When you think of professionals in the healthcare field, doctors and nurses might be the first to come to mind. However, as the amount of data in every field grows, so does the need for professionals who can manage that data. In this article, we’ll discuss the best health informatics associate degrees for landing a job in the growing health informatics field.
With an associate degree in health informatics, you will use technology to store and manage patient data in order to establish the best patient care. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare jobs will grow by 16 percent between 2020 and 2030. Let’s take a look at the leading health informatics associate degree programs and some lucrative health informatics associate degree jobs.
Where Can I Get an Associate Degree in Health Informatics?
The best colleges where you can get an associate degree in health informatics are Baker College, Borough of Manhattan Community College, Community College of Baltimore County, Davenport University, Ivy Tech Community College, and Neosho County Community College.
What Schools Offer the Best Health Informatics Associate Degrees?
- Baker College
- Borough of Manhattan Community College
- Community College of Baltimore County
- Ivy Tech Community College
- Neosho County Community College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Health Informatics?
The admission requirements for an Associate Degree in Health Informatics will vary from school to school, but generally include graduation from high school or an equivalent, like passing the General Educational Development (GED) test. Some schools also require that you take an English proficiency test.
Further requirements for associate degrees in health informatics may include professional experience at participating health care facilities. You may also need to complete remedial courses. The specifics of these requirements vary depending on the school and the program. Prospective students can use the school’s website or contact the admissions department to find out information about associate in health informatics requirements.
Health Informatics Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- 16 years of age or older
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Complete the admission application
- Submit a government-issued ID
- Submit TOEFL, IELTS test scores, if necessary
How to Get a Health Informatics Associate Degree
You can get a health informatics associate degree by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements, which include completing a minimum of 60 course credits. This credit requirement might be slightly higher, depending on the school. You also need to maintain the minimum GPA set by your school. Some schools may require you to complete an academic project as well.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree in Health Informatics?
You need a minimum of 60 credits for an Associate Degree in Health Informatics. The accreditation body of each school will determine the minimum credit requirements for the program. In most cases, one class will be three credits, meaning that you will need 20 classes to fulfill the requirement.
General education courses for the degree include technology and information systems and fundamentals of communication. You will also need to complete elective courses, such as disease and diagnosis, fundamentals of health data, health data research and analysis, and many others.
Health Informatics Degree Requirements
- Minimum of 60 credits
- Minimum average grade of a C, typically
- General education courses
- Health information electives
Best Health Informatics Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Baker College | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Community College of Baltimore County | Associate of Applied Science in Health Informatics and Information Technology | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Davenport University | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Enterprise State Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Neosho County Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Northwestern College Bridgeview | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Rasmussen University | Health Information Technician Associate Degree | Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| San Diego Mesa College | Associate of Science in Health Information Technology | Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
Best Schools for Health Informatics: Top Health Informatics Associate Degree Programs
The best schools for health informatics associate degrees will help students start their careers in healthcare sooner rather than later. Furthermore, top health informatics associate programs will give students the general education and credits required to transfer to a four-year program where they can go on to earn a bachelor’s degree. Below is a list of the 10 best schools for health informatics associate degrees.
What Is a Health Informatics Associate Degree?
A health informatics associate degree is a two-year program that teaches students the collection, storage, and evaluation of health information in a digital format. It is the combination of informatics, engineering, communication systems, and medical knowledge to create procedures to enhance healthcare and health reforms.
An associate degree in health informatics helps students develop clinical care guidelines and ensure that care is met properly. Training includes how to manage electronic medical records using information engineering and management. The program prepares graduates for a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics and related fields, as well as entry-level jobs in the field.
How Important Is an Associate Degree in Health Informatics?
An Associate Degree in Health Informatics is essential, as it exposes students to the technical skills needed to maintain patient information and databases and enable the smooth day-to-day operations of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Students learn how to provide valid and reliable information that drives the healthcare industry.
Furthermore, health informatics associate degrees train students for a wide variety of essential jobs such as health information technology, health data management, health informatics, health statistics and quality management, and many others.
What Types of Associate Degree Can You Get in Health Informatics?
You can get the following types of associate degree in health informatics:
- Associate of Science in Health Informatics
- Associate of Applied Science in Health Informatics
The type of degree you should get depends on your education and career goals. An Associate of Science is ideal for students looking to gain advanced qualifications, such as a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree as this degree delivers a wider range of education. Students who want to enter the workforce straight after graduating should consider an Associate of Applied Science.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Health Informatics?
It is better to get an Associate of Applied Science so you can start working as soon as you graduate. You may go back to college at a later stage to complete a bachelor’s degree or certification once you have gained valuable professional experience.
