-
Solving Emergency Crowding Through Analytics - UAB Health Informatics
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed new threats and opportunities throughout global healthcare infrastructure. As the world grappled with a deadly virus, healthcare professionals faced logistical challenges from the front lines. Now, with lockdowns lifted and the world of healthcare forever changed by the pandemic, what lessons can we learn and use to improve our hospitals, urgent care facilities, and emergency rooms moving forward?
-
Top 4 UX Trends That Will Continue to Shape the Healthcare Industry
Technology is rapidly bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers, allowing for better care and greater understanding, especially when compared to what can be achieved in brief, in-person appointments. By employing technology to enhance the user experience (UX), healthcare providers are able to collect more data, customize treatments, and attend to patients no matter where they are.
-
Hallmarks of a Great Master’s in Health Informatics Program in Health Informatics
The field of health informatics is rapidly expanding to meet the needs of patients and healthcare providers around the world. By using remote diagnostics and machine learning (among numerous other tech advancements), health informatics aims to create cutting-edge healthcare solutions throughout the industry, transforming the way we provide and receive care.
-
Top 5 Emerging Trends in HIT - Healthcare For the Future
At this moment, nearly a quarter into the 21st century, data collection has revolutionized how we look at our world. As wave after wave of data are collected and analyzed, new and actionable insights come into focus. Some industries use those data to advertise, while others deploy it in the prediction of elections. But in the healthcare industry, this information represents a tremendous step forward in the treatment of ailments big and small.
-
FAQ: How Can UAB Health Informatics Strengthen My Healthcare Career?
With projections of 2.4 million new jobs in the healthcare industry over the next ten years, the time has never been better to pursue a career in health informatics.
-
3 Reasons to Apply to the UAB Health Informatics Master’s Program
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations will grow by 15 percent in the next decade. With more and more healthcare jobs being added to the economy, it’s the perfect time to pursue a graduate degree in the medical industry.
-
Health Informatics Impact on Covid-19 Made a Difference, This is How
Health Informatics (HI) came into the spotlight during COVID-19. The sheer volume and velocity of data collected necessitated tools and technology to analyze and organize information. One primary purpose of health informatics centers on improving healthcare outcomes while improving patient care and lowering healthcare costs.
-
Feldman receives HIMSS Changemaker in Health award
University of Alabama at Birmingham professor Sue Feldman, R.N., Ph.D., is one of 11 people around the world named a recipient of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Changemaker in Health Award. The award is determined by a public vote, making it a unique representation of the voices of the health care industry.
Kyle Cutright Akins, MSHA, MSHI *
General Manager of Medicare and Retirement
Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi
United Health Care
Jorge Alsip, MD
Chief Medical Information Officer
UAB Health System
D. Chris Compton, MSHI *
Team Lead, Web & Mobile Systems Development
Veterans Administration - Huntsville, AL
Detlev H. “Herb” Smaltz, PhD
Founder, President & CEO
CIO Consult
Jeffrey Wall, MD
Director, Physician Strategy & Medical Specialties
Cerner Corporation
Adele Allison
Director, Provider Innovation Strategies
DST Health Solutions
James Cimino, MD
Professor of Medicine, Director, Informatics Institute
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Joan Hicks, MSHI *
Chief Information Officer
UAB Health System
Rick Moore, MSHI
Chief Information Officer
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Brantley Synco, MBA, MSHI, CISSP
Deputy Compliance and Chief Privacy Officer
DST Health Solutions
*Program Alumnus
The mission statement of the Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) Program is "Through teaching, research and service, the Master of Science in Health Informatics Program is a collaborative center of excellence dedicated to preparing students to become leaders in health informatics and information management."
The MSHI mission is consistent with the mission of the School of Health Professions: To improve the quality of health through teaching, research, and translation of discoveries into practice.
Program Goals
The goals of the MSHI program are four-fold and align with goals of the Department of Health Administration:
- Be recognized as a global leader in Health Informatics management, research, and service.
- Create and enhance Health Informatics focused partnerships to strengthen the field of practice.
- Deliver innovative Health Informatics education that enhances the value of the MSHI degree and anticipates market demand.
- Expand scholarly activities that contribute to the field of Health Informatics.
Request More Information
According to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health service managers is projected to grow 20% through 2026—much faster than the average for all occupations.
