Masters in Health Informatics in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Jobs & More

As per reports by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the healthcare industry will grow by approximately 13 percent from 2021 to 2031. In such a scenario, opting for a master's in health informatics is also a wise decision for your life and career to flourish. 

And this is what this blog is all about. In this blog, we have discussed the advantages of studying MS in Health Informatics in the USA, along with the top universities, fees, admission requirements and career prospects, for you to have a better understanding of this field.

Health informatics in the USA develops not only one’s technical and medical skills but also soft skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. To know more about the benefits of studying masters in health informatics in the USA, refer to the following points:

• As the world continues to come of age, there will be a need for more and more healthcare professionals. According to U.N. data, the number of people aged 80 years or older is projected to triple, from 143 million in 2019 to 426 million in 2050.
  
• Masters in Health Informatics in the USA is a STEM-certified program with nearly 100% job placement within three months of graduation, according to data by top universities.
  
• You may expect placements with incredible packages after completing masters in Health Informatics courses in the USA. According to Payscale, the average base salary of a Health Informatics Specialist is USD 91,320 or INR 7,558,830 as of 2024.

Suggested: Masters in Public Health (MPH) in USA

Studying in the USA is a privilege and an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. The credit here goes to the best universities in the USA and their carefully designed course curriculums. Masters in Health Informatics is no exception here. The course stretches for 2 years (except for a few universities), covering 30 to 40 credits altogether. It includes a health informatics core of 7 to 12 courses, a professional or thesis track of three courses, and two electives (may vary university-wise).

Although all universities offering masters in Health Informatics in USA have a specifically designed curriculum of their own, here we have discussed the core Health Informatics subjects at Indiana University to give you an idea of what to expect:

• Introduction to Informatics
• Informatics Project Management
• Applied Statistical Methods for Biomedical Informatics
• Foundations of Health Informatics
• Clinical Information Systems
• Health Informatics Standards and Terminologies
• Clinical Decision Support Systems

As we have already mentioned there are many reputed universities offering masters in Health Informatics in the USA. Let us have a look at the top ones:

• University of Chicago
• Yale University
• University of Michigan
• Northwestern University
• Northeastern University

Let us now dive deeper into each university one by one:

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago tops the list for Health Informatics universities in the USA. The MS Health Informatics in the USA course here is aimed at providing specialized education for motivated individuals who are looking to develop their careers in the growing field of healthcare data and informatics. It equips you with all the technical knowledge and leadership skills you need to grow in this field.

Yale University

Yale University is among the top universities in the USA for masters in Health Informatics. The curriculum here is built on topics like information sciences, clinical informatics, clinical research informatics, epidemiology, consumer health and population health informatics, biostatistics, data science and so on. The duration of the MS in HI at Yale University is 2 years.

Suggested: Masters in Health Administration (MHA) in USA

University of Michigan

MS in Health Informatics in the USA at the University of Michigan is an interdisciplinary program offered together by the School of Information, the School of Public Health, and the Medical School. Such a unique combination of disciplines results in an unparalleled education that combines practical and theoretical knowledge needed for a successful career in health and medical science. 

Suggested: MBA in Healthcare Management in USA

Northwestern University

A discussion on the best universities for MS in Health Informatics in the USA is incomplete without the mention of Northwestern University. The MHI course here is offered in partnership with Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. The graduates are highly skilled in patient-centered healthcare delivery and improved population health.

Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers Health Informatics masters in the USA through collaboration between the Bouvé College of Health Sciences and the Khoury College of Computer Sciences. It emphasizes the relationship between technology, people, health, and the healthcare system at large. The curriculum here is flexible and offers both full-time and part-time programs.

There are certain eligibility criteria and document requirements for universities offering masters in Health Informatics in the USA. Although the exact set of requirements varies across universities and programs, the basic ones remain the same. Some of them are discussed below:

• Hold the minimum equivalent of a four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution with a minimum 0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants should typically have an undergraduate degree with a focus in health, computer science or mathematics/statistics.
  
• Some Health Informatics universities in the USA also require a GRE test. However, it depends on the university you choose. The accepted GRE score for best colleges for Health Informatics in the USA is 290 and above.
  
• Demonstration of English proficiency is required of all non-native English speakers. The accepted exams include IELTS- 6.5 - 7.5, TOEFL- 90 - 100.
  
• Work experience of 2 to 5 years is required for certain Health Informatics courses in the USA. It is not mandatory, but an important requirement.
  
• LOR or letter of recommendation.
  
• SOP or statement of purpose.
  
• Updated CV.
  
• Proof of funds.
  
• Valid passport and US student visa

The cost of studying in the USA depends on the course and university you choose. Your lifestyle also comes into consideration here. The overall cost of studying can be divided into two categories: tuition fees and the cost of living.

Tuition Fees

The HI tuition fees in the USA depend upon the university you choose and the course you pursue. On average, the masters in Health Informatics in the USA can be anywhere between USD 10,000 (INR 827,730) to USD 30,000 (INR 2,483,190) per year.

Cost of living

The cost of living in the USA for international students again depends on your choice of living. If you have a tight budget, you must opt for student accommodation. Besides, some costs are unavoidable. The average cost of living in the USA for international students ranges from USD 900 (INR 74,490) to USD 1500 (iNR 124,160) per month, depending on one’s lifestyle.

Suggested: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students

Applying for a scholarship is a great way to fund your studies in the USA. There is a wide range of scholarships for masters in Health Informatics in the USA for international students. Some popular ones are mentioned below:

Suggested: Scholarships for International Students to Study Abroad

There is a high scope of Health Informatics in the USA. The graduates of MS in Health Informatics USA find employment in various health sectors, both public and private. Some of the popular jobs and average annual salaries are mentioned below:

Suggested: Jobs After MS in USA

So that was all about masters in Health Informatics in the USA. All Health Informatics colleges in the USA focus on training the students to improve overall healthcare delivery by using information technology and information management concepts. The ultimate goal here is to work relentlessly towards upgrading healthcare facilities on a global level. If you wish to become a part of this noble mission, the best universities for Health Informatics in the USA are your place.

For more guidance and assistance, get in touch with Yocket Counselors.