Flexibly-Paced, Asynchronous Program
The flexibly-paced Health Informatics & Health Information Technology (HIHIT) program provides an asynchronous option to expand your knowledge in a specific area of health informatics or health IT, or work towards a certificate at your own pace. The program is comprised of four courses, and each course must be completed within the semester you enrolled. Complete all four courses to earn a certificate over time, or choose specific courses most relevant to your career and learning goals.
This option is ideal for working professionals not able to commit to the full-time program or who prefer a self-paced course. It is also a good choice for people who wish to upskill or refresh their knowledge or skills in one of the four course area offerings. There is no application required for this program.
Course Format
- Flexibly paced, online coursework
Time Commitment
- Each course requires 1-2 hours of work per day
- 80-90 hours of content included for each course
- Each course must be completed within the same semester you enrolled
Courses
- Total of 4 courses available in the program
Dates
- You may enroll in a course at any time during the enrollment period, but courses begin on a semester basis
- Enrollment period for Fall courses: July 15, 2025 – September 9, 2025
- Courses begin August 25
- Course must be completed within the semester you enrolled
*Fall course enrollment is currently closed. Dates for the next enrollment period will be announced soon.
Inclusions
- Didactic course
- Limited faculty office hours (students submit questions through Canvas)
Cost
- $1,750 per course
- $6,600 total if you enroll in all 4 courses
- 10% “Salute to Service” discount for active duty personnel, their spouses and veterans
Fundamentals of Health IT
Fundamentals of Health IT is an essential component of the Healthcare Informatics & Health IT professional certificate program at the McCombs School of Business. Designed for professionals stepping into the dynamic world of healthcare technology or those seeking to enhance their current understanding, this online course offers a deep dive into the foundational and cutting-edge elements of Health IT.
As technology increasingly intersects with and impacts patient care, understanding the tools and systems that drive healthcare efficiency and effectiveness is imperative. This comprehensive course will guide you through the intricate landscape of Health Information Technology (HIT), from the basics to more advanced concepts.
Key Areas of Study
Foundations of Health IT
Start your journey with an overview of the healthcare technology landscape. Understand the historical context, current environment, and future directions of Health IT. This module sets the groundwork for why technology in healthcare is more crucial than ever.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
Delve into the core of modern healthcare technology—Electronic Health Records. Learn about different types of EHR systems, their functionalities, and their role in transforming patient care. Explore how these systems are designed to support health professionals and enhance patient outcomes.
Clinical Decision-Making and EHR Utilization
Gain insights into how EHRs support evidence-based clinical decisions. This module focuses on the real-world application of EHRs in clinical settings, enhancing your ability to navigate complex patient data to make informed clinical decisions.
EHR Configuration and Exploration
Get hands-on experience with configuring open-source EHR systems for simulated environments. This practical approach helps you understand the customizable nature of EHRs and prepares you to manage and adapt these systems in various clinical settings.
Interoperability in Healthcare
Explore the critical concept of interoperability—where systems and devices exchange and interpret shared data. Learn about health information exchanges, interface engines, and other technologies that facilitate seamless communication across various healthcare platforms.
Cybersecurity and Patient Privacy
Address the vital aspects of cybersecurity and privacy in Health IT. Learn to protect sensitive health information against cyber threats and understand the legal and ethical obligations of handling patient data securely.
Emerging and Innovation in Health IT
Investigate emerging technologies such as telehealth, artificial intelligence, mobile health applications, and advanced imaging systems. This module provides a glimpse into how innovation continues to reshape the healthcare landscape, offering new opportunities and challenges.
Course Benefits
By the end of this course, you will not only understand the critical elements of Health IT but also be equipped to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios, safeguard patient data, and contribute to the evolution of healthcare delivery. This course is ideal for those looking to make a significant impact in the healthcare sector, offering numerous pathways for career advancement in a rapidly growing field.
Enroll today in “Fundamentals of Health IT” and be at the forefront of transforming healthcare through technology. Witness the revolution in healthcare firsthand and build the skills necessary to lead and innovate in this essential industry.
