The Takeaway for Students
- Job growth for health informatics continues much faster than average
- Health informatics provides a career shift for nurses and other health care professionals
- An online health informatics program lets you earn your degree while working in the field
Are you a nurse, health care manager, or IT professional? Do you want to see your career take off in a higher-paying, more satisfying direction? An online bachelor’s in health informatics can do it!
A 2024 report from Arcadia shows that health administrators believe their data is accurate. But many don’t know how to use it to make better decisions for their patients. There simply aren’t enough health informatics experts in the workforce to turn all of this information into useful resources!
By choosing an online program, you can balance your studies with work and family commitments. In a recent College Consensus poll, nearly 85% of online learners said they chose an online degree for flexibility. You’ll gain the skills to manage and analyze health data, improve patient care, and contribute to the digital transformation of healthcare. Plus, online programs often offer specialized tracks to tailor your education to specific interests, such as clinical informatics or public health informatics.
Why You Can Trust College Consensus
College Consensus has been committed to producing unbiased and comprehensive college rankings that combine expert opinions and student reviews since 2017. Our transparent methodology aggregates data from trusted rankings experts, verified student reviews, and the National Center for Education Statistics. This combination ensures that our rankings are uniquely balanced, reflecting professional assessments, real experiences of students, and the objec. Our editorial team and subject matter experts rigorously review all content to ensure that users receive accurate, up-to-date information. Advertisers have no influence over our rankings or editorial decisions.
- Over 3,000 accredited colleges and universities evaluated for our rankings.
- Data from multiple well-regarded ranking sources and student review platforms.
- All rankings are updated regularly and undergo strict verification.
- A transparent methodology that balances expert opinions and student feedback.
- Only a select few top-rated institutions based on a combination of criteria make the cut.
Methodology: How We Rank the Best Online Health Informatics Bachelor’s Programs
For our rankings of online programs, we consider core questions:
- Is the program accredited?
- Is the program available online?
- Is the program fully online?
- Is the program flexible?
From those basic requirements, we consider two other factors:
- Affordability (according to NCES data)
- Reputation (according to Consensus Score)
- Unigo
- My Plan
- Niche
- Grad Reports
- U.S. News Reviews
- Unigo
- U.S. News
- My Plan
- Washington Monthly
- Niche
- Forbes
- Grad Reports
- Wall Street Journal
- U.S. News Reviews
- Wallet Hub
Summary: Top 10 Online Bachelor’s in Health Informatics
| Rank | School | Cost | Student Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dakota State University | $12,606 | 77 |
| 2. | Mercer University | $37,808 | 75.6 |
| 3. | University of Central Florida | $22,467 | 81.2 |
| 4. | University of South Carolina Upstate | $23,085 | 82.7 |
| 5. | Liberty University | $21,587 | 70 |
| 6. | College of St Scholastica | $21,587 | 80.8 |
| 7. | Bellevue College | $9,349 | 76.3 |
| 8. | Oregon Institute of Technology | $31,379 | 76.8 |
| 9. | University of North Georgia | $14,481 | N/A |
| 10. | University of Mississippi Medical Center | $15,523 | N/A |
You can take Dakota State University’s BS in Health Informatics and Information Management either 100% online or in hybrid format. The best one for you depends on whether you’re studying full-time or part-time, if you have an associate’s degree or credits to transfer, and whether you’re a tradition student or working adult. The 4+1 program also allows you to stack credits and earn a master’s along with your bachelor’s with just one extra year. The program is Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredited.
What the Experts Say
Dakota State does not have enough rankings for a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Students give Dakota State a Student Consensus of 77.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Health Informatics and Information Management
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $12,606
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
The BS in Health Informatics at Mercer University can be fully online or on-campus. With multiple start dates and asynchronous classes, Mercer’s online program offers flexibility for the busiest working adults. Mercer’s program focuses on practical uses of data in medicine, as well as the ethical questions underneath. You can also add the Database Design and Analytics certificate along with your bachelor’s for additional credentials.
What the Experts Say
Mercer earns a 50.7 Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Students give Mercer a Student Consensus of 75.6.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Health Informatics
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $37,808
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
The University of Central Florida offers a top-ranked BS in Health Informatics and Information Management. This affordable and flexible option helps you learn the skills to turn data into useful information. Note that the degree can be completed entirely online, but not all electives are offered online. Fully online students can receive a discount on campus-related fees.
What the Experts Say
College Consensus gives the University of Central Florida a score of 67.5.
What the Students Say
A Student Consensus of 81.2 shows strong reviews for UCF.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Health Informatics and Information Management
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $22,467
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
The University of South Carolina Upstate offers a BA in Health Informatics through the online Palmetto College. The program combines in healthcare, information technology, and leadership into a degree that helps you take on important roles. An expert in health informatics helps bridge the gap between data and medical practice, with careers like Chief Medical Information Officer, Clinical Data Analyst, and Health IT Consultant.
What the Experts Say
USC Upstate does not have a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Students give USC Upstate a Student Consensus of 82.7.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BA in Health Informatics
- Credits: 122
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $23,085
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
The BS in Healthcare Informatics from Liberty University’s is designed to fit your busy lifestyle. Eight-week, fully online courses allow you to balance your education with your work and personal commitments. You can transfer up to three-quarters of your previous credits. Liberty’s faculty members come from real-world jobs as project managers, controllers, and entrepreneurs.