Depending on strength and focus, graduates can pursue many different career paths in a variety of settings including:
- Hospitals/Health Systems
- Non-Profit
- Doctors’ Offices
- Insurance Companies
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Technology Vendors
- Consulting Firms
- Government Agencies
Possible job titles might include:
- Research Scientist
- Clinical Informatics Manager
- Security Informaticist
- Healthcare IT Project Manager
- Computer/Information Systems Leader
- Software Designer
- Chief Information officer
- Project Manager
- EHR/IT Consultant
- Systems Analyst
- Informaticist
- Data Analyst
- Consultant
- Data Mining Engineer
Request More Information
Program | Entry Term | Deadline |
---|---|---|
Master of Science in Health Informatics | Fall (August) Only | Early deadline (non-binding): March 1 Regular deadline: May 31 |
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Informatics | Fall (August) Only | May 31 |
Application Fees
Domestic applicants and Green Card holders: $50
International applicants: $60
Requirements
-
Application Requirements
Applications are submitted online through the UAB Graduate School. Please note admission interviews are required for the master’s program.
Applicants for all HI Programs must hold a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited university and should meet a GPA of 3.0 or above for the last 60 hours of coursework.
The following items are required for your application to be considered complete and ready for review:
Official transcripts from each institution where college credit was received can be mailed to:
UAB Graduate School
LHL G03, 1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0013- Payment of the non-refundable application fee ($50)
- Personal Essay Statement highlighting your desire for enrollment and how you will utilize the knowledge and skills gained in your professional career.
- Current Resume or CV outlining your professional work experience.
- Three letters of recommendation (not required for the certificate application).
- Official transcripts from all previous academic work beyond secondary must be submitted directly to the graduate school by mail or email.
- Depending on which transcript service the prior institution uses, applicants should use
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as the email address or select the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Graduate Admissions as the receiving university. Transcripts forwarded from a student's email account will not be considered official. - Paper transcripts bearing a university seal should be sent directly to the Graduate School from the issuing school’s Registrar Office or submitted by the student in a sealed envelope bearing a university signature or stamp across the seal.
- Depending on which transcript service the prior institution uses, applicants should use
-
Program Prerequisites
- Completion of an introductory programming language course (SQL) is required. This requirement may be waived if the applicant’s undergraduate or current work responsibilities require knowledge of one or more programming language.
- Completion of 3 credit hours of an undergraduate or graduate course in statistics with a B or better in the last five years is required.
- Missing these prerequisites?
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance. - These program prerequisites are not required for the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Informatics.
-
Technical Standards
Review MSHI Technical Standards which outline guidelines on required academic, interpersonal and communication skills, as well as course accommodations.
-
International Applicants
This is an online program. It requires two residential visits each year. Therefore, this program does not qualify for F1/J1 visa status. Still interested?
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Request More Information
- 100% online classes with two residential visits required each year (fall & spring).
- Courses are held both asynchronously and synchronously (typically one night per week per course).
- Earn your Master’s degree in 24 months.
- No GRE required!
- Work directly with nationally and internationally recognized faculty.
Curriculum
Year 1 - All Students
-
Fall (Year 1)
HI 599: Professional Development (0 credit hours)
HI 611: Introduction to Health Informatics and Healthcare Delivery (4 credit hours)
Overview of history and current status of health information technology (health IT) and health informatics within the US health care system, including approaches for planning, implementing and evaluating health IT and the legal and ethical issues involved in the use of health IT.HI 613: Analysis and Design of Health Information Systems (4 credit hours)
Concepts, methods, approaches, standards, and tools in analyzing, modeling, designing, and implementing user centered health information systems. -
Spring (Year 1)
HI 614: Clinical and Administrative Systems (3 credit hours)
Clinical and administrative systems with an emphasis on clinical decision support methods, tools, and systems. Types of methods, tools, and systems used in inpatient and outpatient settings, information flow across systems within healthcare settings, strategies for user centered design, implementation and evaluation of systems.HI 617: Principles in Health Informatics (3 credit hours)
Underpinnings in Health Informatics policies, practices, and principles; Inter-and intra-organizational application of socio-technical information systems and data to enhance research and practice in healthcare.HI 620: Security and Privacy in Healthcare (3 credit hours)
Security and privacy issues, legislation, regulations, and accreditation standards unique to the health care domain and relative to various group layers (individual, social, and society). Concepts, theories, methods, models, and tools related to technical security of data across networks, systems, databases and storage, audit mechanisms and controls. -
Summer (Year 1)
HI 618: Research Methods in Health Informatics (3 credit hours)
Fundamental concepts, methods, and approaches of qualitative and quantitative data analysis, including statistical analysis and measurement techniques, for clinical and health informatics.HI 619: Database and Data Modeling (3 credit hours)
Concepts of data modeling, database design and administration, data architectures, and data querying for transactional and analytical data systems. Study of various data models with application to health information projects using SQL in current database management systems.HI 621: Strategic Planning, Project Management and Contracting (3 credit hours)
Theory, practice, and processes needed for strategic planning of integrated health information systems. Assessing benefits of enterprise-wide information integration and tactics needed to realize these benefits. Steps needed for developing strategic plans and understanding drivers of information systems - corporate business alignment. Understanding key concepts of project management. Exposure to skills needed to negotiate contracts with vendors.
