Minor in Health Informatics

The purpose of a minor in Health Informatics is to prepare students - in a primarily nontechnical context – for the planning and utilization of health information technology and health informatics in conjunction with the professional arenas associated with their programs of study in allied health, biomedical sciences and nursing.

 

Students will be introduced to the concept of health informatics as a descriptor of how, why, and when information and information technology is used in various health care settings, as opposed to just what technology is utilized.  Students will also learn to appreciate the policy implications associated with innovative and disruptive information technology solutions, the ethical considerations attached to health informatics and information technology, as well as the complexities inherent within the planning, acquisition and implementation of information technology in today’s dynamic health care industry.

 

Empirical as well as anecdotal data show that health care professionals – regardless of professional setting or clinical area - are more successful in their health care careers if they possess at least a basic understanding and appreciation for the purposes, benefits, and detriments associated with health informatics.

 

A minor in Health Informatics will require the completion of the following five courses (15 credit hours) of study:

 

• HCM 425 - Health Administration Information Systems
• HCM 355 – Information Systems Project Management
• HCM 400 – Health Care Information Systems and Health Policy
• HCM 365 – The Ethics of Health Informatics
• HCM 369 – Health Informatics and Information Management