Health Informatics (MHI)

Health Informatics is where healthcare meets innovation. By harnessing the power of data, technology, and analytics, health informatics transforms patient information resulting in informed decisions, better outcomes, and more efficient care. From electronic health records to AI-driven insights, this field is shaping the future of healthcare—making it safer, faster, and more connected. If you’re passionate about technology and want to make a real impact on people’s lives, health informatics is your gateway to driving the future of medicine.

The Master of Health Informatics (MHI) program is a CAHIIM accredited graduate degree program offered completely online and asynchronous allowing a flexible learning option for all students.    The program requires 39 semester credit hours (13 courses) offered during Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Quarters.  The program does not require a thesis however a Capstone is required during the final Quarter of study

The mission of the MHI Program is to prepare confident, innovative and competent professionals who can identify and use a variety of information systems, resources and technologies to accomplish the informatics, leadership and information management objectives of diverse healthcare environments.

The Master of Health Informatics (MHI) is designed for individuals from a variety of backgrounds. No GRE scores are required; however admission is competitive.  Consequently, applicants who meet the minimum requirements are not assured admission. The department qualitatively and quantitatively evaluates applicants and makes selections based on performance, personal qualifications, and evidence of potential for success.  Each qualified applicant is reviewed by the Admissions Committee after the following items have been received: application form, application fee, essay, reference letters, and all applicable transcripts. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and must meet the minimum admission requirements of the Graduate School, as well as the admission requirements of the Department of Health Informatics & Information Management:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management or related area

At least a 3.0 (4.0 system) grade point average overall or over the last 60 hours. Conditional admission will be granted to applicants not meeting requirements for unconditional admission but who have a GPA of at least 2.80 overall or for the last 60 hours. Conditional status may be changed to unconditional status when a student earns a minimum of 9 hours of graduate credit at Louisiana Tech, provided he or she has fulfilled the conditions of admission and has a “B” average on all work pursued for graduate credit, including no grade lower than “C” and not more than one course with a grade of “C”.

At least two years of work experience in industries that can directly translate to health informatics, such as health care, IT, health information management, consulting, or law. Students who do not have a healthcare background should submit a 500-word essay which answers the following questions. Students who choose not to submit an essay will need to submit a GRE score.

• What experiences led you to pursue a master’s degree in Health Informatics?
• What leadership skills have you demonstrated in your field?
• What are your career goals and how will a Master’s in Health Informatics support these goals?
• Why did you choose Louisiana Tech for your studies?
• Describe the role of health informatics in assuring the quality of care and safety of healthcare services.

Official transcripts sent in a signed, sealed envelope from each post-secondary institution attended.

Resume highlighting the applicant’s education and experience

Personal statement from the applicant, addressing the outcomes and benefits the applicant hopes to receive by completing the program.

Three letters of recommendation

MHI is an online program that does not qualify international students for a visa. The program will be completed remotely.

If applicants are international, they must submit:

• ECE or WES Course-Course Evaluation: at applicant's expense, original sent from company, completed within two years of application. 
• Certified or notarized copy of official transcript
• Certified or notarized copy of English translation of transcripts

New students are admitted to the MHI program continuously and can begin taking courses Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer quarters.  

All MHI students will simultaneously earn the Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics

Apply to the Louisiana Tech Graduate SchoolGraduate Certificate in Health Informatics

Get a head start on Graduate School!

Current undergraduate students who meet the Concurrent Enrollment criteria can take Graduate courses before completing their undergraduate program.  

Criteria include: Undergraduate seniors who are within 30 hours of completing their baccalaureate degree requirements.  Students must also have a minimum 3.2 cumulative undergraduate GPA.  While enrolled in the concurrent program, students must maintain a graduate GPA of 3.0 (no C’s).

A maximum of 12 semester credit hours of graduate coursework can be earned in the Concurrent Enrollment program.  This means you can earn graduate and undergraduate credit simultaneously.

Interested students should contact their academic advisor and refer to the Louisiana Tech Graduate School.

Louisiana Tech Graduate School

The faculty and students in the HIIM graduate programs at Louisiana Tech are supported by and active in various professional membership associations.

Louisiana Tech HIIM graduate programs are recognized as an Academic Organizational Affiliate of HIMSS, an Approved Educational Partner of HIMSS and a member of the Academic Forum of AMIA.   For more information please see www.himss.org and www.amia.org

 

Student membership is encouraged based on career goals and experience.   Becoming an active member of a professional association is important to career growth.  Professional associations supply many educational and training resources which are helpful to both students and seasoned professionals. Students are encouraged to become members of The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) or The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Membership entitles students access to journals as well as many discounts on items such as textbooks, webinars and meetings.

Students are encouraged to seek out Industry Based Certifications based on their individual career goals and work experience.   Ask your academic advisor for more information.