Online Associate Degrees In Health Informatics

Healthcare companies rely on data to improve patient outcomes, and they need professionals who understand the intersection of medicine and information technology. Healthcare informatics professionals retrieve, secure, store, and manage health data. While some graduates work as medical coders and administrators, others focus more on the technical aspects of healthcare in positions such as systems administrator and records supervisor. Associate degrees also prepare students to earn a bachelor’s degree in this growing field.

The specific coursework students take while earning a health informatics associate degree online varies among schools. However, there are some common courses among these programs. Generally, students gain skills related to the collection, storage, security, and use of healthcdata. Students also learn basic healthcare concepts and terminology.

Some programs focus on healthcare coding, preparing graduates to work as certified medical billers and coders. Other healthcare informatics programs may concentrate on the technology of health data, leading to more technical careers, such as systems administration. The list below describes some common courses that students in healthcare informatics associate programs can expect to take.

Students earning a health informatics associate degree online gain many valuable skills. One of the most essential skills students acquire is the ability to communicate with healthcare professionals across the industry. Classes in healthcare terminology and medical coding teach students how to interpret and communicate different kinds of healthcare data.

Healthcare informatics degrees also hone technological skills. Classes may teach learners about the latest software in the field and give students the skills needed to understand new technologies as they emerge. Students also learn how to keep healthcare data secure. Classes in legal issues and ethics in healthcare give participants the skills they need to navigate challenging situations. Some programs also include courses on the business of healthcare, including the industry’s financial cycles and performance goals, which lays the foundation for managerial roles.

On average, associate degrees include about 60 credits of classes. Full-time students without transfer credits typically take two years to complete these programs. However, several factors can impact the length of a program, including transfer credits, course load, and program format.

Students who want to earn a health informatics associate degree online in less than two years can take summer courses or enroll in an accelerated program. These options may enable students to graduate in 12-18 months. Accelerated programs typically include eight-week courses with short breaks between terms. Not all schools offer accelerated programs or summer courses, so students should check with prospective institutions before enrolling.

Graduates with an associate degree in health informatics enjoy diverse career options. They can find work in several types of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, outpatient centers, and clinics. The sections below detail several jobs that graduates can find after earning a health informatics associate degree online.

Health informatics salaries vary by job title, location, and experience. Graduates can work as coders or in the information technology side of healthcare, making sure that systems run smoothly. Some graduates work as medical receptionists, who may also perform coding duties. With several years of experience, graduates can even move into managerial roles. The table below describes five common careers for graduates with this degree.

Source: PayScale

Earning a health informatics associate degree online may be an excellent investment, but it can come at a high cost. Fortunately, students can take advantage of scholarships to help pay for their degree. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for health informatics students.

While earning a health informatics associate degree online prepares students for entry-level jobs, bachelor’s and graduate degrees in health informatics prepare graduates for positions with higher pay and more responsibility.

In many cases, students can finish a bachelor’s program in just two years after earning an associate degree. Students should discuss this possibility with their academic advisor. Many colleges hold transfer agreements with nearby universities, although some schools may not accept any or all of a student’s associate degree credits, particularly if their degree is not properly accredited.

Universities across the country offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in healthcare informatics. With each higher degree, students dive deeper into this changing topic and gain more valuable skills. At the master’s and doctoral levels, students become experts in the field.

Healthcare informatics students and graduates benefit from joining professional organizations. Many organizations offer benefits like continuing education, professional development, and networking opportunities.

ABHES is one of the primary organizations that oversees programmatic accreditation for healthcare and allied health education. Prospective students can use this site to find schools with these credentials.

This job board includes positions for all types of allied health workers nationwide, including jobs for healthcare informatics professionals.

This job board allows visitors to post their resume and search for open jobs by specialty or location. Users can also access resume and CV help.

AHIMA is a professional organization that offers several career-boosting benefits, including certifications, networking opportunities, webinars, mentorships, and research.

AMIA members gain access to an online networking community, an exclusive job board, interview help, discounts on industry publications, and conferences.

CAAHEP analyzes and accredits allied health programs across the country, including some programs that offer health informatics associate degrees. Prospective students can find a list of accredited schools on this site.

This industry journal includes some of the latest research in healthcare informatics. Visitors can use the publication to help with school work or stay up-to-date on best practices.

HIMSS is a nonprofit organization that promotes the safe transfer of healthcare information through innovative technologies. It offers news, scholarships, and continuing education opportunities.

This online magazine covers healthcare and new technology. It offers articles on topics including health informatics developments, AI in medicine, cybersecurity, and the healthcare revenue cycle.

This peer-reviewed journal offers white papers and studies on healthcare information technology. The journal is open access — anyone can read it without a subscription.