The main difference between an Associate of Science degree in health informatics and an Associate of Applied Science is that an Associate of Science is a broader degree whereas an Associate of Science is a slightly more specialized degree that is usually the choice for those who are sure they want to enter the job market as soon as they graduate.
What Is the Difference Between a Health Informatics Associate Degree and a Health Informatics Certificate?
The main differences between a health informatics associate degree and a sub-baccalaureate certificate in health informatics are the scope and depth of knowledge you’ll be exposed to, the number of skills you’ll learn, your employability, the reputation of your credential at the end of the program, and the qualification you get after completing the program.
During your two-year associate degree program, you will be required to complete several courses that provide practical, hands-on experience and skills in your field of study. A sub-baccalaureate certificate offers a more limited education. Due to this, associate degree holders are more employable than certificate holders. Also, an associate degree qualifies you for a bachelor’s degree program, but a certificate does not.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Associate Degree in Health Informatics?
Health informatics associate degrees cost an average of $3,621 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The total cost of earning this degree, including room and board, averages $11,391 per year
How Long Does It Take to Get a Health Informatics Associate Degree?
It takes 18 to 24 months to get a health informatics associate degree. There are general education courses and electives you need to complete to meet the minimum of 60 credits. One unit of credit represents one hour of lecture or recitation, along with three hours of laboratory or two hours of preparation per week. Associate degrees in health informatic length will vary from school to school.
You may be required to spend the entire duration of your studies in your classes. Some of your practicum hours required may be waived if you already have some experience in the field. You might also be able to complete the degree online. Some schools, however, require 40 hours of practicum time for this requirement to be satisfied.
How Hard Is It to Get an Associate Degree in Health Informatics?
It is easy to get an associate degree in health informatics. Getting an associate degree in health informatics is easy because you only need to meet the basic requirements to be awarded the degree, which is primarily to complete the credit hours and do the necessary coursework. The program is typically offered on campus or online and can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.
Why Should You Get a Health Informatics Associate Degree?
The benefits of getting an associate degree in health informatics is to land an entry-level career in this field and be part of the future of healthcare. This degree will qualify you for professions such as chief data security officer, clinical informaticist, healthcare system manager, IT manager, and other positions in health information technology, health data management, and health statistics and quality management.
Further benefits of an associate degree in health informatics is it will also prepare you to further your education in data science, medicine, or information technology bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs. Furthermore, careers in health informatics can offer high salaries and healthcare is a fast-growing field.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in an Associate Degree Program in Health Informatics?
The required courses for an Associate Degree in Health Informatics are centered on information technology, clinical documentation, data informatics management, health data analysis, and other areas that require data or information management within the field.
Students who are interested in these degrees can use the school’s website, handbook, or catalog to find more information on the program’s associate degree in health informatics course list. Read on for some examples of associate in health informatics courses you’ll take.
Health Data Research and Analysis
In this course, you will be trained on data collection, organization, and presentation in areas such as cost review, facility usage, patient population, and disease prevalence. The focus is usually on data evaluation with the purpose to assess and improve quality management, risk management, and utilization management in the healthcare facility.
CPT Medical Coding
This course prepares students for the coding of medical records through the use of the Healthcare Procedural Coding System Level II (HCPCS Level II) and the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-4) procedural classification system. These teachings will help students learn the guidelines for radiology, coding evaluation and management, and other related areas.
Technology and Information Systems
Students will be exposed to emerging computer software, hardware, and processes. This includes exploring the global and ethical impact of technological integration in various areas of the healthcare field.
Fundamentals of Health Data Management
Students will be introduced to the field of health information management (HIM). The course is broadly focused on healthcare delivery systems, ethical and legal issues in healthcare, regulatory and compliance requirements, and other related areas.
Computer Applications for Health Data Analysis
This course gives students an overview of health informatics with hands-on database health-context applications to enable them to analyze, organize, and manage data. It also trains students on how to translate such data into usable information for presentations and decision-making.
Continuing Education Paths for Health Informatics Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a health informatics associate degree is to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Graduates may consider careers such as informatics nurse specialists or systems software developers, or graduate programs like emergency management, epidemiology, and other related areas.
There is no specific licensing route that must be taken before you explore these education paths. However, you need to complete your associate’s degree before continuing your education.
Related Health Informatics Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Health Informatics Associate Degree Programs
The best health informatics associate degree programs have accreditation, rich curricula, and solid reputations. You should also ensure your chosen program is affordable, has high employment outcomes, and provides career services for students. You can expect hands-on learning, practical exercises, and laboratory experience from a health informatics associate degree.