Year 2 - Select a Track
Data Analytics Track:
This track provides students with a deep understanding of health data, analytic methods, and data mining, as well as data science skills applied to clinical, administrative, and consumer-generated health data. The data analytics track is intended for health informatics professionals who want to focus on the many aspects surrounding data analysis and data visualization of healthcare data.
-
Fall (Year 2) Data Analytics Track
HI 599: Professional Development (0 credit hours)
HI 641: Healthcare Data Analytics Challenges, Methods and Tools (3 credit hours)
Current factors, methods, and tools affecting data collection, management, analytics, integration, and reporting in healthcare, including use of various ontologies and standards, and healthcare challenges affecting data analytics.HI 642: Advanced Data Management and Analytics for Healthcare (3 credit hours)
Automation of database management and basic Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) and data analytics tasks using advanced SQL. Creation and optimization of relational databases. Current data modeling and database architecture approaches and their uses in healthcare. Integration of data mining and analytics into database management platforms.HI 671: Data Analytics Capstone Project (1 credit hour)
Initiation of first steps in identifying and developing the HI Capstone Project; the Capstone project is a focused investigation of a health informatics problem in a real-world setting and application of problem solving methodologies for development and execution of solutions. -
Spring (Year 2) Data Analytics Track
HI 643: Business Intelligence for Healthcare (3 credit hours)
Current concepts, methods and tools in Business Intelligence for healthcare. Approaches for data modeling for data warehouses, Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) processes, data marts, data integration, and data visualization.HI 646: Advanced Quantitative Methods for Health Informatics (3 credit hours)
Concepts, methods, and tools used in advanced quantitative data analytics to address a range of problems in health informatics, including prediction, classification, and pattern recognition across a variety of levels (individual, social group, and society).HI 673: Data Analytics Capstone Project II
Continuation course for the HI Capstone Project involving project proposal development; the Capstone project is a focused investigation of a health informatics problem in a real-world setting and application of problems solving methodologies for development and execution of solutions. -
Summer (Year 2) Data Analytics Track
HI 624: Leadership Theory and Development (2 credit hours)
Exploration of leadership theory and development, and the role of leadership in internal and external advocacy. The emphasis is on the application of leadership theories to individuals and groups in healthcare settings.HI 675: Data Analytics Capstone Project III (3 credit hours)
Final course for the HI Capstone Project involving project execution, management, and dissemination; the Capstone project is a focused investigation of a health informatics problem in a real-world setting and application of problems solving methodologies for development and execution of solutions.
User Experience Track:
User Experience (UX) focuses on the user and their interaction with applications. The UX track is intended for health informatics professionals who want to focus on user requirements, user-centered design and usability to build applications.