The Business of American Healthcare
Embark on a transformative exploration of the U.S. healthcare system with “The Business of American Healthcare,” an integral component of the Healthcare Informatics & Health IT professional certificate program at the McCombs School of Business. This comprehensive course is tailored for those aiming to influence and innovate within the healthcare sector, providing a deep understanding of its complexities, costs, and operational dynamics.
Throughout this course, you will journey through the historical and contemporary issues that shape American healthcare, comparing it to other global systems while dissecting both its strengths and challenges. Engage in a critical examination of health policy, the political underpinnings of healthcare, and the ever-evolving role of technology in medical and administrative spheres.
Key Areas of Study
Introduction to Health Informatics and Health Care Analytics
Examine the continuum of healthcare delivery, from traditional primary care settings to innovative telehealth solutions. This section covers the evolution and integration of various healthcare delivery models that are pivotal to patient care and accessibility.
Healthcare Financing
Navigate the complex landscape of healthcare financing, focusing on various insurance models such as Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Understand their roles, differences, and the implications they have on the delivery of healthcare services.
Technology and Informatics
Explore the transformative impact of Health Information Technology (IT) and informatics on healthcare. Learn how these technologies improve care quality, enhance patient-provider communication, and increase the overall accessibility of healthcare services through innovative systems and software.
Operational Excellence
Delve into the operational strategies of healthcare organizations across different models, from hospitals to outpatient clinics. This module emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency, quality care provision, and the methods to achieve excellence in healthcare operations.
This course not only aims to educate but also to inspire and prepare you to make substantive contributions to healthcare. Whether your interests lie in policy formulation, operational management, or technology integration, “The Business of American Healthcare” equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this critical field.
Course Benefits
Embarking on “The Business of American Healthcare” course offers a transformative exploration of the U.S. healthcare system, providing a comprehensive understanding of its complexities, costs, and operational dynamics. You will gain in-depth knowledge of both historical and contemporary issues, comparing the American healthcare system to other global models to identify its unique strengths and challenges. The course fosters critical analysis skills, allowing you to examine health policies, political influences, and the evolving role of technology in healthcare. By exploring various healthcare delivery models, from traditional primary care to telehealth solutions, you will understand the integration and evolution of systems pivotal to patient care and accessibility. Additionally, you will master the complexities of healthcare financing, focusing on insurance models like PPOs and HMOs, and their implications on service delivery. The course emphasizes the transformative impact of Health Information Technology (IT) and informatics, highlighting how these technologies improve care quality, enhance patient-provider communication, and increase healthcare accessibility. Delving into operational strategies, you will learn the importance of efficiency and quality care provision across different healthcare organizations. This comprehensive course not only educates but also inspires, preparing you to make substantive contributions to the healthcare sector in policy formulation, operational management, or technology integration. Completing this course earns you a professional certificate in Healthcare Informatics & Health IT from the prestigious McCombs School of Business, enhancing your credentials and career prospects.
Healthcare project management in the digital age
Embark on a transformative journey with the course “Healthcare Project Management in the Digital Age,” part of the professional certificate program in Healthcare Informatics & Health IT at the McCombs School of Business. More than a basic project management class, this course is designed for aspiring and current professionals eager to master the science and art of project management within the evolving landscape of Health Information Technology (HIT).
In this comprehensive course, you will learn the fundamental principles of project management tailored specifically to healthcare settings. From the initiation and planning phases through to execution and closure, you will acquire the skills necessary to drive key projects that are reshaping health management to successful completion while adhering to budget, scope, and quality standards.
Key Areas of Study
Project Management Fundamentals in HIT
Gain a solid foundation in project management practices specific to health information technology, encompassing both traditional methodologies and agile approaches.
Strategic Planning and Execution
Develop robust strategies for managing healthcare projects, including defining project scopes, scheduling, resource allocation, and achieving critical project milestones.
