Next Start Date: Online Master's in Health Informatics
Learn how to utilize health care data to enhance decision-making, improve outcomes and support the continuity of care across the health care delivery continuum with UMass Lowell's online Master's in Health Information and Management (HIM): Health Informatics Option. Courses emphasize the technical aspects of health data management, storage, retrieval, access, exchange and analysis following current state and federal regulations, corporate compliance data integrity, and meaningful use standards.
There is a high demand for health information professionals who possess a unique blend of health care and information technology knowledge, and this need spans numerous industries, including public health organizations, long-term and memory care facilities, health care software companies, hospitals, government agencies, medical centers and academic institutions.
No GRE Required
Earn Your Master's Degree in as Little as 18 Months
Career Outlook
136,590
Jobs (2022)
+2.8%
% Change (2022-2023)
$111.4K/yr
Median Earnings
13,867
Annual Openings
Source: Lightcast (2023) Target Occupations in New England
Occupations
- Director of Patient Health Information
- Health Service Manager
- Chief Medical Information Officer
- Health Informatics Consultant
- Electronic Medical Record Keeper
- Clinical Analyst
- Health Information Officer
- Informatics Specialist Consultant
- Health Information Resource Manager
- Health IT Project Manager
"Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 18 percent through 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom population ages and people remain active later in life, there should be an increased demand for health care services."
— U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2019
Key Takeaways
Through this program, you will learn:
- Techniques and systems used for transforming clinical data into information, knowledge and improved decision-making
- History, developments and continuing challenges in health care information management
- Operations analysis, process redesign and quality improvement in health care
- Strategic planning for the information systems organization
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) integration with patient care flow, clinical decision making and patient engagement
- Systems planning, analysis, design and implementation within the health care environment
UMass Lowell is an Academic Organizational Affiliate of Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
Success Story
Andrew H.
"I was working as an X-ray technician, and I became interested in the software and application side of health care. Then I found this program. I knew I wanted to study health informatics, and the UMass system has a good reputation — and the program was very affordable."
One Success Leads to Another
Apply credits from lower credentials to higher ones. Our programs are designed to build upon themselves:
Curriculum Outline
- Total Number of Courses Required for the
Master of Science in Health Information Management: Health Informatics Option
: 12 Courses (36 credits)
Required Core Courses (9 Courses / 27cr)
- PUBH.5020 Organizational Behavior in Health Care - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.5060 Quantitative Methods in Health Management - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.5110 Health Care Finance - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.5120 Operations Analysis for Quality Improvement - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.5140 Healthcare Management - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.5310 Health Informatics - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.6160 Law and Ethics in Healthcare - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.6250 Health Policy
- PUBH.7330 Capstone Project - Available Fall 2023!
Concentration Elective Courses (Choose 3 courses / 9 credits)
- PUBH.5150 Applied Health Economics
- PUBH.5315 Classification Systems and Reimbursement
- PUBH.5600 Data Applications for Public Health Practice - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.5750 Epidemiology and Biostatistics - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.5770 Biostatistics for Health Data
- PUBH.6070 Healthcare Information Systems - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.6240 Health Data Quality and Compliance
- PUBH.6270 Health Equity and Informatics
- PUBH.6320 Health Information System Design and Analysis
- PUBH.6330 Healthcare Database Design
- PUBH.6350 Healthcare Project Management - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.6380 Health Information Technology Strategic Planning (Health Information Technology) - Available Fall 2023!
- PUBH.6390 Electronic Health Record Systems - Available Fall 2023!
Course Descriptions
This course reviews the organizational structure of healthcare facilities and the behavior of individuals within them. Students analyze the role of administration, human resources, providers and other support staff and apply organizational, behavioral, and social science practice and theory, to the operations of the healthcare organization. Comparison is made between healthcare and non-health care types of industry to highlight the unique characteristics of healthcare workers. An emphasis is also made on leadership styles, organizational culture, and change management within the healthcare organization. 3 credits.
This course explores analytic methods that can be used to improve the decision making of management, clinicians and others within the healthcare industry. Students learn the conceptual foundations of quantitative analysis and common methods used in supporting decision-making; developing evidence-based practices; analyzing data and testing hypotheses. Students also learn how to use industry-standard data analysis software applications, statistical packages and common applications for the development and reporting of analytic findings. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
Provides broad exposure to the concepts and practices of healthcare finance and healthcare financial management. Teaches a practical understanding of basic healthcare financial issues, financial reporting and analysis, and provider payment structures. The course enables students to read, analyze and use healthcare financial information in today's healthcare environment. 3 credits.
