Bisola Adegoke knew that she would pursue a master’s focused on healthcare data analytics once she completed her undergraduate degree. Many in her family work in healthcare in one capacity or another — seeing their impact and ability to help people fuelled her passion to join the noble profession.
Upon the recommendation of a friend attending Marshall University, she discovered the Master of Science (MS) in Health Informatics program. Focused on the intersection of healthcare and technology, the MS offered her a way to make a “meaningful impact on saving lives” without being a doctor or nurse.
The program is not only the most affordable MS in Health Informatics in the US, but also the only one of its kind in West Virginia. Providing an interdisciplinary study of the design, development, adoption, and application of IT-based innovations in healthcare services, delivery, management, and planning, MS in Health Informatics at Marshall is a STEM-designated program. As part of the university’s Lewis College of Business, the program holds the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB) international accreditation and the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
The modern age heavily relies on electronic health records (EHR), so completing a curriculum that comprehensively covers the topic is essential. The MS in Health Informatics ensures that, and accompanied by these accreditations, increases employability – employers are assured that graduates come equipped with the professional knowledge and skills the job demands.
This is a program that is at the forefront of implementing the most recent developments in healthcare technology.
Source: Marshall University
Indian graduate Sushrutha Kanaparthi can attest to this. She cites the Management of Healthcare Technology course that integrated technology in healthcare settings for giving her the ability to lead effectively and a command of strategic insights.
“The curriculum effectively incorporates ideas such as machine learning and interoperability standards,” says Kanaparthi. “I’ve taken an active part in projects that use these technologies to solve problems in the real world, such as establishing data-driven decision-making procedures and enhancing the administration of EHRs.”
“These practical experiences have sharpened my technical skills and deepened my understanding of applying cutting-edge technologies to improve healthcare outcomes.”
The program includes plenty of practical experience. It requires them to complete at least 400 hours in an educationally directed, job site-approved health informatics internship.
Adegoke is experiencing this first-hand. Her internship has her actively involved, giving her valuable exposure to the region’s healthcare system and an opportunity for hands-on experiences with advanced systems like Cerner and Soarian Financials.
“This has significantly enhanced my confidence as a health informatics student, offering a tangible application of the concepts taught in the classroom,” she says. “Overall, the internship has been instrumental in providing a more comprehensive and practical understanding of the field.”
Of course, there’s no delivering quality education without a good faculty and support system.
Noting the exceptional guidance professors provide, Adegoke adds how they consistently go above and beyond to assist students. At every moment, they readily answer questions and provide guidance to ensure a thorough understanding of each topic covered in class.
Source: Marshall University
It’s the same for Kanaparthi. “The faculty have been tremendously helpful throughout the program, providing insightful guidance and experience,” she says. “An easy academic path has been made possible by the responsive and proactive nature of the support network, which includes academic advisors and resources.”
“Their dedication to fostering collaboration has greatly contributed to my positive learning experience in health informatics.”
Every part of the MS in Health Informatics program is designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills to advance your career in this burgeoning field.
Here, you learn to enhance the healthcare delivery system and increase the quality and affordability of healthcare wherever you are in the world. Graduates enter the workforce ready for diverse career paths in hospitals and clinics, information systems companies, government agencies, and insurance companies. They hold roles related to data analytics, application development, and project management — even landing positions such as chief information officer.
“I have no doubts about the program’s outstanding preparation for professional success,” says Kanaparthi. “With a strong skill set that combines sophisticated technical competency with healthcare expertise, I am grateful for the extensive curriculum and hands-on experiences.”
“This program has not only increased my knowledge, but it has also given me useful insights that I think will be essential when I start a fulfilling profession in the nexus of technology and health.”
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