Budget Management and Resource Allocation
Master the essentials of financial oversight and resource management to ensure projects are delivered within budget and resources are utilized efficiently.
Team Coordination and Leadership
Learn effective leadership and communication skills to lead diverse project teams, fostering a collaborative environment and driving team performance.
Risk Management and Quality Assurance
Understand the intricacies of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in project settings, ensuring high-quality outcomes in healthcare projects.
Adaptation to Technological Advancements
Stay ahead of the curve with the latest in healthcare technology, preparing you to lead projects involving new systems and technological updates.
CAPM Exam Preparation
Prepare to excel at the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification exam, enhancing your credentials and proving your capability in healthcare project management.
This course is more than an educational experience; it’s a career-defining journey that equips you with the skills to become a pivotal player in healthcare technology. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to advance in your professional journey, “Healthcare Project Management in the Digital Age” offers the tools and insights needed to excel in this dynamic field.
Introduction to Health Informatics and Health Care Analytics
Embark on a detailed exploration of Health Information Technology (HIT) with the “Introduction to Health Informatics and Health Care Analytics” course, offered as a vital part of the post-undergraduate professional certificate in Healthcare Informatics & Health IT at the McCombs School of Business. This comprehensive course is meticulously designed for those eager to delve deep into the intricate world of healthcare data management and analytics.
Information, the chief currency of healthcare, is crucial for identifying signs and symptoms, establishing diagnoses, evaluating treatment efficacy, and predicting long-term events to establish a prognosis – for individual patients and entire populations. Healthcare provides an incredibly complex informatics environment with data distributed among many different organizations. There are few data standards for storing and distributing data and much of the data in healthcare is “non-structured”, meaning it exists in a narrative form and/or in documents such as PDF or scanned documents. This course will cover the acquisition, storage, processing, and distribution of information with a focus on healthcare. This course provides a robust curriculum focusing on the essentials of database management, data analytics, and the effective use of various software tools essential in the healthcare industry.
Overall, students will achieve:
- Mastery over key technological tools used in healthcare analytics.
- A comprehensive understanding of the nuances of healthcare data and how it can be leveraged to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
- The ability to critically analyze and present complex healthcare datasets, equipping you with the skills to contribute effectively in various health IT roles.
Key Areas of Study
Data & Information Fundamentals
Dive into the basics of healthcare data types, including structured and non-structured data, and learn the critical differences and applications of each within healthcare contexts.
Database and Excel Skills
Develop practical skills in database management using MySQL and enhance your proficiency in MS Excel through targeted exercises aimed at healthcare data manipulation and analysis.
Analytics and Presentation with Tableau
Engage in advanced data visualization and analytics using Tableau software. This hands-on training culminates in a capstone project where students present their analytical findings, using healthcare datasets, to an audience of professionals and academics.
Workflow and Process Improvement
Learn about the importance of workflow optimization in healthcare and how it relates to process mapping, aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing physician burnout.
Statistical Foundations
Gain a foundational understanding of statistics necessary to perform robust data analysis, crucial for making informed decisions in healthcare.
Healthcare Informatics Landscape
Discuss the latest in healthcare informatics including the use of EHRs, issues of usability, and their impact on healthcare delivery and physician workload.
Practical Application and Competency Development
By the end of the course, students will demonstrate advanced competencies in key areas such as MS Excel, Tableau, and MySQL, alongside a comprehensive understanding of healthcare data systems like SNOMED, ICD10, and others.
4-Course Certificate
Earn a certificate at your own pace over time by completing all 4 courses in the program:
- Fundamentals of Health IT
- The Business of American Healthcare
- Healthcare Project Management in the Digital Age
- Introduction to Health Informatics and Health Care Analytics
Upon Completion
Upon completion of all four courses, you will:
- Earn a certificate
- Gain admission to alumni LinkedIn and Slack channels
- Earn a digital badge per each course
- Get one free year student HIMSS membership
- Qualify to join Texas Exes Alumni Association at the special student or new grad rate
Enroll in the 4-course certificate for $6,600, a discount compared to enrolling in each course individually.