Accreditation
Earning an unaccredited Associate Degree in Health Informatics is something to avoid. Ensure that the program and school are fully accredited to satisfy professional certification requirements and impress prospective employers. Search for your school and program using resources such as the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Rich Curriculum Content
One of the things you need to consider before choosing an Associate Degree in Health Informatics is a strong and comprehensive core curriculum. The core classes will expose you to the fundamental aspects of health informatics and also help you develop versatile skills needed in furthering your career in the healthcare field.
Reputation and Ranking
Look for a school with a good reputation. Reputable rankings can tell you how much credibility a prospective employer will attribute to your associate degree. US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Teaching Rankings report, for example, relies on peer nominations of schools with a very strong commitment to educating undergraduate students.
Alignment with Your Career Plan
When choosing a health informatics associate degree, you need to verify that it aligns with your career goals. It needs to offer the necessary skills and support to help you progress on your career path through the experience you’ll gain, learning structures, courses, professionals, and community of students.
Affordability
Before you apply for admission for an Associate Degree in Health Informatics, ensure that the program is something you can afford. Be sure to research financial aid and student loans, such as FAFSA.
What Is the Most Affordable Health Informatics Associate Degree?
The most affordable associate degree in health informatics is the Associate of Science in Health Information Technology offered by San Diego Mesa College in California. The tuition is approximately $1,144 per year, or $2,288 for the total tuition cost of the program.
Salary and Job Outlook for Health Informatics Associate Degree Graduates
Health informatics associate degrees open the door to a variety of entry-level career positions in the health industry such as health information technology, health data management, health informatics, and health statistics and quality management. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare-related jobs will grow by 16 percent between 2020 and 2030.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Health Informatics Associate Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a health informatics associate degree. With the practical courses offered, students are equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge needed in healthcare-related fields. This makes them stand out and qualify for job positions. Some schools even offer career services in the form of industry partnerships and internship opportunities for students.
Furthermore, if you opt for an Associate of Applied Science, your program and coursework will consist of hands-on training and in-demand learning to help you secure an entry-level upon graduation.
What’s the Average Health Informatics Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for a health informatics associate degree holder is $64,000, according to PayScale. However, know that the salary range differs depending on factors such as your professional experience, job title, and educational background.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Health Informatics Associate Degree?
Health informatics associate degrees open the door to a variety of careers in the healthcare industry, especially entry-level managerial and administrative positions. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare-related jobs will grow by 16 percent between 2020 and 2030. Below are some popular jobs a health informatics associate degree will help you get.
Health Informatics Jobs
- Hospital Coder
- Systems Administrator
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Coder
- Health Technician
Potential Careers With a Health Informatics Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Health Informatics?
You can earn between $35,000 and $80,000 per year with an Associate Degree in Health Informatics. With the relevant skills and knowledge, you can land entry-level jobs in health informatics fields such as medical coding, health information technology, informatics pharmacy, public health informatics, clinical informatics, informatics nursing, and other related roles.
Highest-Paying Health Informatics Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Health Informatics Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| System Administrator | $80,600 |
| Healthcare Consultant | $79,551 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $52,021 |
| Medical Coder | $45,353 |
| Medical Receptionist | $34,518 |
Best Jobs for Health Informatics Associate Degree Grads
The best jobs for health informatics associate degree graduates include healthcare consultant, system administrator, hospital coder, medical coder, and medical receptionist. They are relatively entry-level jobs that are a great place to begin your health informatics career.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Associate Degree in Health Informatics Worth It?
Yes, an Associate Degree in Health Informatics is worth it. If you are looking to get a degree that will enable you to enter the medical field soon, then an Associate Degree in Health Informatics is a good choice. While some medical professions demand a great deal of education, a health informatics associate degree takes just 18 to 24 months to complete and is relatively affordable.
Furthermore, the coursework in the degree program teaches students advanced skills to succeed in their healthcare-related careers, such as healthcare information technology and allows them to progress to a bachelor’s degree program if desired. All of these factors make an associate in health informatics worth it.
Additional Reading About Health Informatics
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Health Informatics Associate Degree FAQ
An Associate Degree in Health Informatics covers topics such as information technology, clinical documentation, data informatics management, health data analysis, and other areas that require data management within the field.
Some of the courses you’ll take include Health Data Research and Analysis, Medical Coding, and Technology and Information Systems. More specific courses will depend on your chosen program and specialization.
Coding and computer programming are not necessarily a requirement for every health informatics specialist. However, you will have a competitive edge if you’re familiar with programming languages such as C, Python, Java, and SQL.
No, health informatics is not a difficult profession. However, working in this healthcare field requires more than hard technical skills. Along with computers, information technology, and other related skills, soft skills like teamwork, communication, and critical thinking make it easier to succeed.
Yes, health informatics requires math, but not in every area. Math is used to create statistical graphs of success rates of treatments or epidemics and other related areas. A strong background in math isn’t compulsory before entering this field.
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