The Profession
Who They Are
A health informatics professional is an individual that uses information technology to solve healthcare problems. They perform interdisciplinary work with information from hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and more.
What They Do
According to the U of M Institute for Health Informatics, health informatics professionals design, use and evaluate information systems to support and healthcare while protecting the safety and confidentiality of those receiving care.
Where They Work
Health informatics professionals work in healthcare systems like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, mental health facilities, and more.
Outlook
Health informatics careers are growing much faster than average. In the next ten years, jobs in the United States are supposed to increase by 11%. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Preparing to Apply
Those interested in applying to a Health Informatics Program must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with a preferred GPA of 3.00 or greater. Interested students must also determine the prerequisite coursework for their program of interest. At the U of M, this includes courses in the life sciences and programming.
Many Health Informatics programs, including programs in the UMN Institute for Health Informatics, require the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE. Visit the UMN Institute for Health Informatics website linked below for more information. You can also learn about taking and preparing for the GRE here.