-
Fall (Year 2) User Experience Track
HI 599: Professional Development (0 credit hours)
HI 656: Human Factors in Healthcare IT Systems (3 credit hours)
Overview of the importance of human factors engineering in the function of healthcare IT systems and specialized challenges to user experience (UX) research in the context of the healthcare system. Application of user-centered theory, principles, data, and methods to the design of healthcare IT systems. Implementation of UX research methods to evaluate and understand the interactions between healthcare IT systems and their users.HI 657: Human-centered Research Design Methods for Healthcare (3 credit hours)
Design Thinking methodology intensive. Discussion of the importance of qualitative user research. Understanding of discovery to enable Identification of proper user research approaches and establishing research goals. Overview tools and processes for deep research discovery. Students will select a healthcare context for the application of research methods.HI 672: User Experience Capstone Project I (1 credit hour)
Initiation of first steps in identifying and developing the HI Capstone Project; the Capstone project is a focused investigation of a health informatics problem in a real-world setting and application of problem solving methodologies for development and execution of solutions. -
Spring (Year 2) User Experience Track
HI 658: Development of User Centered Health Information Systems (3 credit hours)
Development approaches involving principles of human-centered design, leading to high fidelity health information system prototypes.HI 659: Qualitative Synthesis for Healthcare Insights (3 credit hours)
Overview and execution of qualitative research methods and data gathering within the healthcare context to enable the delivery of solutions. Focus on the application of research theories, methods, and tools to deliver insights and qualitative and quantitative outputs. Understanding socio-technical factors relative to fundamental interface design elements and interface layouts across modalities. Journey mapping, concepting, user flows, and wireframing will be generated.HI 674: User Experience Capstone Project II (1 credit hour)
Continuation course for the HI Capstone Project involving project proposal development; the Capstone project is a focused investigation of a health informatics problem in a real-world setting and application of problems solving methodologies for development and execution of solutions. -
Summer (Year 2) User Experience Track
HI 624: Leadership Theory and Development (2 credit hours)
Exploration of leadership theory and development, and the role of leadership in internal and external advocacy. The emphasis is on the application of leadership theories to individuals and groups in healthcare settings.HI 676: User Experience Capstone Project III (3 credit hours)
Final course for the HI Capstone Project involving project execution, management, and dissemination; the Capstone project is a focused investigation of a health informatics problem in a real-world setting and application of problems solving methodologies for development and execution of solutions.
Artifical Intelligence (AI) Track:
The AI track, in collaboration with the Heersink School of Medicine, is suitable for students interested in learning AI in a clinical-focused context.
-
Fall (Year 2) Artificial Intelligence Track
HI 599: Professional Development (0 credit hours)
HCI 611: Foundations of AI in Medicine (3 credit hours)
This course introduces students to the fundamentals needed for implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in clinical settings. Introduction to AI, Introduction to Healthcare System and Clinical data and Introduction to tools and techniques used in AI.Elective: Informatics or research focused (3 credit hours)
HI 680: Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Capstone Project I (1 credit hour)
-
Spring (Year 2) Artificial Intelligence Track
HCI 614: Integration of Artificial Intelligence into Clinical Workflow. 3 Hours.
This course introduces students to strategies and processes for integrating AI into existing clinical workflows. Using AI for Medical Diagnosis, Using AI for Medical Prognosis, and Using AI for Medical Treatment.HI 681: Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Capstone Project II (1 credit hour)
-
Summer (Year 2) Artificial Intelligence Track
HCI 612: Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (3 credit hours)
This course introduces students to Applications of AI in medicine, Machine Learning- Applications of AI to EHR data, Deep Learning- Applications of AI to Medical Imaging data, and Natural Language Processing- Applications of AI to Clinical Documentation.HI 624: Leadership Theory and Development (2 credit hours)
Exploration of leadership theory and development, and the role of leadership in internal and external advocacy. The emphasis is on the application of leadership theories to individuals and groups in healthcare settings.HI 682: Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Capstone Project III (3 credit hours)
Research Track:
The research track is collaboration between the MSHI program and the Informatics Institute in the School of Medicine.
The research track is intended for students who wish to pursue research careers in informatics or continue into a PhD program.