This course focuses on a multi-disciplinary approach to operations analysis, process redesign and quality improvement in health care. Focus is placed on the tools, methods and processes used for improving work flow processes, patient safety and performance in a variety of health care settings. Students study the history, development and principles of quality improvement in healthcare. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:
Graduate level or permission
This course provides a framework for addressing common issues faced by management within a healthcare organization. Students are provided with an overview of how healthcare institutions are organized and governed, the unique roles of management, clinical staff, support staff, and human resources in the healthcare setting. Students also learn the management systems designed for efficient and effective operations. 3 credits.
Students explore the economic dimensions of healthcare by considering the input, output, production and costs of producing quality healthcare which meets demand and evaluates the behavior of supply. Students consider provider payer systems and aspects relative to private and public health insurance in determining market power and competitive markets. Common economic evaluation methods are introduced to measure health service feasibility, and promote value judgment in the realm of healthcare reform and regulatory compliance. 3 credits.
This course introduces healthcare professionals to the power of data and the importance of analysis. Students learn how population informatics, consumer health informatics, translational bioinformatics, and clinical research informatics are essential components in selecting the techniques and systems used for transforming clinical data into information, knowledge and improved decision-making. The past, current and future role of healthcare IT is also discussed. 3 credits.
This course introduces the clinical classification systems, reimbursement methodologies and terminologies of health information. Topics include the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-CM and PCS), Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), National Drug Codes (NDC), and data standard requirements such as Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED), Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC), RxNorm, and other unified medical language systems along with federal data Interchange standards HL7, ASC X12, and FHIR. 3 credits.
Working with data is foundational to public health. This class will provide a practical introduction to how to think about and utilize data for a variety of public health functions Students will investigate sources of local, national, and global public health data, including health records, surveys, and vital statistics in terms of what data is available and how to access, manage, analyze, communicate, and use these data. Students will apply informatics and data sources to population health activities. Students will gain hands on experience working with data in practical ways through data visualizations and software used for public health informatics. 3 credits.
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in human populations, and the risk factors associated with diseases. This course provides an introduction to epidemiology and the associated biostatistical methods that constitute the principal quantitative methods for disease prevention. Topics include: measures of disease frequency, measures of central tendency and spread, rates and risks, precision and validity, bias, simple linear regression, and the important study designs (population surveys, cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies). 3 credits.
Prerequisites:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
This is a practical course in biostatistical methods for health research. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the use and interpretation of standard biostatistical methods. Topics include probability and sampling distributions, regression and ANOVA, methods for analyzing rates and proportions, power and sample size calculations. Students will gain experience in using a statistical software package to apply and expand their data analysis skills. 3 credits.
This course provides a broad-range overview of the healthcare information systems industry, its history, recent developments and continuing challenges, as well as a practical understanding of healthcare information systems acquisition and implementation. Topics include EMR, Data, CMS Quality Programs, Clinical Integration and health information exchange. 3 credits.
This course presents and overview of legal and ethical issues facing managers and providers in health care. It provides students with a foundation of health law and ethics and reviews health care legal and ethical situations and dilemmas. The goals are to provide students with practical knowledge of health law and ethics and their application to the real world of health care. 3 credits.
This course examines the practical concept of data quality review and auditing for monitoring compliance with state and federal licensing and regulatory bodies. Students develop an understanding of state and federal guidelines common to private and public health services. Students practice concurrent and retrospective review of health information and examine criteria that meets the Department of Health and Human Service and federal ONC Health IT initiatives including meaningful use and other provider quality initiative programs associated with national health care goals. Students develop a clinical documentation improvement program including tools for training other and create an electronic dashboard for monitoring compliance. 3 credits.
This course provides students with a basic framework for health policy analysis and examines major aspects of U.S. health policy. Detailed consideration and discussion focus on the relationship of national policy to the planning, implementation and funding of healthcare services. The course covers topics such as the healthcare policy environment in the U.S, government-funded healthcare through Medicaid and Medicare, and the Massachusetts healthcare reform. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
Health informatics studies use big data and information technologies to improve human health by reducing the gap between health practice and societal goals of improved health. Health care quality, access, and cost contribute to the broader perspective of health equity. Students apply the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) code sets applicable to the Department of Health and Human Services and Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Students explore how data are used to detect and inform policies and interventions to reduce health inequities for marginalized and underserved groups. Students apply these skills by designing informatics interventions that support a broader understanding of overall population health equity. 3 credits.
This course introduces students to the health information system lifecycle. Students take a detailed look at the process of system planning, analysis, design, and implementation. Concepts are taught in a manner that applies to any discipline within the health organization and provides a practical understanding of the steps necessary for successful systems delivery and its importance to organization success. Skills learned will enable students to work effectively with and support the information systems planning effort to ensure better system alignment with information services, clinical and administrative objectives. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
A practical approach to the design, and development of a relational database with an emphasis on healthcare. Analyzing the requirements of the database proceeds to the design of the structure of the relational database, which is then developed in a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Microsoft Access is used as the RDBMS platform. 3 credits.
