An online associate degree in healthcare informatics may equip individuals with the skills and training needed to utilize technology and information management to manage patient information. In this two-year program, students may learn how to organize and maintain healthcare data, categorize patient information, and track patient outcomes for quality assessment. Program coursework may include select general education requirements as well as major-specific classes including healthcare terminology, electronic health records, and information technology.

Graduates of the program may either seek entry-level employment or enroll in a baccalaureate program. Associate-level graduates may gain employment in physician’s offices, hospitals, senior living centers, rehabilitation centers, and emergency clinics.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 21% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

Curriculum for associate-level healthcare informatics programs may include some general education required courses along with core coursework. These courses may teach students how to identify common healthcare terminology, implement information technology in public health programs, and use healthcare information systems to improve the workflow in healthcare settings. Core online healthcare informatics courses may include the following:

• Healthcare Terminology
• Health Information Systems
• Electronic Health Records
• Introduction to Information Technology
• Health Organization Management
• Public Health Information Technology
• Quality Improvement

Career Options

Associate-level graduates may explore career opportunities in hospitals, healthcare clinics, long-term care facilities, government agencies, and insurance companies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in medical records and healthcare technology are forecast to increase by 21% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Cancer Registrar
• Medical Coder
• Clinical Informatics Analyst
• Patient Safety Analyst
• Healthcare Data Analyst

Continuing Education

Graduates of associate-level healthcare informatics degree programs may wish to further their studies by enrolling in a four-year baccalaureate degree program. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare informatics may provide students the tools they need to become a developer and manager of healthcare information systems. Employers may prefer individuals to hold an associate degree at minimum for entry-level employment. Professional certification may also be required.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook