Online Security and Privacy in Healthcare Certificate

Protect Data Across Sensitive Healthcare Systems.

When a hospital's computer network is compromised by a cyberattack, the consequences extend far beyond lost data. Clinicians may lose access to essential information, patient care can be delayed, and confidential health records may be exposed. As healthcare organizations increasingly rely on electronic records, connected medical devices, and digital information sharing, protecting sensitive data is more important than ever.

Security and privacy in healthcare involves safeguarding patients' personal and medical information throughout its collection, storage, use, and exchange. Security focuses on preventing unauthorized access, breaches, and disruptions, while privacy governs how information is collected, shared, and used. Together, these practices help healthcare organizations maintain trust, manage risk, and comply with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Michigan Tech's 9-credit Online Security and Privacy in Healthcare Graduate Certificate prepares professionals to address these challenges through information governance, risk management, and cybersecurity practices. Offered entirely online, the certificate also provides a pathway toward Michigan Tech's MS in Health Informatics.

Who is This Certificate For?

This certificate is designed for healthcare information technology, cybersecurity, and health informatics professionals who want to strengthen their skills in protecting sensitive health data. It is especially relevant to those working with information security, risk management, regulatory compliance, privacy requirements, and connected healthcare systems.

It is also ideal for those who want to try out online graduate studies at Michigan Tech or build towards a graduate degree. Courses count toward credit for our health informatics master’s program—saving you both time and money.

What You'll Study

You'll learn how to protect health care information by developing these important skills:

identifying applicable regulations, compliance frameworks, and privacy policies to protect information security
understanding the disparate nature of sensitive data and storage and handling implications
acquiring, preserving, investigating, and recovering data and digital devices
developing and implementing safeguards to protect sensitive information

You will take three classes over two semesters. When planning your program, always check the course registration page for the availability of courses.

Currently, courses for this certificate are not offered during the summer.

Fall Semester

SAT 5283 - Information Governance and Risk Management

Course will consist of the legal and regulatory requirements and security privacy concept principles regarding data management. Best practices of how organizations manage information risk through risk assessment practices and procedures will be conducted.

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

Spring Semester

SAT 5817 - Security Penetration Testing and Audit

To provide knowledge and demonstrated methods to help prevent security breaches and develop safeguards to protect sensitive information and confidential data. Student learn offensive and defensive security concepts, audit best-practices.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): SAT 5111

Why Michigan Tech?

Acquire Industry Systems Readiness.

Earning your certificate in healthcare compliance online doesn’t mean missing out on the experience of in-person classes. You’ll use the same advanced virtual machine clusters as on-campus healthcare certificate students, mastering the tools and software you’ll use every day in your career.

Connect to other Security and Privacy Professionals.

All students in this program 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

Healthcare security professionals work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, insurance agencies, private practices, security firms, government agencies, and even tech startups. Basically, wherever sensitive health information is shared either virtually or on paper, professionals with expertise in healthcare compliance are needed.

An empty hospital room with medical equipment.

Popular Career Paths

Healthcare solutions architect
Cybersecurity analyst
Chief information security and privacy officer
IT security architect
Information security analyst
Artificial intelligence engineer
Cybersecurity engineer

Get Started on Your Online Security and Privacy in Healthcare Certificate.

Take the next step on your educational journey at Michigan Tech. 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 and easy online graduate application.