Pursuing a master’s degree in health informatics offers a unique opportunity. It allows students to merge technology, healthcare, and data science into a rewarding career. The work of health informatics directly impacts patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
With the rapid adoption of digital tools like electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and advanced analytics, professionals who can manage and interpret complex data to drive innovation are critical for healthcare organizations.
A health informatics degree equips you to thrive in this evolving field. Beyond career readiness, a health informatics master’s degree can open doors to leadership positions and higher earning potential. It positions you at the forefront of healthcare transformation. A degree in HIHIM enables you to contribute to initiatives that improve patient care, streamline operations, and enhance healthcare accessibility.
For those passionate about leveraging technology to solve healthcare challenges, this degree provides the tools and credentials to make a significant difference in an industry that directly affects lives.
What is a Health Informatics Master’s Degree?
A Health Informatics Master’s Degree is an advanced program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and analyze health data effectively. This degree focuses on the intersection of healthcare, information technology, and data science.
It prepares students to:
- Enhance patient care
- Optimize healthcare operations
- Support decision-making through data-driven insights
Core topics typically include electronic health records (EHR) management, health data analytics, health information privacy and security, telehealth systems, and healthcare policy.
How Long Does it Take to Earn Your Master’s in Health Informatics?
The MHIHIM at the University of Washington is an 18-month program. It can be taken in-person or remotely through a flexible hybrid model. Both formats offer the same rigor and development.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Health Informatics Master’s Degree?
Graduates of a Health Informatics Master’s program can pursue careers in various healthcare settings. As a result, they often find rewarding employment in hospitals, public health organizations, insurance companies, and technology firms. Roles like clinical informatics specialist, healthcare data analyst, and IT project manager are common paths. The following are some of the jobs our alumni currently hold:
Serena Carlson — CIO, Comprehensive Healthcare
Paul Clark — Health Services Manager, Washington State Department of Corrections
Andrew Marimon-Cabamalan — Quality Improvement Advisor, Purdue University
Amelia Allee — Senior IS Project Manager at Providence
What is the Career Outlook for Health Information Management Professionals?
Healthcare Information Management recently topped LinkedIn News’ 2025 list of “Skills on the Rise in Healthcare“. This is a data-backed ranking of the fastest-growing skills healthcare workers should be investing in. The list was compiled based on unique LinkedIn data to reveal the healthcare skills professionals are increasingly adding, and companies are increasingly hiring for. This ranking emphasizes the growing need for accurately collected and protected medical data to inform patient care.
How Easy is it to Apply for the Health Informatics Master’s Program?
Applying to the UW’s MHIHIM program is a three step process:
- Researching the Program (Ensuring you meet eligibility criteria, understanding the degree options, and attending an information session)
- Preparing to Apply (Completing application fees and waivers, request unofficial transcripts, update your resume, and gather three letters of recommendation)
- Apply Online (Submit your gathered documents to the UW Graduate School through our online portal)
Does the University of Washington Offer An Online Health Informatics Master’s Degree?
UW Master of Health Informatics and Health Information Management (MHIHIM) courses are taught in a flexible hybrid (HyFlex) format. This means students can attend synchronously online or in-person while learning from the same instructor at the same time. A few highly recommended in-person sessions are held at our classroom location in Bellevue, Washington, however for most of the program, students can choose whether to attend classes in-person or remotely.