By HADP Staff
Updated on: March 4, 2020

Earning an online Master's in Healthcare Informatics may be just what you need to further your career or move into the healthcare industry. Students interested in understanding the role of data and technology to improve patient outcomes, run a more effective organization, or bridge the gap between clinical and technical staff would benefit from earning a Master's in Healthcare Informatics online. Patient record keeping in electronic record systems that makes providing care easier for medical personnel is at the forefront of a job in healthcare informatics. There are various settings where this degree is helpful, including jobs in clinics, hospitals, labs, colleges, government, and corporations. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 15% through 2024, which means that getting a job with this degree is favorable.

Ranking Methodology

In selecting and ranking the top 30 online Master's in Healthcare Informatics degree programs, we prioritized those with the following features, in this order.

1. Specialized accreditation – in this case, through Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM)
2. Affordability (based solely on tuition cost)
3. Uniqueness of program features including specializations and certifications

Average Graduate Tuition Rate:

  • Less than $10,000- 3 points
  • $10,000 to $18,000- 2 points
  • Greater than $18,000- 1 point

CAHIIM Accreditation:

  • Yes- 5 points

Concentration Areas:

  • Yes- 3 points

We awarded points based on each of these three factors to develop our ranking criteria. Our initial pool of schools came from College Navigator. We narrowed that list to only regionally accredited schools offering a master's in health care informatics with little or no residency requirements. We reviewed each school's website to gain a better understanding of what they offer and what students can gain by earning their degree at each school. Schools selected for consideration feature a hands-on curriculum, practitioner faculty, a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for certifications, and professional development or networking opportunities designed to help students stand out from the competition. We then applied our ranking criteria to come up with the top 30 best online master's in healthcare informatics.

Ranking Top 30 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Informatics Degree Programs

#30 Brandeis University-Waltham, Massachusetts

Master of Science in Health and Medical Informatics Online

Website
Average Tuition: $48,720/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 1
The part-time online master's in health and medical informatics is a 30 credit hour program featuring a rigorous curriculum. Courses cover a variety of health informatics areas such as:

-data analysis
-health data and electronic health records
-health/medical information systems security
-legal issues.

Students will learn to create IT solutions to improve healthcare outcomes and overall organizational performance. There are no on-campus residency requirements, making this a great choice for working professionals.

#29 Adelphi University-Garden City, New York

Master's in Healthcare Informatics Online

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Average Tuition: $39,157/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 1
Adelphi University offers an online master's in Healthcare Informatics degree which can be completed in as little as 28 months. This 39 credit hour program is made up of 12 courses, each 8 weeks long. In addition, there a capstone 16 week research project. Adelphi is considered one of the "Best Colleges in the Northeast" by The Princeton Review. Unlike many other universities, Adelphi University considers applicants from all backgrounds, not just from healthcare and IT.

#28 Drexel University-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Online Master's in Health Informatics

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Average Tuition: $33,156/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 1
The online master's in Health Informatics (MSHI) program at Drexel University is offered 100% online, with no on-campus residency requirements. The degree requires 15 courses (45 credits), and includes covering:

-database management
-healthcare informatics
-data analytics
-information assurance.

Drexel follows a quarter system with four 10 week terms in a year, so students are able move through the program quickly, especially if they are full time. Students will learn how to enhance health outcomes in various settings including biomedical and health organizations.

#27 Sacred Heart University-Fairfield, Connecticut

Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics Online

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Average Tuition: $28,114/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 1
Sacred Heart University features an accredited master's in Healthcare Informatics, a two year program consisting of 36 credit hours. Sacred Heart University is an Organizational Affiliate of the HIMSS. The faculty are highly engaged with students. Incoming students speak directly with the faculty chair to talk about their professional goals. The faculty also provides regular virtual office hours as well as video conferencing, chat sessions, and webinars. Courses cover areas like:

-communication
-population health
-workflow design
-clinical and business intelligence.

The program uses a cohort format to give students the opportunity to network and share experiences.

#26 University of San Diego-San Diego, California

Master's Degree in Health Care Informatics Online

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Average Tuition: $26,064/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 1
The online master's in health care informatics program at the University of San Diego takes just 20 months to complete. The program is designed to create industry leaders who want to advance their career. Faculty are industry experts with years of experience as educators and practitioners. USD is ranked in the top 100 universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report. The rigorous curriculum prepares students for industry certification by the HIMSS. There are no on-campus residency requirements.

