The best online health informatics associate degrees enable graduates to find work in a wide range of careers. Health informatics is the production, organization, evaluation, and review of electronic health records using health information systems. An online health information technology degree is available through many universities and colleges.
Health information technology is all the information science and computer science technology that healthcare professionals use in their patient care. An online associate degree in health informatics offers students a high-quality education on a flexible schedule.
Health informatics associate degree jobs are perfect for graduates because they can begin working right away after graduation. This article will explore what online health informatics associate degrees are, where you can study, the job outlook, and salary expectations to help you navigate online health informatics associate degrees.
Where Can I Get a Health Informatics Associate Degree Online?
You can get a health informatics associate degree online from a number of top schools, including the University of Alaska Southeast, Northwestern College, Dakota State University, Weber State University, and Davenport University, among others.
What Schools Offer the Best Health Informatics Associate Degrees?
- Dakota State University
- Davenport University
- Northwestern State University
- University of Alaska Southeast
- Weber State University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Health Informatics Associate Degree?
Some admission requirements for an online health informatics associate degree include a high school diploma or a similar level of education before you begin, a minimum GPA of 2.0, and the completion of a placement test. These requirements are generally less demanding than bachelor’s degrees for students wishing to pursue a health informatics program. However, each university or college will have its own application requirements.
Generally, you will need to fill out an application form and pay the application fee. Next, you may be required to submit your official high school transcripts or your GED score. SAT or ACT scores may also be required. Some colleges may require a letter of recommendation or an application essay, while others may require drug screening and a criminal background check.
Online Health Informatics Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- Fill out an application form and complete the online application process
- Submit GED scores or transcripts
- Submit SAT or ACT scores, or complete a college placement test
- Submit a letter of recommendation or application essay
- Pay the application fee
How to Get a Health Informatics Associate Degree Online
You can get a health informatics associate degree by fulfilling all the course requirements, including completing all 60 credits as prescribed by the learning institution and maintaining a minimum GPA set by the school. An Associate Degree in Health Informatics typically covers online course content worth a minimum of about 60 credits. Some programs, such as the one at Northwestern College, have up to 94 online course credits. This is inclusive of both lectures and practical skills development through supervised professional practice.
Additionally, in terms of actual coursework covered, each student in an online health informatics program must maintain a particular GPA, which means passing with a minimum grade requirement. This minimum is prescribed by the college or university. An online health information technology associate degree program is another program that will allow students to get a job in health informatics and offers students the flexibility they need to balance their education with any other obligations they may have, such as employment.
Health Informatics Degree Requirements
- Complete about two years of schooling
- Complete a minimum of 60 credits
- Complete all coursework with the minimum GPA set by the school
- Complete all professional practice hours
- Take the national exam to earn your credentials
Best Online Health Informatics Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Clarkson College | Associate of Science in Health Information Technology | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Dakota State University | Associate of Science in Health Information Technology | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Davenport University | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Idaho State University | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Lakeshore Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology/Coding | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Northwestern College | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Northwood Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| University of Alaska Southeast | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Weber State University | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
Best Schools for Health Informatics: Top Online Health Informatics Associate Degree Programs
Below is an expanded list of our best schools for online health informatics associate degree programs. We’ve researched each of these top schools’ requirements and the cost of tuition to help condense your search. There are many resources online to help you know how to learn health informatics and decide if it is the right career path for you. If it is, then you will want to know the best schools for health informatics associate degrees.
One of the key ways to determine the quality of education you will be receiving is to make sure that the school offering the online health informatics associate degree program is accredited. All of the schools on our list meet this requirement.
Health informatics is a specialized field in the medical industry with its own accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) is the accreditation given to universities with health informatics programs. To check the accreditation status of your preferred university, check out the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).
Below are the top schools offering online health informatics associate degree programs.
What Is an Online Health Informatics Associate Degree?
An online health informatics associate degree is a study program that focuses on the electronic production and management of health records. Online courses are similar to in-person courses in terms of the course content. The difference is that all learning, communication, assignment submission, course discussions, and examinations take place on an online platform.
Online education courses include aspects of healthcare such as health information technology and business, health sciences, management, and practical lab experience. Additionally, the online classes give students technical skills in coding, data analysis and reporting, legal compliance, billing, and electronic health records.
An associate degree in this field will take about two years to complete. Students also have the opportunity to take the national registry exams to earn the Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) credential upon successful completion. Overall, an online health informatics program provides students with more flexibility compared to in-person programs.