What the Experts Say
Liberty does not have enough rankings for a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Students give Liberty a score of 70.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Healthcare Informatics
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $21,587
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
In the College of St Scholastica’s Health Informatics and Information Management program, you can study full-time or part time. The program is accredited by CAHIIM. You can earn credits for prior learning and work experience, and graduates are eligible for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential. Students in the HIIM program must take an 80-hour Professional Practice Experience in the healthcare workforce. St. Scholastica will help you find a clinical site.
What the Experts Say
College Consensus has not given College of St. Scholastica a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
A Student Consensus of 80.8 shows a large proportion of satisfied students.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Health Informatics and Information Management
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $21,587
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
Bellevue College’s Healthcare Informatics BS offers a lot of options. The Bachelor of Applied Science is available in fully online format, either part-time or full-time. You can also earn a certificate if you’re already working in the field for further credentials. Bellevue has an affiliation with the Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), so students know they are getting the most current skills and information available.
What the Experts Say
Bellevue College has too few rankings for a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Students give Bellevue a 76.3 Student Consensus score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BAS in Healthcare Informatics
- Credits: 60 (degree completion)
- Time to Complete: 2 years
- Average Tuition: $9,349
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
The online BS in Health Informatics from Oregon Tech combines business, computer science, and healthcare into a highly marketable degree program. The focus on experiential learning helps students who are already working in the field put their knowledge to use right away. Oregon Tech’s business programs are International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) accredited.
What the Experts Say
Oregon Tech does not have a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
A Student Consensus of 76.8 demonstrates overall satisfaction from Oregon Tech graduates.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Health Informatics
- Credits: 182
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $31,379
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
The Health Informatics and Administration bachelor’s at the University of North Georgia gives healthcare professionals an edge. You can choose from three concentrations:
- Healthcare Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
- Healthcare Data Analytics
- Healthcare Information Systems Implementation and Administration
You can take all courses online. Finish the program with a Capstone project that brings it all together in a hands-on way.
What the Experts Say
The University of North Georgia does not have a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
UNG does not have a Student Consensus score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Health Informatics and Administration
- Credits:
- Time to Complete:
- Average Tuition: $14,481
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
10
University of Mississippi Medical Center
The University of Mississippi Medical Center has two online options to earn a BS in Health Informatics and Information Management:
- Traditional
- Progression
The traditional program is for students coming into health informatics from the beginning. It is a 60 credit program (beyond an associate’s or general education credits). The progression is for students who already have an American Health Information Management Association RHIT credential and want further skills. If that’s you, you will take 31 credits.
UMMC has accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM).
What the Experts Say
The University of Mississippi Medical Center does not have a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
UMMC does not have a Student Consensus.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Health Informatics and Information Management
- Credits: 60 (traditional) or 31 (progression)
- Time to Complete: 1-3 years
- Average Tuition: $15,523
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
How Do I Choose a Good Online Health Informatics Program?
The first, and possibly most important factor for choosing an online health informatics program is accreditation. You need to know the curriculum will be up to date and the program is legit. The best online health informatics degrees will be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
If you want to earn the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential, you will have to have a degree from an accredited program. Why would you want that?
An RHIA credential demonstrates your expertise in:
- managing patient health information
- medical records
- coding
- data analysis
With this credential, you’ll have better job opportunities, higher earning potential, and the ability to contribute to improved patient care. Whether you’re working in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare setting, an RHIA credential can help you advance your career and make a positive impact on the healthcare industry.
It’s also a good idea to look for programs affiliated with the Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) or the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA). These are non-profit organizations that work to improve health informatics education and practice. They set key standards that a good program should meet.
You should also look for:
- Curriculum: Ensure the program covers essential topics like health information systems, data analytics, medical terminology, and healthcare regulations.
- Specialization Options: Consider programs that offer specializations in areas like clinical informatics, public health informatics, or biomedical informatics.
- Practical Experience: Look for programs that offer hands-on experience through internships, practicums, or capstone projects.
- Expertise: Choose a program with faculty members who have industry experience and strong academic credentials.
- Accessibility: Ensure that faculty members are accessible and responsive to student questions and concerns.
Why is Health Informatics a Good Career?
Health informatics is a dynamic and rewarding career that combines healthcare and technology. As healthcare becomes increasingly reliant on technology, there’s a growing demand for skilled professionals who can manage and analyze health data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) seeing 16% job growth over the next decade.
| Employer | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Management of companies and enterprises | $77,170 |
| Administrative and support services | $67,920 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $66,470 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $62,580 |
| Offices of physicians | $50,790 |
Here’s why health informatics is a great career choice:
- High Demand: The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and there’s a strong demand for health informatics professionals.
- Diverse Career Paths: You can specialize in areas like clinical informatics, public health informatics, or biomedical informatics.
- Impactful Work: You’ll play a crucial role in improving patient care, reducing healthcare costs, and advancing medical research.
- Competitive Salaries: Health informatics professionals often earn competitive salaries.
- Continuous Learning: The field of health informatics is constantly evolving, offering opportunities for lifelong learning and professional development.
If you’re passionate about healthcare and technology, a career in health informatics could be the perfect fit for you.