#25 Southern New Hampshire University-Manchester, New Hampshire

Online MS in Information Technology-Healthcare Informatics

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Average Tuition: $18,810/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 2
Southern New Hampshire University offers an accredited online master's in Information Technology-Healthcare Informatics program. It requires 36 credits (12 courses) minimum to complete. Students can earn their degree in just 15 months of full-time study by taking two courses each 10 week term. There is no GRE or GMAT required for admission. Courses in this top online master's in health informatics program include:

-Management of Information Technology

-Object-Oriented Application Development

-Principles of Database Design

With 24/7 online access to course content and expert instruction from faculty experienced in the industry, students are set up for success from the start.

#24 Saint Joseph's University-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

MS in Health Administration: Informatics Concentration

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Average Tuition: $16,401/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 2
The accredited online master's in Health Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Informatics is a 14 course (42 credits) degree program. The curriculum uses a case study approach. Courses cover:

-the benefits of computer-based patient records (CPR)
-the development and implementation of strategies relevant to CPR
-the management and infrastructure of health information.

Graduates have become successful health informatics specialists, clinical analysts, and clinical informatics managers.

#23 University of Washington-Seattle, Washington

Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies (CIPCT) Online Master of Science

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Average Tuition: $15,207/year in-state and $27,255/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 2
The University of Washington offers the Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies (CIPCT) Online Master of Science degree program. It's a 49 credit program that includes a scholarly inquiry or research project. Students benefit from a state-of-the-art online learning system using a combination of asynchronous and synchronous recording and web conferencing. Courses cover areas such as:

-telehealth
-project management
-database concepts
-clinical effectiveness
-computing concepts

#22 New England College-Henniker, New Hampshire

Online Master of Business Administration-Health Informatics


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Average Tuition: $13,080/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 2
Those with a passion for management and a desire to work in the health industry will do well to pursue New England College's online MBA in Health Informatics program. This MBA degree requires seven-4 credit hour core MBA courses and three-4 credit specialty courses. Specialty courses cover:

-health informatics
-healthcare technology and systems
-knowledge management in healthcare.

The program is designed for working professionals who need the flexibility of an online program.

#21 University of Cincinnati-Cincinnati, Ohio

Online Master of Health Informatics


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Average Tuition: $12,790/year in-state and $24,532/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 2
The master's in Health Informatics online degree at the University of Cincinnati is a flexible program with six different start dates each year. There are GRE/GMAT requirements for admission. Students can earn their degree in about two years through a well-rounded interdisciplinary curriculum. The interdisciplinary nature of the program gives students the opportunity to take courses taught by faculty from the UC Linder College of Business. There are no on-campus residency requirements. This a great choice for working professionals or those unable to travel for school.

#20 Walden University-Minneapolis, Minnesota

MS in Information Technology-Health Informatics

Website
Average Tuition: $27,450
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 2
The accredited online master's in Health Informatics program at Walden University requires 30 semester credits of coursework. The program covers areas like:

-information systems management
-business architecture
-health informatics.

Students benefit from a hands-on curriculum utilizing virtual labs and real-time analytics and business intelligence platforms to develop in-demand skills. Graduates have gone on to become successful data scientists, project managers, business analysts, and security analysts.

#19 Valparaiso University-Valparaiso, Indiana

Online Master's in Healthcare Administration-Health Informatics

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Average Tuition: $11,340/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 2
The accredited master's in Healthcare Administration-Health Informatics program at Valparaiso University is offered 100% online There are no on-campus residency requirements. The online master's with a concentration in Health Informatics takes 12 courses (36 credit hours) to complete. This includes nine core courses covering topics such as:

-health care management

-ethics

-financial management

-project management

-legal issues.

Graduates have been successful in leadership positions such as medical care administrator, public health program chief, and director of health maintenance organization.

#18 University of South Florida-Tampa, Florida

MS in Health Informatics Online

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Tuition: $8,350/year in-state and $19,048/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 3
The University of South Florida is a top-tier medical school, offering an accredited online master's in Health Informatics. Clinical activities, research, and inter-professional education help make University of South Florida's curriculum unique. USF's innovative curriculum is delivered over the 32 credit hour (11 class) program. It can be completed in as little as one year. The USF is an HISMM Approved Education Partner. This means the program features a rigorous curriculum meeting high standards in healthcare and health IT education. Graduates have gone on to work as chief information officers, HIM directors, compliance officers, and consultants.

#17 University of Central Florida-Orlando, Florida

Professional Science Master's Program in Health Care Informatics Online


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Average Tuition: $6,916/year in-state and $25,759/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 3
The University of Central Florida is considered one of the most innovative universities in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. Its top online master's in health care informatics program is both accessible and innovative. This 38 credit hour program follows a fully online cohort model to maximize collaboration and networking between students. The program is ideal for current health care professionals and those just getting started in their career. Coursework includes:

-Health Care Informatics & Information Technology
-Biostatistics & Decision Analysis
-System Analysis & Design.

Students also complete a health care informatics capstone and an internship experience.

