Online Foundations of Health Informatics Certificate

Connect Healthcare to Better Data Decisions.

Health Informatics is the science of the collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and application of data to support effective decision making in healthcare.

MTU's Online Certificate in the Foundations of Health Informatics covers fundamental and diverse subjects, such as medical decision support systems, telemedicine, medical ethics, biostatistics, consumer health informatics, international health care systems, the internet of things, global health informatics, translational research informatics, and homecare.

This online certificate will equip you with the basic skills and competencies in health informatics, security and privacy, programming, and clinical data analysis. You'll also learn how to prepare, code, and process large clinical data sets for security and privacy, data analysis, and system analysis.

Who is This Certificate For?

This certificate, which provides foundatonal health informatics skills, is suitable for students who come from a wide range of backgrounds, such as medical/clinical, management information systems, kinesiology and integrated physiology, bio/chem-informatics, computer science, cybersecurity, and biomedical engineering. Because this certificate focuses on the use of data and information systems in healthcare, it can also support further study in health informatics.

What You'll Study

This 12-credit certificate consists of four classes spread over two semesters. Some courses are available in both semesters.

When planning your program, remember to consult the course registration page for the availability of classes. Currently, courses for this certificate are not offered during the summer.

Fall Semester

SAT 4650 - Introduction to Applied Computing in Python Programming

This course introduces students to the Python programming language in applied computing systems and applications. In addition to Python basics, introduction to advanced topics such as file operations, database connection, digital image processing, and artificial intelligence will be discussed, particularly within the field of health informatics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

SAT 5111 - Security and Privacy

Examines key health information security, policy, and procedures. Investigates how to distinguish elements of a security audit and key security policies. Students will conduct offensive and defensive cybersecurity methods to understand the security and privacy landscape of healthcare and its sensitive information, Analyzes roles of people maintaining health information security.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

UN 5550 - Introduction to Data Science

Introduces concepts and skills fundamental to Data Science including: getting data, data wrangling, exploratory data analysis, basic statistics, data visualization, data modeling, and learning. The course introduces data science from different perspectives: computer science, mathematics, business, engineering, and more.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Data Science

Spring Semester

SAT 4650 - Introduction to Applied Computing in Python Programming

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

SAT 5131 - Systems Analysis and Design

Provides knowledge of tools available to perform healthcare systems analysis, examines key factors in systems design, emphasizes importance of communication, and an understanding or the primary factors in systems implementation. Course will examine strategies, risks, and key factors in purchasing systems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Health Informatics

UN 5550 - Introduction to Data Science

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Data Science

This certificate is also available as an on-campus option.

Why Michigan Tech?

Options. You can earn this certificate alone or apply its credits towards the online MS in Health Informatics. Michigan Tech has been recognized for offering one of the best online degrees in health informatics. Employers and graduate programs across the country recognize our health informatics program for its excellence and for the many accomplishments of our alumni.

You'll also receive free membership in HIMSS (Healthcare Information Management Systems Society), a member-based, global society that connects professionals who are aligned in serving and improving the global health community.

Read more about HIMSS and the advantages of membership.

Membership in HIMSS

Where You'll Apply Your Skills

Health informatics is a diverse field combining health information systems, clinical protocols, data management, healthcare delivery, and communication technologies to improve patient care and facilitate research. Health informatics professionals, then, may be involved in selecting, designing, implementing, or managing health information systems to support healthcare providers, administrators, and other healthcare professionals.

Those with health informatics expertise may work in a variety of settings, from academic institutions to medical facilities; government organizations to public health agencies; and research laboratories to software and technology companies.

Hispanic woman in a wheelchair typing at a computer.

Possible Career Paths

health data analyst
software engineer
epidemiologist
public health researchers
database designer
system analyst
project manager

Get Started on Your Online Public Health Informatics Certificate.

Want to learn more about the this certificate? We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program. Reach out when you're ready. Or start our free, easy graduate application.