Online vs In-Person Associate Degrees
When you’re trying to choose between an online health informatics associate degree and an in-person Associate Degree in Health Informatics, keep in mind that there are benefits to both formats. Online associate degrees are no different from in-person associate degrees. Primarily, the course content covered is the same whether or not you take online classes. The main difference between the two is the delivery method. In-person classes have a set schedule and students must show up to pass. Online lessons provide learners with a more flexible schedule to accommodate other obligations students may have, such as employment.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Associate Degree in Health Informatics
- Affordability. An online associate degree in health informatics is more affordable because it excludes costs and fees such as room, board, and meals on campus.
- Simpler registration. Registering for online learning is less rigorous and stringent than registering for on-campus learning.
- Quality education. Accredited learning institutions offer competitive school- and discipline-specific credentials that students can benefit from as they pursue their career goals.
- Synchronous classes. Many programs offer a live classroom experience, which you can attend regardless of where you are located.
- Flexibility. Through asynchronous, pre-recorded lessons offered by some institutions, you can benefit from working on coursework whenever is convenient for you.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Associate Degree in Health Informatics
- Engagement. In-person classes tend to have a higher level of engagement than online classes.
- Structure. The classroom setting tends to be more structured, enabling a more focused learning environment.
- No interruptions from technology. In-person classes do not face the challenges that online classes sometimes face, such as intermittent or weak Internet connection, inaudibility, inability to find a quiet space to work, and other technical issues.
- Direct interaction with peers and teachers. In-person classes allow students to have additional discussions with peers and teachers even after class sessions are done.
- Access to additional campus facilities. In-person programs readily give students access to additional on-campus facilities, such as libraries and labs.
What Types of Online Associate Degree Can You Get in Health Informatics?
The two types of online Associate Degree in Health Informatics you can get are the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Associate of Science (AS). An AAS degree can be pursued at a community college, a vocational school, or a technical college. An AS degree can be pursued at a four-year higher learning institution.
The AS degree prepares students to continue pursuing their studies via a bachelor’s degree program and makes credit-transfer easier. Not all AAS course credits are transferable into bachelor’s programs. Students pursuing the AAS are more likely to have to redo some course content should they later choose to pursue a bachelor’s program.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science in Health Informatics?
If you want to begin working immediately after graduation, then it is better for you to get the Associate of Applied Science in Health Informatics. This will work to your advantage as there is a high demand for health information technicians. However, if you would like to pursue further education, such as a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, then an Associate of Science degree would be the better option.
The main difference between an Associate of Science (AS) and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is that you can join the workforce and begin pursuing a career in health informatics immediately after graduating with an AAS degree. Overall, whether it is better to get an AS or an AAS degree is based on your personal goals in pursuing a career in healthcare.
When it comes to employment at a healthcare facility, although an AAS degree will provide options for immediate employment, a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Health Informatics and Health Information Management offer options for higher incomes.
How Much Does a Health Informatics Associate Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of a health informatics associate degree is $11,391 for full-time on-campus learning. This number reflects the average cost of associate degrees in the US. However, an online degree costs much less, without the room and boarding fees. With this consideration, this cost ranges between $3,800 and $18,600 depending on whether the program is offered by a public or private institution. Online courses tend to be less expensive than in-person courses.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Health Informatics Associate Degree Online?
It takes about two years to get a health informatics associate degree online. Most colleges and universities will require students to complete around 60 course credits. At a full course load of 15 credits per semester, this will take four semesters to complete. You can accelerate this by taking a summer semester and completing your degree in a year and a half.
However, if for one reason or another you can only attend part-time, then you can expect this duration to be longer than two years. Most part-time students are able to complete their degree requirements within three years.
Are Online Health Informatics Degrees Respected?
Yes, online health informatics degrees are respected. The National Center for Education Statistics shows that 7,313,623 students participated in remote post-secondary education in 2019. Out of these, 3,450,125 participated exclusively in remote classes.
Recognition and respect has to do with the accreditation status of the learning institution as a whole, as well as the industry-specific accreditation of the health informatics program. If the institution is accredited, then the degree is respected.
Additionally, if the health informatics degree program offered is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) it further validates your studies.
Is Health Informatics Hard to Learn Online?
No, health informatics is not hard to learn online. It is similar to an in-person degree, and you will require the same amount of dedication, organization, and hard work in order to complete your program successfully. The only difference between an online degree and an in-person degree program is that online learning is largely dependent on technology.
