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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. GHSU offers an applied informatics post baccalaureate certificate in health information administration. This certificate 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 H.I.A.
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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
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. H.I.A.s 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 H.I.A. will ensure that there will be ample opportunities to advance to higher-level management and consulting positions in healthcare.
The mean salary for H.I.A.s 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.georgiahealth.edu/alliedhealth/dhi
GHSU offers a certificate in health information administration. The program is a “4+1,’’ requiring a bachelor’s degree in allied health, nursing, business or healthcare administration, or computer science. Students begin the GHSU program fall semester. Graduates are eligible to take the national registration exam to become a Registered Health Information Administrator.
GHSU also offers a junior transfer bachelor’s degree in health information administration. Students begin at GHSU after two years of coursework at an accredited college or university. For more information, contact the Office of Academic Admissions.
Both programs are offered completely online.
Admission is based on college grades, personal interviews and assessment of motivation and qualities needed to complete the program. Only grades of C or better will be accepted in transfer. References should be from individuals who can evaluate academic performance.
Requirements for admission consideration:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or equivalent.
- Submission of transcripts from all prior colleges/universities attended and completion of application form.
- Interview by departmental faculty.
- Completion of prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, accounting (three semester hours) and microcomputer applications with lab, including word processing and spreadsheets (three semester hours).
- Minimum TOEFL score of 550 paperbased for applicants whose first language is not English.
In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a health professions career, students must satisfy general and specific technical standards for this program. Visit www.georgiahealth.edu/alliedhealth/dhi/Techstandards.htm to review these requirements.
GHSU participates in all federal student aid programs as well as state and private programs. GHSU helps students fund for their education through grants, scholarships, loans, a service commitment program and/or employment.
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
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Hardware:
IBM-compatible PC
- 1 Ghz Intel or AMD processor (minimum)
- 1GB of RAM (minimum)
- CD-ROM minimum, CD-RW or DVDRW recommended
- 40GB hard drive (60GB or higher preferred)
- SVGA (1024 x 768 or higher) display
- Full duplex sound card with speakers/headphones and microphone.Webcam highly recommended.
- Windows operating system, Windows XP or higher required
- Highspeed Internet connection through an ISP account or a network; cable, DSL or satellite required. (Dialup NOT acceptable)
MacIntosh computers are only acceptable if bootable into Windows.
Software:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher
- Windows Media Player 10.0 or higher for access to Tegrity presentations
- Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (including Access 2007)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 (or higher)
- Winzip
Proprietary browser versions (those not downloaded directly from Netscape or Microsoft) may not work reliably with online systems. If you use other “Office” type programs, some professors may require you to convert your files to a MS-Office compatible format for online submission. Your Internet connection 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
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The University System of Georgia provides an online tool to help you determine if you are a good candidate for taking online courses. Visit www.alt.usg.edu/sort to assess your readiness.
Applications should be received by June 1, but will be accepted until the class is filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.
For the best chance of acceptance, apply the fall before the program begins. All application materials should be in GHSU’s Office of Academic Admissions by May 1. Applications completed after this date are considered on a space-available basis. Complete applications include the application, references, official academic materials, documentation of shadowing hours and documentation of professional certifications, if applicable.
Students must complete a criminal background check and drug screen; see H.I.A. Student Handbook for details.
Apply online at www.georgiahealth.edu/Admissions, or contact:
Office of Academic Admissions
170 Kelly Building–Administration
Georgia Health Sciences University
Augusta, Georgia 30912
Telephone: 706-721-2725
800-519-3388
E-mail: Admissions@georgiahealth.edu
Estimated Tuition and Fees
For estimated tution and fees, please see the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog.
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