Online Health Informatics Graduate Certificate

The objective of this program is to expose students to modern health IT, including health data collection, processing, and storage. This program primarily focuses on electronic medical data generated and stored in health care and public health organizations. Individuals who complete the Health Informatics certificate program will have a solid knowledge of health information technology and systems and electronic health records as well as a solid exposure to the latest medical technologies.

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics will be able to demonstrate:

  • An understanding of the American healthcare system, medical terminology, basic human anatomy and physiology, disease processes, diagnostic modalities, treatments associated with common disease processes, and the IT needs of healthcare providers as they diagnose and treat common diseases.
  • Advanced knowledge of the functionality, technical infrastructure, system selection, and best-practice deployment of healthcare IT, including medical algorithms, project management, electronic health records (EHR), privacy and security, regulations, and health IT standards.
  • Understanding of fundamental characteristics of data, information, and knowledge in the healthcare domain and proficiency in managing, processing, and analyzing healthcare data.
  • Competence sufficient to lead health IT initiatives, to conduct biomedical research, and to design, implement, and manage advanced solutions.

Academic credits earned toward the online Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics may be transferred to a Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems, concentration in Health Informatics.

Why Choose BU’s Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics?

  • Four-course certificate program comprises courses shared by the MS in Computer Information Systems, ranked #8 among the nation’s Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs (U.S. News & World Report 2024).
  • Students benefit from a supportive online network, with courses developed and taught by PhD-level full-time faculty and professionals with hands-on expertise in the industry.
  • Small course sections ensure that students get the attention they need, while case studies and real-world projects ensure that they gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies.

Meet Dr. Suresh Kalathur, one of the faculty members you’ll work with in the Computer Information Systems program.

Career Outlook

Computer and Information Systems Managers

10% increase in jobs through 2029

$146,360 median annual pay in 2019

Computer and Information Research Scientists

15% increase in jobs through 2029

$122,840 median annual pay in 2019

Medical and Health Services Managers

32% increase in jobs through 2029

$100,980 median annual pay in 2019

Information Security Analysts

31% increase in jobs through 2029

$99,730 median annual pay in 2019

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

8% increase in jobs through 2029

$42,630 median annual pay in 2019

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2020

Best Technology Jobs, 2024 U.S. News & World Report

  • #1 Software Developer
  • #2 IT Manager
  • #3 Information Security Analyst
  • #4 Data Scientist
  • #5 Web Developer
  • #6 Computer Systems Analyst
  • #7 Computer Network Architect
  • #8 Database Administrator
  • #9 Computer Support Specialist
  • #10 Computer Systems Administrator
  • #11 Computer Programmer

The demand for health informatics workers is projected to grow at twice the rate of employment overall, but there is strong evidence that the nation already faces a shortage of qualified workers in this field.

Burning Glass Technologies Missed Opportunities? The Labor Market in Health Informatics, 2014

Tuition & Financial Assistance

Money Matters

Boston University Metropolitan College (MET) offers competitive tuition rates that meet the needs of part-time students seeking an affordable education. These rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education. To learn more about current tuition rates, visit the MET website.

Financial Assistance

Comprehensive financial assistance services are available at MET, including scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans. There is no cost to apply for financial assistance, and you may qualify for a student loan regardless of your income. Learn more.


Curriculum

Boston University’s Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics consists of four required online courses (16 credits).

Academic credits earned toward the certificate may be transferred to the Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems, concentration in Health Informatics.

Faculty


Guanglan Zhang

Guanglan Zhang

Assistant Professor, Computer Science; Coordinator, Health Informatics
PhD, MEng, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; BS, Luoyang Institute of Technology

Eric Braude

Eric Braude

Associate Professor and Director of Digital Learning, Computer Science
PhD, Columbia University; MS, University of Miami; MS, University of Illinois; BS, University of Natal (South Africa)

Lou Chitkushev

Lou Chitkushev

Associate Dean, Academic Affairs; Associate Professor, Computer Science; Director, Health Informatics and Health Sciences
PhD, Boston University; MS, Medical College of Virginia; MS, BS, University of Belgrade


Getting Started

To learn more or to contact an enrollment advisor before you get started, request information using the button below and tell us a little about yourself. Someone will be in touch to answer any questions you may have about the program and detail the next steps in earning your degree. You can also start your application or register for a course at Metropolitan College.