Students wishing to learn online will have to meet certain criteria in order to access learning materials and attend live classes. These are mostly technology-related, such as a quality computer with proper functionality and performance and high-speed Internet connectivity, as well as access to a quiet location.
Why You Should Get a Health Informatics Associate Degree Online
You should get a health informatics associate degree online because there are many career paths available for health information technicians. An online Associate Degree in Health Informatics is flexible and affordable, taking a shorter amount of time to complete compared to four-year degree programs. With an Associate Degree in Health Informatics, you can also begin working in your career of choice upon graduation.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Associate Degree Program in Health Informatics?
The courses that you’ll take in an online associate degree program in health informatics will teach subject matter such as health services information systems, regulatory and legal issues, health insurance and reimbursement, and the documentation and recording of medical information electronically.
Each university or college will have a variety of courses required to complete an online associate degree program in health informatics. These courses often go by different names depending on the institution but cover the same content.
Medical Terminology
This course introduces students to medical terminology and builds the skills needed to analyze, synthesize, write, and communicate medical information using proper medical terms.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
In this course, students will learn the structure and function of all the aspects of the human body. This will cover the physiological, neural, hormonal, and endocrine systems, and how they are interrelated.
Health Information Technology
This course enables students to have a detailed understanding of health information systems, from patient information to administrative, lab, and pharmacy systems. The focus is on the policies and procedures governing the confidentiality, privacy, and security of medical information.
Human Disease
This course focuses on diseases and disorders that affect different body systems, including their causes, signs, symptoms, and diagnostic testing and result interpretation. Medical treatments and surgical procedures may also be covered in this course.
Professional Practice
This course provides students with professional experience while covering the ethical and legal aspects of managing patient records. It also covers the overall management of financial resources.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Health Informatics Associate Degree Graduates
There are many continuing education paths for online health informatics associate degree graduates, including the pursuit of a Bachelor’s or even a Master’s Degree in Health Informatics. Attaining your online health informatics associate degree is not the end of the road. Additionally, you can pursue certification at various levels depending on your career goals.
Three associations that offer professional certification are the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and the Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists (PAHCS).
Should you decide to continue your studies online, there are a variety of options from which to choose. You can also enroll as a full-time student at some community colleges or other campuses. Either way, there are many institutions that will accept your associate degree credits to offset the bachelor’s degree requirements.
Related Online Health Informatics Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Health Informatics Associate Degree Programs
What you’ll need to look for in the best health informatics associate degree programs are things like accreditation, cost, and course content. You will first need to have some idea of which direction you would like your career to take. Additional aspects to consider are the program delivery method and whether or not you can get certified or licensed when you complete your course.
Accreditation
Ensure that you make your selection of an online school from a pool of accredited institutions. Additionally, ensure that their accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) is up to date.
Tuition Cost and Financial Aid
Financial information is usually readily available on the school’s website. Look for any costs, fees, or expenses you will incur in addition to the tuition. Additionally, explore any financial aid options available to students learning online. Take advantage of all the ones you qualify for to help keep your costs low.
Course Content
Course content varies a bit from one institution to the next, so review the course content offered to ensure that you get the most out of your education. Depending on the career path you want to take, some courses may be more critical than others.
Program Delivery
Look into how the course content is delivered, whether it’s in real-time or in an asynchronous or a hybrid format. This matters because it will determine how you manage your time and resources in order to make sure that you complete all the coursework required.
Certification
Health informatics is a highly specialized field of study. As a result, it requires additional industry-based certification besides your associate degree. The best online health informatics programs will offer some sort of licensing or certification that enables you to navigate your career with confidence.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Health Informatics Associate Degree?
The most affordable online health informatics associate degree is Lakeshore Technical College’s Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management. The college charges tuition at a rate of $143.45 per credit, making the total cost of tuition $8,750.45 for both years.
It is important to take note that each institution has additional costs for books, supplies, tools, or even uniforms. Take your time to review all the costs involved, and reach out to the school’s administration or finance office to get details on costs.
