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Career Information
Health Informatics encompasses understanding technology’s impact on people, developing new uses for technology and applying information technology in the context of another field. GRU offers an applied informatics bachelor’s degree in health information administration. This degree prepares graduates for informatics-related roles in healthcare. Graduates may take a national credentialing exam to become a Registered Health Information Administrator.
Health information administrators organize information used in evidence-based medicine.They arm the provider with organized evidence to support patient care, reimbursement, teaching, research, quality improvement and legal inquiries. Accomplished in the art and science of electronic information systems, these professionals advocate for the patient-provider relationship and serve as information suppliers for the business side of evidence-based medicine.
Skills and Interests Suited to a Career in Health Information Administration
Health information administrators manage people and information. They must be able to supervise others, think logically, understand how systems function and interact, apply business theory for effective work processes, write and speak clearly and discreetly handle confidential work. Related interests include computer science, business administration, health sciences and healthcare facility administration.
Career Opportunities
Opportunities for an applied health informatics career are excellent. H.I.A.s are currently in demand and the outlook is predicted to remain strong. Health information administrators are employed by hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, medical research centers, health data organizations, insurance companies, accounting firms, law firms, managed-care organizations, pharmaceutical companies, physician practices, health agencies, local and state health departments, information systems vendors and private industry.
A nationwide shortage of health information administrators will ensure that there will be ample opportunities to advance to higher-level management and consulting positions in healthcare.
Salary Information
The mean salary for H.I.A. is $57,445 annually, depending on location and levels of responsibility. Salaries of experienced professionals may exceed $75,000. Consultants can earn in excess of $100,000.
For additional information, visit our website at www.gru.edu/alliedhealth/dhi.
About the Program
GRU grants a bachelor of science degree in health information administration. The program is a “2+2,” meaning the student completes the first two years at any accredited college of choice, including GRU, and the last two years as an HIA student. Students begin the HIA program fall semester of their junior year. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the national registration exam to become a Registered Health Information Administrator.
GRU also offers a post-baccalaureate certificate program in health information administration to licensed nurses or allied health professionals or to those with a bachelor’s degree in business or healthcare administration or computer science. For more information, contact the Office of Academic Admissions.
Both programs are offered completely online. The bachelor of science degree program is also offered in an on-campus setting.
Technical Standards
In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a health professions career, students must satisfy general and specific technical standards for this program. Visit http://gru.edu/alliedhealth/dhi/documents/11-12-Student-Handbook.pdf to review these requirements.
Financial Aid
GRU participates in all federal student aid programs as well as state and private programs. GRU helps students fund their education through grants, scholarships, loans, a service commitment program and/or employment.
Accreditation
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
c/o AHIMA
233 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2150
Chicago, IL 60601
312-233-1131
Hardware/Software Requirement
HARDWARE
- IBM‐compatible PC (Macintosh computers are acceptable only if bootable into Windows)
- Pentium IV processor or better;
- 2GB of RAM (3GB or higher recommended);
- CD-ROM, CD-RW or DVD-RW recommended;
- 60GB hard drive (80 GB or higher preferred);
- SVGA (1024 x 768 or higher) display;
- Full duplex sound card with speakers/headphones and microphone;
- Web Cam (MANDATORY); (Microsoft LifeCam HD 5000, for example)
- Windows operating system; Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 (Windows 7 recommended)
- High-speed Internet connection through an ISP account or a network; cable, DSL or satellite high-speed access required.
(Dial-up Internet connection is NOT acceptable for this program)
SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher;
- Windows Media Player 11.0 or higher for access;
- Microsoft Office 2010 Professional (or higher to include Access 2010);
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 or higher
Proprietary browser versions (those not downloaded directly from Microsoft) may not work reliably with online systems. If you use other “Office” type programs, please note that some instructors may require you to convert your files to an MSOffice compatible format for online submission. Your connection to the Internet may initiate behind a firewall; however, the firewall settings may have to be adjusted to allow for proper functioning of our Web-based tools.
Online Course Readiness Assessment Tool
The University System of Georgia provides an online tool to help you determine if you are a good candidate for online courses. Visit http://goml.readi.info to assess your readiness.
Admission Requirements
Please see the Office of Academic Admissions website for specific admissions information:
http://www.gru.edu/admissions/hs-programs/health-information-administration.php
Courses to Take the First Two Years
Please see the Office of Academic Admissions website for specific prerequisite information:
http://www.gru.edu/admissions/hs-programs/prerequisites/HIA.php
Estimated Tuition and Fees
For estimated tuition and fees, please see the Financial Information section of this catalog.
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