ONLINE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN HEALTH INFORMATICS

Data integration through health informatics

As with many areas with complex issues, the health care industry is turning to the field of computing sciences for solutions, and Villanova University is at the forefront of a growing specialization that is leading health care reform – Health Informatics.

Health informatics is a broad field that involves acquiring, storing, retrieving and using health care information to develop better collaboration among health care providers. While it is related to health information technology, health informatics is the science—the how and why behind health IT. Employment projections continue to be high in fields related to health informatics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical records and health information technicians are poised to grow 8% by 2029, while medical and health services managers are expected to grow by 32%.

The Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics is a specialized online program to prepare students in the management, retrieval, and exchange of electronic health data; the use of electronic medical data systems; knowledge of health IT standards; privacy, safety, interoperability, and security issues in the healthcare industry. Software Engineering Master's students can add a Certificate in Health Informatics without taking additional classes.

HEALTH INFORMATICS PROGRAM DETAILS

Program Highlights

  • 100% online
  • Option to transition into a full masters program in Software Engineering with all Health Informatics Certificate credits counting toward degree
  • Aimed to meet national need for health IT professionals
  • Competitive tuition
  • Full tuition coverage available for veterans, under Post-9/11 GI Bill

Required Courses

The certificate requirements are made up of five 3-credit courses, doable within a year:

  • CSC 8200: Health Informatics and eHealth Systems
  • CSC 8210: Healthcare Safety, Security, Law and Ethics
  • CSC 8220: Software Engineering and Health Informatics
  • CSC 8230: Database Systems and Health Informatics
  • CSC 9010: Special Topics

Admission to the graduate certificate in Health Informatics program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, 3+ years of work experience in health, IT or a related technical field is required. A computer programming background, either through formal courses or on-the-job training, is a requirement. Thus, a resume listing the candidate's position and responsibilities will be part of the required documents for the application process. In addition, a written statement of purpose and career goals, plus at least two letters of recommendation, will be required. Students can begin in the Summer, Fall or Spring semester.

The following includes important information for students participating in online courses, online programs and/or on-ground clinicals or practicums while physically located outside of Pennsylvania.

Read the Notices for Distance Education Programs.

      

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:

Meet the Nurse Executive Using Computer Science to Improve Patient Care

Villanova's Health Informatics program helps Ellen Murray, RN, MSN, NE-BC, stay on the cutting edge of healthcare technology

Health information technology is a growing field, and this Main Line Health manager is taking advantage of Villanova's new online Health Informatics graduate program to shape her career and the future of patient care. For Ellen Murray, RN, MSN, NE-BC, Villanova's program helps her stay on the cutting edge of healthcare technology in her role as Division Manager for HomeCare and Hospice.

“Villanova’s Health Informatics program helped me to think differently about the possibilities and the small differences that can really impact care,” Murray says. “For example, I was able to implement changes to our nurses’ electronic documentation after taking my first Health Informatics class. These updates provided my nursing staff with guidance on the best practices when they are documenting initial visits, which in turn improves diagnosis and outcomes. At Villanova, I realized the need for lifelong learning, the importance of staying current and finding better ways to do things. My education emphasized the pace at which healthcare is changing and that in order to improve patient outcomes, we need to embrace technology.”

Dept of Computing Sciences
161 Mendel Science Center
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085-1699

Director of Graduate Programs:
Dr. Vijay Gehlot

 

 

DEADLINES

MARCH 1: For admission with funding consideration for the fall

AUGUST 1: For admission without funding for the fall

OCTOBER 1: For admission with funding consideration for the spring

DECEMBER 1: For admission without funding for the spring

MAY 1: For admission without funding for the summer

If you have missed a deadline, please contact Dr. Vijay Gehlot to discuss your options.