#16 Dakota State University-Madison, South Dakota

Master of Science in Health Informatics Online

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Average Tuition: $5,665/year in-state and $10,575/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Points: 3
The top master's in health informatics online program at Dakota State University is designed with a hands-on curriculum ideal for online learners. Students are engaged through online streaming videos of classes, web boards, email, and course web sites. Students can earn their degree by attending part-time or full-time and can take courses in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Graduates will have the skills needed to manage information technology systems in health care organizations, including electronic patient records.

#15 Northwestern University-Evanston, Illinois

Master's in Health Informatics Online

Website
Average Tuition: $52,239/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Specialization Areas: Clinical Informatics, Health Technology, or Health Administration
Points: 4
In partnership with the School of Professional Studies, Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine offers a top online Master's in Health Informatics program. The curriculum consists of 12 courses which include:

-five core courses
-four required courses
-three electives.

Students choose whether to complete a capstone or thesis project. Courses cover:

-biostatistics
-decision support systems
-HIT standards
-consumer eHealth.

Fully online, with no on campus residency requirements, this top online health informatics master's program is ideal for working professionals.

#14 University of San Francisco-San Francisco, California

Master of Science in Health Informatics Online

Website
Average Tuition: $24,210/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Specialization Areas: Health Data Analytics, Biosignal and Image Processing, Statistical Computing, or Clinical, Managerial, or Consumer Health Entrepreneurship
Points: 4
The University of San Francisco features an online master's in health informatics program with a hands-on curriculum. This gives students the opportunity to engage with and solve real-world problems in the classroom. Students work on their programming and data analytics skills throughout the program. This unique program is ideal for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurialism as these concepts will be applied in several courses. Students can complete either a research project or an internship experience depending on their level of experience in the field.

#13 Northeastern University-Boston, Massachusetts

Master of Science Health Informatics Online

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Average Tuition: $23,408/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Specialization Areas: Technical Track or Business Management Track
Points: 4
Northeastern University offers a top online master's in Health Informatics program designed for working professionals. It's offered in an online format and provides students with continuous interaction with fellow classmates and faculty, when it is most convenient. Students attending full-time can expect to earn their degree in two and a half years. Part-time students can take between two and a half to 4 years to complete. The curriculum includes coursework in:

-patient engagement informatics and analytics
-data management
-evaluating health care quality

Students can complete either a technical track or a business management track, depending on their professional goals.

#12 Nova Southeastern University-Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Master's in Biomedical Informatics Online

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Average Tuition: $18,932/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Specialization Areas: Computer Science with a Medical Informatics Focus; Clinical Informatics with a Concentration in Applications and Evaluation; Business and Management of Health Information Technologies
Points: 5
The online master's in Biomedical Informatics program at Nova Southeastern University is offered completely online. It requires 31 credit hours (10 courses). Courses include:

-Information Security in Health Care
-Survey of Medical Informatics
-Clinical Decision Support Systems.

Through a skill-based curriculum, courses lead to Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, NextGen, and Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems certifications. Students interested in gaining professional work experience before earning their degree can take advantage of secure paid internship positions at NSU clinics.

#11 Regis University-Denver, Colorado

Online Master's in Health Care Informatics & Information Management

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Average Tuition: $12,852/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: No
Specialization Areas: Health Care Services, Information Technology
Points: 5
Regis University features an online master's in health care informatics program for students interested in finding technology solutions needed by health care organizations and systems. With two different tracks to choose from, students can tailor the program to meet their professionals goals. There is no thesis requirement for this program. However, students are able to demonstrate their skills by completing an applied research project. This 36 credit hour program can be completed in about two years of full-time study.

#10 Boston University-Boston, Massachusetts

Online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems Concentration in Health Informatics

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Average Tuition: $50,980/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: Yes
Points: 6
While Boston University is certainly not inexpensive, it does offer one of the top online master's in health informatics to make our list. This CAHIIM accredited program is ranked 6th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and is certified by the Committee on National Security Systems. Students can earn their degree in just 18 to 24 months with no on-campus residency requirements. Concentration courses cover:

-health informatics
-biomedical sciences and health IT
-enterprise cyber security
-electronic health records.

#9 University of Tennessee Health Science Center-Memphis, Tennessee

Master of Health Informatics and Information Management (MHIIM)


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Average Tuition: $13,203/year in-state and $28,638/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: Yes
Points: 7
This is a CAHIIM accredited online program in master's in health informatics and information management. It features a curriculum focused on the necessary frameworks for creating an integrated health system with data management and decision support systems. Courses include:

-Leadership for Health Information Technology and Systems
-Knowledge Management
-Healthcare Information Systems
-an applied research project.

This 33 credit hour program can be completed in two years of full-time study or three years if attending part-time.

