The University of Providence’s undergraduate Applied Health Informatics Certificate program offers students the opportunity to understand the intersection between information technology and healthcare through informatics. Completed in eight months, students graduate with 12 total credits.
Explore questions about our Applied Health Informatics Certificate program today.
How long will it take to complete the health informatics program?
The health informatics program is designed for completion in eight months.
How long should I plan to work on coursework each week?
Students should plan to set aside between 15 – 20 hours per week for successful coursework completion. Time spent each week on course material may differ by class taken, assignment, and level of difficulty. Students struggling with coursework or who are interested in seeking out additional academic assistance for coursework can find academic resources on the student academic support resource page.
Are there any in-person classes or events required?
No – all coursework for the health informatics program can be completed 100% online in asynchronous format. No in-person lectures or travel is required to complete this certificate.
Does the program offer internships?
No – the health informatics certificate program does not offer internships at this time.
What is informatics?
The American Medical Informatics Association defines informatics as “the science of how to use data, information, and knowledge to improve human health and the delivery of healthcare services.”
Can this certificate alone help me find a career?
Clinicians and non-clinicians who graduate from the health informatics program may improve their employment eligibility for entry-level roles in informatics. (e.g., super-user, support desk, project lead)
What can students expect to learn from each course?
Students can expect to learn a variety of informatics topics, including an understanding of how to leverage the power of informatics to help transform care delivery and create healthier communities at every level. Students will also learn how to promote the use of health information tools to actively engage consumers, their families, and the inter-professional team in optimizing safe, timely, effective, efficient, care.
Does the University of Providence offer student support services?
Yes. Students can find up-to-date information, resources, and more on the Academics Homepage of our website. All enrolled students can take advantage of student support services such as academic support, tutoring, and more. Students can also take advantage of library resources as well.
Is financial aid available?
The health informatics program is currently NOT eligible for FAFSA at this time. However, currently employed healthcare professionals can receive the Healthcare Professional Tuition Incentive applied toward program tuition. Providence Caregivers and their dependents can access information on tuition discounts and other education benefits through the Human Resources Caregiver Service Portal.
Who is an ideal candidate for the health informatics program?
The health informatics program is an ideal program for current or aspiring healthcare professionals who are interested in expanding their knowledge, understanding, and application of healthcare informatics in their current or future positions. If you are interested in the intersection of healthcare information technology, data, and informatics role in healthcare, this is an ideal program for you.
When does enrollment take place?
Enrollment for the health informatics program takes place during the fall (August) and spring (January) semesters. Students progress through the course as a cohort, completing courses alongside fellow classmates in their enrollment cohort. Students who enroll in the fall (August) semester can expect to complete the program by May of the following year. Students who enroll in the spring (January) semester can expect to complete the program by October of that same year.
Is national certification required to practice in the field?
The health informatics program is not a substitute for national certification. The AHI certificate provides students with an undergraduate educational certificate. Professional certification, issued through professional certifying boards, require different competencies, skills, and standards. Specific requirements for practice in the field can differ by employer, state, or field.
Do I need an existing higher education degree to enroll?
No – students are only required to meet the undergraduate admission requirements to enroll. No higher education degree or pre-requisite courses are required for acceptance into the program.
Will I be able to complete this program as a full-time employee?
Students can expect to set aside between 15 – 20 hours per week to complete the required coursework. In addition, the health informatics program was designed to meet the needs of working professionals by offering online course material, weekly assignment deadlines, and asynchronous course materials. Each student should evaluate the demands of their personal and professional lives against the demands of the course to determine if they can complete the course succesfully.
