Health Informatics & Health Information Technology (HIHIT) Program Overview
The on-demand Health Informatics & Health Information Technology (HIHIT) program is designed to help you prepare for a variety of careers in Health IT, or expand your knowledge in a specific area if you are already working in the field. The program is comprised of four courses, and multiple courses can be taken simultaneously or one after another. You may complete all four courses to earn a certificate over time, or choose specific courses most relevant to your career and learning goals. There is no application required for this program.
Program Details
Course Format
Flexible online coursework, completed on your schedule (on demand).
Time Commitment
Each course requires 1-2 hours of work/day, with 80-90 hours of content included for each course. You have 100 days from the day you begin the course to complete the coursework.
Courses
There are a total of 4 courses available in the program. Courses are independent of one another and each can be taken individually. There is no required sequence, and you have the flexibility to choose the order that best suits your needs.
For optimal learning, we recommend starting with the Fundamentals of Health IT and Business of American Healthcare courses, as they provide essential background knowledge for success in the healthcare industry. The other two courses, Healthcare Project Management in the Digital Age and Introduction to Health Informatics and Health Care Analytics, focus on specialized content that will further enhance your expertise and readiness.
Inclusions
The program includes didactic course(s) and limited faculty office hours (students submit questions through Canvas). If you purhcase all 4-courses, you’ll also gain free access to the HIHIT Career Hub. More details on Career Hub are included below.
Education Requirements
Ideal candidates for this program hold an associate or bachelor’s degree, providing a strong foundation for career advancement and increased competitiveness in today’s job market. However, applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent are also welcome and encouraged to enroll.
Cost
$1,750 per course, or $6,600 total if you enroll in all 4 courses. Several discounts are available, and you can visit this page to learn more and see if you qualify.
Courses in the program
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. While there is no required sequence, we recommend taking the courses in the order listed below for optimal learning:
- Fundamentals of Health IT
- The Business of American Healthcare
- Healthcare Project Management in the Digital Age
- Introduction to Health Informatics and Health Care Analytics
While possible, it is not recommended to take more than two courses at a time due to the workload. Please contact us with any questions you may have.
Career Hub
When you purchase all four courses you will also gain access to our new Career Hub, which is designed to help you prepare for your next professional opportunity.
Upon Completion
Upon completion of all four courses, you will:
- Earn a certificate
- Gain admission to alumni LinkedIn group
- 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 Now
Enroll in the 4-course certificate for $6,600, a discount compared to enrolling in each course individually.
Enroll Now
| Class | Concentration | Date | Location | Instructors | Enroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Health IT | Health IT | On Demand | Online | David Kolacny Jr. Abi Maddox Asad Tariq |
|
| Health IT 4-Course Certificate | Health IT | On Demand | Online | Multiple Instructors | |
| Healthcare Project Management in the Digital Age | Health IT | On Demand | Online | Joseph Nedbal Juliette Toney |
|
| Introduction to Health Informatics and Health Care Analytics | Health IT | On Demand | Online | Joseph Nedbal Asad Tariq |
|
| The Business of American Healthcare | Health IT | On Demand | Online | Richard Nauert |
The HIHIT Program is Backed By
Connect With Us
Online Information Sessions
One-on-One Meetings
Instructors
Joseph Nedbal
Staff
Erin Steppe
Will Jones
Kristal Trimble
Lovita Vinod
HIHIT Career Hub
Students who purchase all four HIHIT courses or enroll in the 4-course certificate will receive complimentary access to our new Career Hub. The Career Hub is a dedicated career resource designed to help you turn your HIHIT education into career opportunities by building the skills, connection, and strategy to launch your Health IT career with confidence.
Receive unlimited virtual appointments with a dedicated career advisor, along with personalized tools, resources, and guidance to help you:
- Build a stronger, Health IT-focused resume
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile and professional brand
- Prepare for interviews with confidence
- Develop effective networking strategies
- Strengthen your job search and career plan
- Position yourself for opportunities in the growing Health IT field
- Access recordings of past HIHIT alumni panels
UPON PROGRAM COMPLETION
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
Career resources provided to students include workshops on resumes and cover letters; informational interviewing; job interview prep; and 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.
Example Positions
Examples of the types of positions offered to HIHIT Certificate graduates include: 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, and Healthcare Policy Analyst.
FAQS
If you can’t find answers to your questions here, please Contact Us using the form at the bottom of this page.
Do I have to apply in order to take an on-demand course?
No, applications are not required. You can purchase any courses you are interested in.
Can I take more than one course at a time?
Yes, you may take multiple courses simultaneously. Please note that although possible, it is not recommended to take more than two courses at a time due to the workload.
How do I know which course to take first?
The courses are independent, so you can start with any course of interest. For optimal learning, we recommend starting with either the Fundamentals of Health IT or Business of American Healthcare course.
Are there any previous education requirements for this program?
Ideal candidates for this program hold an associate or bachelor’s degree, providing a strong foundation for career advancement and increased competitiveness in today’s job market. However, applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent are also welcome and encouraged to enroll.
Will I be able to communicate or network with my fellow classmates during the course?
Some assignments will include discussion posts, which give you the opportunity to interact with your peers. You will be able to share feedback with other students who are taking or who have previously taken the course.
Will I receive any career support in the on-demand program?
You will gain access to the HIHIT alumni LinkedIn and receive invitations to alumni events upon completing all four courses. If you enroll in all 4 courses, you will also receive free access to the HIHIT Career Hub.
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.
Will I have support from HIHIT faculty or staff in the on-demand program?
Faculty will hold office hours by request. You will also have support from HIHIT staff, who can be easily reached through Canvas with any assignment or course questions or concerns.
What do I receive upon completion of all four on-demand courses?
- A certificate from The University of Texas at Austin
- Membership to HIHIT’s private alumni LinkedIn page
- Digital badges
- Invitations to alumni events
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.
Are there any discounts available for HIHIT?
Being a HIMSS Organizational Affiliate demonstrates that the University of Texas at Austin HIHIT program is actively engaged in the healthcare technology ecosystem and committed to providing the highest quality of education and training for individuals seeking a career in healthcare IT and healthcare informatics.