Enroll in the 4-Course Certificate Now
Greater than 90% of our certificate graduates seeking a job in Health IT are employed within one year, many within a few months of graduation.
Career Resources Provided to Students
- Workshops on resumes and cover letters
- Informational interviewing
- Job interview prep
- Networking events with employers
Many Health IT jobs require travel and/or relocation, so flexibility to accept a job outside of Austin or outside of Texas will optimize your career opportunities.
Examples of positions offered to HIHIT certificate graduates
- Business Analyst
- Implementation Specialist
- Project Manager / Project Coordinator
- Consultant
- Software Training Specialist
- Epic Application Support Analyst
- SQL Data Analyst
- ACO Interoperability Specialist
- Application Analyst
- Implementation Account Manager
- Client Services Manager
- EHR Sales
- Healthcare Policy Analyst
If you can’t find answers to your questions here, please Contact Us using the form at the bottom of this page.
What are the primary differences between the live, online and flexibly-paced, asynchronous versions of the HIHIT program?
Live, Online Version
- Format: 9-week, full-time, bootcamp-style program.
- Schedule: Offered three times per year with mandatory attendance.
- Courses: Includes four didactic courses and a full professional/career development course.
- Certificate: Awarded when successfully complete all requirements of the program.
- Cohort Experience: Students progress through the program together and collaborate on various projects.
- Support: Weekly office hours with faculty, 1:1 meetings available upon request, cohort Slack channel and dedicated student support staff.
- In-Person Option: Optional in-person day on the UT Austin campus.
Will I receive any career support in the asynchronous program?
You will gain access to HIHIT alumni LinkedIn and Slack groups and receive invitations to alumni events upon completing all four courses.
How much time do I need to commit to finish a course within the semester?
You should dedicate 1-2 hours per day to complete a course.
What happens if I do not finish the course within the semester?
There is an administrative fee of $250 for each 30-day extension required.
Can I take more than one course at a time?
Yes, if you can commit 1-2 hours per day for each course, you may take multiple courses simultaneously.
Will I have support from HIHIT faculty/staff in the asynchronous program?
Faculty will hold office hours by request. You will also have support from HIHIT staff and can communicate with classmates through Microsoft Teams.
Will I be able to communicate/network with my fellow classmates during the course?
Yes, you will be added to a Microsoft Teams group where you can communicate with fellow classmates.
Can I switch to the live, synchronous HIHIT program if I don’t like the asynchronous experience?
Yes! We will do our best to accommodate you in this journey. Your fee for the live program will be adjusted based on your payments for asynchronous courses. Application to the live program is required. Contact Us to discuss further.
Why do you have to apply to the live, online version of HIHIT but not the asynchronous version?
The live program is intensive and requires a high level of commitment, maturity, and discipline. Applications ensure that admitted students are likely to succeed.
Do I have to apply in order to take an asynchronous course?
No, applications are not required. You can purchase any courses you are interested in.
What do I receive upon completion of all four asynchronous courses?
- A certificate from The University of Texas at Austin
- Membership to HIHIT alumni LinkedIn and Slack channels
- A one-year membership to HIMSS
- Invitations to alumni events
How do I know which course to take first?
The courses are independent, so you can start with any course of interest.
Can I apply these courses as credit for a graduate degree?
Currently, the courses do not count for graduate credit, but options for credit are being explored.
“SALUTE TO SERVICE” DISCOUNT
The HIHIT Team recognizes the sacrifices our members of the armed forces and military families have made to our nation. We are forever grateful and salute you for your service. In appreciation, we are proud to offer a 10% discount for active-duty military, dependents, veterans/retirees enrolling in the HIHIT program.
Eligible individuals can Contact Us using the form at the bottom of this page. Mr. William Jones (USAF retired) will be your point of contact, and will provide the offer code and instructions on how to upload documentation of your current military service, veteran status, or military dependent status.
*10% discount may be applied to the total cost of the program. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts.
