Health informatics is an exciting public health field that is rapidly growing. To advance your career, you should consider pursuing one of the best PhDs in Health Informatics. These programs will prepare you for one of the many health informatics jobs available to PhD-holders.
A health informatics PhD takes about four to six years to complete, either online or in person. Continue reading to find our picks for 10 of the best PhDs in Health Informatics, as well as some of the top-paying jobs and PhD in Health Informatics salary information.
What Is a PhD in Health Informatics?
A PhD in Health Informatics is a doctoral degree program that combines medical knowledge with computer and data science, engineering, and information science. This degree focuses on health information management and the collection, storage, and analysis of medical and patient data in the healthcare industry and clinical practice.
How to Get Into a Health Informatics PhD Program: Admission Requirements
The requirements to get into a health informatics PhD program include having a minimum of an undergraduate degree in a related field. Some PhD programs require a Master’s Degree in Health Informatics and at least three to five years of relevant work experience. Each program will require official transcripts from previous universities.
Additional requirements may include two to three letters of recommendation, GRE or GMAT test scores, a current resume, and a personal statement. English as a second language (ESL) students will need to provide proof of English proficiency in the form of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam scores or the equivalent.
PhD in Health Information Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Health Informatics or a related field
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores, such as GRE or GMAT
- Current resume showing relevant work experience
- Personal statement
- TOEFL exam or equivalent (for ESL students)
Health Informatics PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Health Informatics?
It can be hard to get into a health informatics PhD program, but not harder than many other types of doctorate programs. Most schools have an acceptance rate of less than 40 percent. Doctoral students must be highly focused and qualified in their previous academic and work experience to be accepted into a PhD program.
How to Get Into the Best Universities
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Best PhDs in Health Informatics: In Brief
| School | Program | Online Option |
|---|---|---|
| Dakota State University | PhD in Information Systems | Yes |
| Indiana University Bloomington | PhD in Informatics | No |
| Liberty University | DBA in Healthcare Management | Yes |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | PhD in Administration-Health Services | No |
| University of Florida | PhD in Medical Sciences, Biomedical Informatics | No |
| University of Iowa | PhD in Health Informatics | No |
| University of Minnesota – Twin Cities | PhD in Health Informatics | No |
| University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | PhD in Biomedical Informatics | No |
| University of Utah | PhD in Biomedical Informatics | No |
| University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee | PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics | No |
Best Universities for Health Informatics PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Health Informatics
You can find some of the best universities for health informatics across the United States in our list above. Depending on the school, you might have the option to choose between online or in-person learning. Below, we’ll take a close look at the best PhDs in Health Informatics.
Can You Get a PhD in Health Informatics Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Health Informatics online. An online program allows you to take courses that fit into your personal work schedule, as many programs are intended for students who are already working in the health informatics field.
Best Online PhD Programs in Health Informatics
| School | Program | Length |
|---|---|---|
| American Sentinel University | Online DNP in Informatics Leadership | 2-4 years |
| Capella University | Online DHA in Health Administration | 4-5 years |
| University of Phoenix | Online PhD in Health Administration | 3.5 years |
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Health Informatics?
It typically takes between three to five years of full-time study to get a PhD in Health Informatics. Usually, core courses are completed within the first two years and electives are completed in the third year. In the final year of your health information technology doctoral degree program, you will work on your dissertation, capstone project, or doctoral thesis. Some programs require a comprehensive exam in addition to the culminating project requirement.
Is a PhD in Health Informatics Hard?
Yes, a PhD in Health Informatics can be hard to obtain, with many hours spent studying and conducting research in challenging areas of the field. A health informatics program requires students to have knowledge in complicated disciplines like computer science, biostatistics, and medicine.
Additionally, a PhD requires more than just technical skills. You’ll also need to focus on important soft skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork. Nonetheless, with hard work and dedication, getting a PhD in Health Informatics is more than possible to achieve.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Health Informatics?
It costs $19,314 to get a PhD in Health Informatics, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, this value is an average of the tuition costs of all graduate degree-granting institutions. The total cost will vary on different factors, such as whether the university is public or private and whether you are a resident or non-resident.
How to Pay for a PhD in Health Informatics: PhD Funding Options
Most schools offer numerous PhD funding options that students can take advantage of to pay for a PhD in Health Informatics program. These options often include loans, scholarships, and fellowships. Most of these options are based on merit and need, so you should look into what options are offered by the school and how to apply for them.
Some schools also offer fully-funded PhD programs that cover the total cost of tuition and fees, as well as provide a yearly stipend. In these programs, students work in research or teaching assistantships in exchange.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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What Is the Difference Between a Health Informatics Master’s Degree and PhD?
The difference between a health informatics master’s degree and a PhD is the curriculum and the overall length and level of study. A master’s degree is a graduate program that will help you obtain the relevant technical skills needed for a job in the health informatics field. These degrees typically take two years and go beyond the general topics taught in an undergraduate program.
While a master’s degree features more advanced studies than a bachelor’s degree, the PhD takes it a step further and focuses on specific learning tracks like data science, clinical informatics, and precision medicine informatics. PhDs take four to six years to complete and are the highest educational qualification you can receive in any field of study.
Master’s vs PhD in Health Informatics Job Outlook
Health informatics is a rapidly growing field. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers have an outlook of 32 percent job growth by 2030. This profession requires a master’s degree and many years of relevant experience, or a PhD, DHA, or equivalent.
On the other hand, records and health information specialists, a profession that only requires an associate or bachelor’s degree, are expected to see job growth of nine percent by 2030, a rate that is much lower than that of health services managers.
