re a mid-career healthcare professional, you’ll find it to be the best fit.
Johns Hopkins University – Applied Health Informatics Certificate (Online)
JHU is a prestigious private research university founded in 1876. Ranked among the best universities in the world, it’s known for its health and medicine programs. Its applied health informatics certification online program upholds its tradition of excellence.
Students learn via a comprehensive curriculum with topics in, among others:
- Public Health Informatics
- Data Visualization
If you’re interested in earning an MPH or MS in Informatics, think of it as a stepping stone. You can enroll in the program either directly at JHU or via Coursera.
University of Illinois at Chicago – Health Informatics Online Certificate
UIC offers among the top online informatics programs for professionals with a bachelor’s degree. Students in the CAHIIM-accredited program earn 12-13 credit hours. The 12-month time-to-completion accommodates busy schedules, too.
There’s a strong focus on healthcare information management. You’ll study these four core areas:
- Health Informatics Fundamentals
- Health Data Science Informatics
- Leadership in Health Informatics
- Mobile Health Informatics
After you’ve completed the program, you’re ready for the CHDA and RHIA exams. You can also apply the courses toward the MS in Health Informatics degree.
Oregon Health & Science University – Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Informatics
OHSU offers rigorous healthcare information systems training for ambitious professionals. Students choose between its online and hybrid graduate certificate programs in biomedical informatics. Both programs emphasize biomedical data and clinical systems with courses like:
- Introduction to Biomedical Informatics
- Public Health Informatics
- Methods in Biomedical Informatics and Data Science
Students learn from leaders in the informatics field, too. The time-to-completion ranges from 6 to 9 months. This is an ideal program for IT specialists and healthcare professionals.
Duke University – Health Informatics for Healthcare Professionals
Duke offers a well-respected non-credit online certification in health data management. Enroll in the fast-paced, 12-week program at the Duke Center for Health Informatics.
This fully online, self-paced program is for healthcare professionals and clinicians. Students usually want to transition into tech-focused roles in healthcare settings.
The courses focus on health informatics theories, principles, and best practices.
Coursera – Health Informatics Specializations (Various Universities)
Coursera is among the top providers of MOOCs, including health IT certifications for professionals. This is a budget-friendly option for beginners, too. While costs vary, most courses have affordable fees. JHU’s health informatics courses, for example, start at a $49/month subscription.
University of Michigan, Yale University, and Columbia University also offer accredited health informatics courses. Students learn the fundamentals of health informatics and applied skills.
Career Paths with a Health Informatics Certification
The beauty of the best online health informatics certifications is their versatility. You can leverage a health informatics certification in different jobs, including:
- Clinical informatics specialist
- Health data analyst
- Healthcare IT consultant
- EHR implementation manager
Their total compensation varies depending on their position, work experience, and credentials. Geographical location and type of company are also crucial determinants. But average salaries range between $70,000 and $120,000 per year.
Health information technologists and medical registrars earn $67,310 in median annual wages (BLS, May 2024). The highest earners took in $112,130 per year. Their projected growth rate is 16% (2023-2033), much faster than average.
Hospitals, insurance companies, government agencies, and startups are popular employers.
Key Certifications and Exams to Know
Take your completion of the featured health informatics certification programs to the next step. Apply for and earn a health informatics professional certification. Check if, indeed, your certification courses meet eligibility requirements.
- Certified Health Informatics Systems Professional (CHISP)
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Information & Management Systems (CPHIMS)
- RHIT or RHIA
You prepare for success in whatever credential you choose via online certification programs by:
- Learning from a targeted curriculum, meaning courses that align with the certification exam’s contents
- Developing effective exam strategies (e.g., practice exams)
- Preparing for more advanced credentials, such as a master’s or doctoral degree
Think of an online certification program as the first of many steps toward a successful career.
Tips for Success in Online Health Informatics Programs
Accessibility and flexibility are the hallmarks of the best online health informatics programs. But don’t be complacent, either. You must exercise discipline to be a successful student.
Keep these tips in mind, too, so you can get the most out of your studies.
- Stay organized and schedule regular study sessions.
- Engage with discussion boards or online peer groups.
- Take advantage of hands-on tools (EHR simulations and data sets).
- Balance work and study.
Conclusion
The value of an online health informatics certification lies in its versatility. You can apply it in numerous types of jobs in healthcare and business settings. Then, you can use it to upskill or specialize within the health informatics sector. Your career growth opportunities increase, and so will your earning potential.
With that said, you should invest in online health informatics certification programs that align with your goals. The continued demand for skilled, certified informatics professionals in healthcare is only the beginning of great things to come.