#8 The College of St. Scholastica-Duluth, Minnesota

Master's in Health Informatics Online


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Average Tuition: $11,484/year
CAHIIM Accreditation: Yes
Points: 7
The College of St. Scholastica is the first school in the nation to offer a Health Information Management degree. The CAHIIM accredited online master's in Health Informatics program at St. Scholastica is offered 100% online and takes a total of 42 program credits to complete. Students can earn their degree in about two years and can advance their career in a variety of areas such as acute care and research. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning with clinical data and actual patient information. Graduates who have experience may be eligible to sit for the CHDA and CPHI exams.

#7 University of Maryland University College-Adelphi, Maryland

Online Health Informatics Administration Master's Degree

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Average Tuition: $8,244/year in-state and $11,862/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: Yes
Points: 8
The online master's in health informatics administration at the University of Maryland University College is a cutting-edge program designed for both current health care professionals and those changing careers. It is CAHIIM accredited. The curriculum follows the guidelines set forth by the CAHIIM, the American Health Information Management Association, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Courses cover areas like:

-legal aspects in health care administration
-information technology foundations
-health data management
-project management.

Graduates may be prepared to sit for the RHIA exam, the CAHIMS exam, or the CPHIMS exam.

#6 Louisiana Tech University-Ruston, Louisiana

Master of Health Informatics


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Average Tuition: $6,592/year in-state and $13,333/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: Yes
Points: 8
The online master's in Health Informatics program at Louisiana Tech University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Students take courses year round, following a quarter schedule. Students come from a variety of backgrounds, allowing for student diversity and unique perspectives. Courses cover areas such as:

-healthcare compliance
-clinical information systems
-research methods.

#5 East Carolina University-Greenville, North Carolina

Online Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management

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Average Tuition: $4,749/year in-state and $17,898/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: Yes
Points: 8
East Carolina University features the only CAHIIM accredited health informatics program in the state. This top online master's in health informatics program is open to students from a variety of backgrounds including nursing, business, technology, computer science, allied health, and human ecology. The curriculum includes courses in:

-health data structures
-database systems
-electronic health records
-decision support systems
-evaluation methods in health informatics.

Students complete an internship experience to gain hands-on training and real-world experience.

#4 Oregon Health and Science University-Portland, Oregon

Online Master of Science in Clinical Informatics

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Average Tuition: $13,644/year in-state and $25,020/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: Yes
Points: 7
The Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology program at Oregon Health and Science University features an online master's in clinical informatics. It's part of the Biomedical Informatics Educational Program. The program features a cutting edge curriculum with access to the Epic electronic health record system. Faculty are both industry leaders and practitioners. Online students can complete internship or practicum experiences in their own communities. Students also benefit from career development and advisement services to help ensure success in their search for work after graduation.

#3 University of Illinois-Chicago, Illinois

Master of Science in Health Informatics


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Average Tuition:$13,502/year in-state and $23,742/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: Yes
Specialization Areas: Health Data Science
Points: 10
The University of Illinois at Chicago Extended Campus offers an online master's in Health Informatics program which is ingrained in social informatics. This top online master's in health informatics is accredited by CAHIIM. There is no GRE requirement for admission and no on-campus residency requirements. Students can earn their degree in about two and a half years of study. Coursework covers areas of health informatics such as:

-communication

-ethics

-management

-data.

#2 University of Mississippi Medical Center-Jackson, Mississippi

Master of Health Informatics and Information Management Online

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Average Tuition: $8,190/year in-state and $23,454/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: Yes
Specialization Areas: Health Information Management or Health Informatics
Points: 11
The CAHIIM accredited online master's in health informatics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center features program tracks in Health Information Management and Health Informatics. Students who complete the Health Information Management rack may be eligible to take the RHIA exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association. This 36 credit hour program includes core courses in:

-data architecture
-research design
-database management and the development of electronic health information systems.

Both tracks require students to complete a capstone project in their area of specialization.

#1 University of Alabama at Birmingham-Birmingham, Alabama

Online Master of Science in Health Informatics

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Average Tuition: $7,866/year in-state and $17,910/year out-of-state
CAHIIM Accreditation: Yes
Specialization Areas: User Experience or Data Analytics
Points: 11
Our best online master's in health informatics program is offered by the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The program is accredited by CAHIIM and offers tracks in both User Experience and Data Analytics. The majority of coursework is delivered online. Students do need to come on campus for two-3 day residencies each year. Students can earn their degree in just two years of study. Faculty are industry leaders in education, research, and healthcare IT. Graduates are well prepared for leadership positions in health care organizations.
Professionals in the healthcare field or those who are interested in getting into one the fastest growing positions in healthcare, would do well to pursue a Master's in Health Informatics.

The best online Master's in Healthcare Informatics degree programs are the start to a new future.