Can I Get a Health Informatics Associate Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a health informatics associate degree online for free. You can, however, apply for a variety of financial aid options such as scholarships and grants to help you meet your school costs. You can also begin your education using massive open online courses (MOOCs). The Health Informatics Specialization course series on Coursera offered by John Hopkins is a good place to start to become familiar with the health informatics industry.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Health Informatics Associate Degree Graduates
There are a variety of health informatics career paths you can get on with a health informatics associate degree. In this section, we’ll look into the different employment avenues and income levels, as well as the general job outlook for associate degree holders in health informatics.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Health Informatics Associate Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a health informatics associate degree. Your online associate degree is just as valid and competitive as a traditional degree. You have several employment options right off the bat, both at the entry-level and higher if you are certified.
You can become a certified Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) by passing the national exams administered by the American Information Management Association. This will open even more opportunities for growth and advancement in your career.
What’s the Average Online Health Informatics Associate Degree Salary?
PayScale states that the average health informatics associate degree salary is about $64,000. Whether you get an online degree or an in-person one, this amount is the same for both. The exact amount, of course, will vary with each position. For example, PayScale also states that the average salary for an entry-level hospital coder is $40,000, while a medical technologist’s average salary is $59,534.
Your career goals will generally determine the trajectory of how much you can earn in this field. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics, you will have opportunities to take on higher-paying roles such as a clinical informatics specialist or a clinical informatics manager, earning an average salary of $78,133 and $97,521, respectively.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Health Informatics Associate Degree?
You can get a job in hospital coding, medical billing, medical assistance, medical records, or health technology with an online health informatics associate degree. There are many employment opportunities that exist for someone with an online health informatics associate degree because technology is growing and changing the way healthcare stores information.
You can also advance your career with additional education and become a healthcare consultant. This gives you the opportunity to work with various groups of clients in the healthcare industry in different capacities.
Health Informatics Associate Degree Jobs
- Medical billing specialist
- Medical assistant
- Medical records and health information technician
- Medical and health services manager
- Hospital coder
Potential Careers With an Online Health Informatics Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Health Informatics Associate Degree?
You can make anywhere between $37,190 and $55,560 per year in your first job after graduating with an online health informatics associate degree. This would likely be from an entry-level position. An associate degree gives you a foot in the door of the health informatics profession. With increased education and certification, you can potentially earn well over these figures.
Additionally, these figures are a general overview and will vary based on your area of specialization and the industry in which you are working. For example, a medical assistant working in an outpatient care center could earn more than a medical assistant working in the office of a physician.
Highest-Paying Online Health Informatics Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Health Informatics Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Information Technologist | $55,560 |
| Hospital Coder | $46,660 |
| Medical and Health Record Technician | $45,720 |
| Medical Billing Specialist | $38,330 |
| Medical Assistant | $37,190 |
Best Jobs for Online Health Informatics Associate Degree Grads
The best jobs for online health informatics associate degree grads are in areas such as health information technology, medical billing, and medical assistance. With your degree, you can quickly land your first role and begin putting your new skills into practice.
When it comes to the job outlook for health informatics associate degree graduates, the Bureau of Labor Statistics database categorizes them under technical roles. Below are the job summaries and outlooks for some of these roles.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Health Informatics Associate Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online health informatics degree is worth it if you are passionate about a career path that offers diversity in roles and responsibilities. Getting a health informatics degree online is also very cost-effective and flexible. The time taken to get an associate degree is not very lengthy, meaning that you can join the workforce sooner and begin building experience and expertise.
Further, the demand for skilled labor in health informatics is also growing, meaning that the chances of finding good employment are high. You also have a lot of growth opportunities in your career as well as in your income, should you get a bachelor’s or master’s degree in this field.
Additional Reading About Health Informatics
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Online Health Informatics Associate Degree FAQ
Health informatics is the use of data from computerized systems and programs to understand aspects of patient healthcare and achieve the best possible patient outcomes, while health information technology is the maintenance of these computerized systems and programs to ensure that they serve all who rely on health informatics to do their job.
Health informatics degree holders help medical practitioners analyze and interpret medical data, which enables decision-makers like doctors to plan for, improve, and deliver healthcare services more effectively. Without health informatics, the medical industry would not be where it is today, providing advanced care with more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
The core skills required for a successful health informatics career are leadership, management, and decision-making skills. If you want to have a successful career in health informatics, you will need to focus on roles that equip you with these skills. These roles include strategic management and planning of health systems, healthcare leadership, systems design and analysis, and clinical analytics and decision support, as well as advanced healthcare information management.
Yes, you can work in health informatics with a data science or IT background. At the heart of health informatics are information science and computer science. Health informatics does not work without these two components. An Associate Degree in Health Informatics will enable you to translate your IT knowledge into the medical industry.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