This is a graduate level course providing a comprehensive foundation for project management as it applies to healthcare. Students will be introduced to the theory and concepts of project management and the tools to manage projects with a focus on healthcare. At the end of this course, students should be able to develop, execute, and control a basic project plan that is capable of supporting organizational objectives linked to measures of success for a single project. 3 credits.
A graduate-level course introducing healthcare professionals to strategic planning for the information systems organization. The concepts are taught in a manner that allows the skills learned to be applied to any discipline with the organization. The course is designed to give healthcare professional a practical understanding of strategic planning and its importance to a successful organization. Skills learned in this course will enable the student to work effectively with and support the information systems planning effort in order to ensure better IS, clinical and business alignment. 3 credits.
The course addresses Electronic Health Records (EHR) integration with patient care flow, clinical decision making and patient engagement, as well as patient registries and clinical quality reporting. Students also learn core EHR functions, strategies for EHR optimization, and how the EHR can be leveraged for population health management. The course uses industry-leading EHR software as a learning tool to demonstrate how electronic health record technologies are used in a healthcare setting. 3 credits.
Near the end of one's Master's Degree program, students register for Capstone Project and complete a real world case study report and presentation. The Capstone Project applies concepts and skills learned in the program. It involves research and development, and culminates in a substantial business-type report. 3 credits, Requires Instructor Permission. 3 credits.
Requires Instructor Permission.
Program Requirements
To be recommended for a University of Massachusetts Lowell master's degree, candidates must satisfy all of the general requirements below, plus any additional requirements that may be required by the department through which the program is offered. Any additional requirements for this program are either listed below or may be found in the University's Graduate Program Catalog.
General Requirements:
- Students must complete the program of study designed by the Department in which they are enrolled and approved by the University.
- Satisfactory grades in all subjects offered for the degree must be earned. See Academic Standing.
- All financial obligations, including tuition, fees and expenses, must be satisfied as evidenced by completion.
- Upon completion of all their courses, graduate degree candidates must submit a signed Declaration of Intent to Graduate (DIG) form to their coordinator. The coordinator will apply them in SIS, Graduation Tracking.
Graduate Program Policies
In applying for a degree program or registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations and procedures of UMass Lowell as set forth on our website. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Program Policies found within the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Tuition for online programs offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same whether you live in-state, out-of-state or outside of the U.S.
Summer 2023 Tuition |
Cost Per Credit | Cost Per 3-Credit Course* |
|---|---|---|
Graduate |
||
| Online† | $585 | $1,755 |
| Online Business** | $655 | $1,965 |
| Online IT and Engineering*** | $600 | $1,800 |
| Online Education | $470 | $1,410 |
| Online Education for Ed.D. and Ph.D.† | $495 | $1,485 |
| On Campus | View Here | View Here |
*If the number of contact hours exceeds the number of credits, tuition is calculated by multiplying by the total number of contact hours.
†Rate will increase slightly in Fall 2023
Additional Costs |
|
|---|---|
| Term Registration Fee | $30 |
| Late Fee | $50 |
| Graduate Degree and Certificate Application | $50 |
Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Estimate the cost of this program with our online tuition calculator
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Admission Requirements
- Official transcript indicating graduation from an accredited baccalaureate institution
- Two letters of recommendation pertaining to academic ability and professional performance
- A page-length Statement of Purpose indicating career plans, interests and objectives in pursuing a graduate degree
- GRE temporarily waived
- Citizens of non-English speaking countries who have never earned an academic degree in the United States must submit TOEFL scores. (Minimum 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, or 100 Internet-based).
- A professional resume
- F1 student visas are not issued for this program since it is offered exclusively online.
Although a background in health is not required for admission, applicants with health-related work experience are given preference when program capacity is limited. For applicants without health-related work or educational experience, academic and professional history is important.
Graduate Program Admissions Requirements
Admission to all graduate programs at UMass Lowell is contingent upon successful completion of a bachelor's degree. In many cases, applicants may register for a course before formally applying to the program; however, students requiring financial aid may want to wait until they have been formally accepted into the program to ensure that their course(s) will be covered. Contact UMass Lowell's Office of Graduate Admissions if you have questions about the application process.
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Questions Regarding Your Graduate Application?
Email Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu or call 800-656-4723 (for U.S. students) or 978-934-2390 (for international students).
For General Assistance:
For general questions about registering for courses or to find out who the advisor is for your graduate program, call 800-480-3190. Our admissions and advising teams are here to help!
