Master of Science in Health Sciences with a Concentration in Healthcare Informatics

This course provides the knowledge about fundamentals of health Information Systems and the role of Information systems in efficient operation of healthcare organizations. The course specifically focuses on: Evolution of HMIS, HMIS components and basic HMIS functions, technology infrastructure for healthcare organizations, basic concepts such as HER, HIE, CPOE, and CDSS, HMIS standards such as HIPPA, HL7, and DICOM, strategic information systems planning for healthcare organizations, systems analysis and project management, information security issues, and role of HMIS professionals in health organizations.

An introduction to the healthcare system beginning with a historical overview, analysis of organizational components, and an emphasis on the interaction of delivery systems, regulation, financial concerns, regulations and alternative strategies for healthcare organizations as well as quality assurance and its role in health care organizations.

This course examines the development of U.S. health policies and laws and how they affect health care delivery, impact health disparities, and shape population health. Special attention will be given to discussions of current national health policy debates. The course also introduces students to various international health care system models.

An exploration of qualitative and quantitative research methods and experimental designs with specific application to the Health Sciences as well as an introduction to evidence based medicine.

Overview of legal and ethical issues associated with the delivery of healthcare in today’s society. Specific areas of contemporary legal and ethical concern surrounding everyday practice will be emphasized.

This course will cover the knowledge, skills, and techniques used in the preparation of professional papers and grant proposals. Students will also be introduced to methods used in the identification of funding sources as well as the principles of successful grant management.

This course examines the role and function of information management in the improvement of consumer health. Content is comprised of tools and techniques necessary for effective information flow from disparate systems found among healthcare facilities. Mobile health technology is evaluated for applicability, opportunity, and appropriate use. The representation of data within the electronic and personal health record is critically analyzed for quality, interoperability, security and retrieval. Prerequisite: Admission to Graduate Studies.

This course examines the effective use of data, information, and tools to securely manage, retrieve, and analyze healthcare data. Content is comprised of the principles of computer science as well as database models and systems in order to provide proficiency in analytics. The course material will designate the principles and methodologies underlying clinical data standards for use in clinical decision support. Prerequisite: Admission to Graduate Studies.

This course examines the management of the clinical information system lifecycle including infrastructure, implementation, and evaluation. Significant events influencing the expansion of health information technology in the United States will be discussed. Content is comprised of practical issues related to system implementation, security, and maintenance. Best practices concerning human-computer interaction, systems building, and clinical device management will be analyzed.Prerequisite: Admission to Graduate Studies.

This course provides an integrated view of the many concepts, skills, tools and techniques related to healthcare project management. Fundamental project management concepts and effective project planning are presented in a theory to practice context.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how informatics relates to the healthcare industry. This course affords the student an advanced overview of health care informatics within the context of leading and managing information technology. Included in this course are healthcare concepts related to informatics competencies, knowledge workers, healthcare information exchange, advanced concepts in health informatics, change management, and caring for patients in a technology-laden environment.

This course provides an in depth overview of the legal, ethical, and societal issues associated with information technology. Content is comprised of professional values regarding the code of ethics and legal issues in the management of health information. Regulatory and accreditation requirements for the design and transfer of health information to ensure patient privacy and confidentiality is incorporated.