-
Fall (Year 2) Research Track
HI 599: Professional Development (0 credit hours)
INFO 696: Biomedical Informatics Methods I (3 credit hours)
Biomedical informatics is the art and science of collecting, representing and analyzing patient and biomedical information and translating insights from the information into better health and new medical discoveries. The spectrum of informatics applications ranges from molecules (bioinformatics) to individuals and populations (clinical and public health informatics). We will examine the scientific field and research methods that form the foundation for biomedical informatics research. The course will include didactics, readings, hands-on tool explorations, and a summative work product. This foundational course is intended for informatics majors and students in allied fields (e.g., health, biological, or computer sciences) who are interested in exploring the field of informatics.HI XXX: Health Informatics Elective (3 credit hours)
HI 677: Research Capstone Project I (1 credit hours)
Initiation of first steps in identifying and developing the HI Capstone Project; the Capstone project is a focused investigation of a health informatics problem in a real-world setting and application of problem solving methodologies for development and execution of solutions. -
Spring (Year 2) Research Track
INFO 697: Biomedical Informatics Methods II (3 credit hours)
Biomedical informatics is the art and science of collecting, representing and analyzing patient and biomedical information and translating insights from the information into better health and new medical discoveries. The spectrum of informatics applications ranges from molecules (bioinformatics) to individuals and populations (clinical and public health informatics). We will examine the scientific field and research methods that form the foundation for biomedical informatics research. The course will include didactics, readings, and applications in applying research methods, culminating in a research plan in grant proposal format and review by a mock panel. This foundational course is intended for informatics majors and students in allied fields (e.g., health, biological, or computer sciences) who are interested in exploring the field of informatics. It is primarily intended for students who will pursue research careers in biomedical informatics and is the second course in a two-part series.HI XXX: Health Informatics Elective (3 credit hours)
HI 678: Research Capstone Project II (1 credit hours)
Continuation course for the HI Capstone Project involving project proposal development; the Capstone project is a focused investigation of a health informatics problem in a real-world setting and application of problems solving methodologies for development and execution of solutions. -
Summer (Year 2) Research Track
HI 624: Leadership Theory and Development (2 credit hours)
Exploration of leadership theory and development, and the role of leadership in internal and external advocacy. The emphasis is on the application of leadership theories to individuals and groups in healthcare settings.HI 679: Research Capstone III (3 credit hours)
Final course for the HI Capstone Project involving project execution, management, and dissemination; the Capstone project is a focused investigation of a health informatics problem in a real-world setting and application of problems solving methodologies for development and execution of solutions.
Tuition and Fees
UAB’s tuition and fees are priced competitively. Students pay the same tuition price whether they reside in or outside of the state of Alabama. For general UAB tuition and fees, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website.
-
“The foundational technical knowledge that UAB provided me on things like data analytics and UX research and design allows me to better relate to these subject matter experts and build credibility with them...these types of relationships have been priceless to succeeding in my current role.”
— MSHI 2018 Graduate
-
“I have become a voice for the research and design team within my organization. My UAB MSHI degree provided me with the knowledge, tools, perspective, and expertise that has separated me as a software product manager.”
— MSHI 2018 Graduate
-
“If improving patient care and leveraging health information technology are your goals, then an investment in UAB’s MSHI program is the right call. Plus, you will meet industry thought leaders and professors who will serve as your career advisors and mentors beyond graduation.”
— MSHI 2017 Graduate
Request More Information
- Upskill now!
- 100% online, self-paced in two semesters.
- Courses apply to the Master of Science in Health Informatics.
- Applications due May 31.
Is the certificate option right for you? The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Informatics is ideal if:
- You are self-motivated.
- You are looking to advance in your current position.
- You are wanting a quick path for entry into Health Informatics.
Curriculum
-
Fall (Year 1)
HI 611: Introduction to Health Informatics and Healthcare Delivery (4 credit hours)
Overview of history and current status of health information technology (health IT) and health informatics within the US health care system, including approaches for planning, implementing and evaluating health IT and the legal and ethical issues involved in the use of health IT.HI 613: Analysis and Design of Health Information Systems (4 credit hours)
Concepts, methods, approaches, standards, and tools in analyzing, modeling, designing, and implementing user centered health information systems. -
Spring (Year 1)
HI 614: Clinical and Administrative Systems (3 credit hours)
Clinical and administrative systems with an emphasis on clinical decision support methods, tools, and systems. Types of methods, tools, and systems used in inpatient and outpatient settings, information flow across systems within healthcare settings, strategies for user centered design, implementation and evaluation of systems.HI 617: Principles in Health Informatics (4 credit hours)
Underpinnings in Health Informatics policies, practices, and principles; Inter-and intra-organizational application of socio-technical information systems and data to enhance research and practice in healthcare.
Tuition & Fees
UAB’s tuition and fees are priced competitively. Students pay the same tuition price whether they reside in or outside of the state of Alabama. For general UAB tuition and fees, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. Graduate certificates are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Request More Information