Difference in Salary for Health Informatics Master’s vs PhD
The average salary for someone with a Master’s Degree in Health Informatics is approximately $65,000 per year, according to PayScale. In comparison, PhD holders earn an average annual salary of $119,000 per year. PhD candidates are more qualified by default and can work in high-paying senior managerial and research positions, or teach in higher education institutions.
Related Health Informatics Degrees
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Why You Should Get a PhD in Health Informatics
You should get a PhD in Health Informatics because you will gain in-depth, expert-level knowledge of the healthcare industry and the skills necessary to best support patient information storage. A PhD program will allow you to learn excellent research, technical, analytical, and theoretical skills and concepts that will prepare you for the career of your choice.
Reasons for Getting a PhD in Health Informatics
- Career opportunities. Health informatics is a growing field with plenty of career opportunities. As more jobs open in this field, more managers with the appropriate education are necessary. Those with a PhD are the most qualified candidates and will find an abundance of available positions to apply for.
- Interesting work. There are many interesting and exciting facets to a career in the health informatics field. An analytically-minded candidate can create databases, analyze patient data, and create applications to maintain data and ensure patient privacy.
- Higher earning potential. Having a PhD enables you to demand a high salary and great benefits. Because it is the highest qualification possible, PhD holders are able to negotiate higher salary compensation in comparison to those with bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
- Specialized education. A PhD allows you to focus on specific areas of health informatics that interest you most. This specialization experience can make you an expert on a particular subject and help you with your career after graduation.
Getting a PhD in Health Informatics: Health Informatics PhD Coursework
A PhD in Health Informatics program requires several core courses to earn your degree. Health informatics PhD coursework explores the fundamentals of informatics, as well as specialization or elective courses based on your interests. Below are a few of the most common courses you may see in a program’s health informatics curriculum.
Introduction to Health Informatics
In an introductory informatics course, students will learn fundamental informatics concepts with a more refined look at the relevant health information technology used in the field. The course explores the data types, use of data, and relevant modeling processes to store and process patient data.
Introduction to Biostatistics
An introduction to biostatistics class focuses on biological data and the statistical techniques used to sample and analyze data. Students work with hypothesis tests, simple linear regression, and categorical data analysis.
Database Systems
Database systems classes explain how to create and query databases. Students will learn how to use SQL, ER diagrams, and develop relational databases. They will also learn to program web applications using JDBC or PHP.
Human-Computer Interactions
Human-computer interactions courses teach students about UX design programs and how consumer behavior applies to user experience design. This course also covers the concepts and practices of informatics architecture.
Health Information Technology Policy
Health information technology policy focuses on key policy issues in the United States. Some courses may also cover a few international policies. They focus on the three major areas of consumer, clinical, and biomedical informatics.
Best Master’s Degrees
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How to Get a PhD in Health Informatics: Doctoral Program Requirements
Knowing exactly how to get a PhD in Health Informatics is essential before applying for a doctoral program. Many programs require a certain amount of credit hours, publication requirements, and a dissertation or capstone project. While each program varies slightly, you should be prepared to complete each of the following steps before you graduate.
Potential Careers With a Health Informatics Degree
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PhD in Health Informatics Salary and Job Outlook
Professionals with a PhD in Health Informatics can earn six-figure salaries per year. Health informatics is a growing field, with most jobs featuring an above-average job growth outlook within the next decade.
What Can You Do With a PhD in Health Informatics?
With a PhD in Health Informatics, you can work in the public or private health care system, keeping clinics and hospitals in line with federal regulations. Many career options requiring a PhD in Health Informatics include leadership or educator roles.
Best Jobs with a PhD in Health Informatics
- Health IT Project Manager
- Nursing Informatics Director
- Health Services Director
- Postsecondary Education Administrator
- Clinical Analyst
What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Health Informatics?
The average salary for someone with a PhD in Health Informatics is $119,000 per year. Health informatics can extend to nursing informatics director roles, which require a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. However, these professionals perform many of the same tasks as those with a PhD.
Highest-Paying Health Informatics Jobs for PhD Grads
| Health Informatics PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Health IT Project Manager | $159,010 |
| Nursing Informatics Director | $123,780 |
| Postsecondary Teacher – Health Specialties | $102,720 |
| Health Services Manager | $101,340 |
| Clinical Analyst | $70,679 |
Best Health Informatics Jobs with a Doctorate
The best health informatics jobs for doctoral degree holders include management and director positions. Most of these positions require a postgraduate degree and several years of relevant work experience in the informatics field.
Is a PhD in Health Informatics Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Health Informatics is worth it. With a rapid growth rate, there is a need for well-educated employees in the field. Doctoral degree holders have the option of choosing between working on the analytical or technical sides to meet their interests.
A doctoral student in health informatics should focus on finding a program that matches their desired learning track. Several graduate schools offer focused informatics tracks that will allow you to use the informatics practices that interest you most.
Additional Reading About Health Informatics
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/health-informatics/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/health-informatics-careers/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/masters-in-health-informatics-scholarships/
PhD in Health Informatics FAQ
Yes, you can work from home with a degree in health informatics. However, many of the positions that are exclusively available to PhD-holders require you to work in person.
Yes, health informatics is considered a STEM major. With an educational focus on the health care field and data analysis, health informatics falls into both categories of science and technology.
No, you don’t need to know how to code for a health informatics degree. However, it may be beneficial to have some coding knowledge if you are tasked with building a new database.
No, you typically cannot work as a health informatics professional without a degree. It is a technical field that requires a foundational understanding of the relevant systems and protocols. Therefore, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree to begin your professional journey and gain experience in the field.
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.
