Grand Canyon University Online Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI)

• MS - Health Informatics

By Sara Navratil Reviewed By Jocelyn Blore Reviewed By School

Updated January 10, 2024

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The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions at Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a 100 percent online master of science in health informatics (MSHI) program for working professionals that can be completed in just two years. The curriculum is taught from a Christian worldview and students learn how to use information technology to influence their decision-making and create better patient health care outcomes.

The curriculum covers topics such as data management, ethics, finance, research, project development, project evaluation, health care information systems, electronic health records (EHRs), population health, leadership, and informatics. Those trained in health informatics are vital to the changing health care systems of today, especially in the areas of cost reduction, better health care access for all patients, and improving quality of care.

Graduates of MSHI programs may go on to positions in which they train others in the use of computer systems, collect and analyze data to improve patient quality of care and outcomes, build new data systems, automate clinical care, manage and design health care projects, conduct research, and analyze data systems. Work settings may include primary care facilities, private practice, hospitals, insurance companies, research facilities, technology suppliers, and government facilities.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in Phoenix, Arizona. Please note that GCU offers several online master’s programs.

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MSHI program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution approved by GCU, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If an applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirement, they may be eligible for admission through GMAT or GRE test scores. Application materials include an application and fee, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and TOEFL test scores (if applicable). International students must be current residents of a U.S. state and have transcripts evaluated by an evaluation agency approved by GCU.

Study Plan: The Grand Canyon University online MSHI consists of 11 courses, most of which last eight weeks. The introduction to graduate studies in health care professions class lasts only four weeks and the applied project and practicum at the end of the program last 16 weeks. Courses begin every eight weeks and the program can be completed in about two years. Most students in the MSHI program spend 20 to 25 hours per week on each class.

Curriculum: The Grand Canyon University MSHI consists of 42 credits, including an applied project and practicum. Courses include an introduction to graduate studies in the health care professions; the foundations of informatics; applied business probability and statistics; health care data management; health care information systems and technology; electronic health records; health data analytics; health information systems security; leadership in health care; user interface design for informatics; and a health informatics applied project and practicum.

Online Experience: Grand Canyon University uses its own unique Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver asynchronous courses. The LMS incorporates recorded assignments, videos and lectures, readings, group projects, and discussion boards. Students also have access to calendar reminders, eBooks, and online forums. Online students have access to faculty support, admissions counseling, academic advising, ACE tutoring, round-the-clock technical support, library services, and career services.

On-Site Requirements: The GCU online MSHI program is 100 percent online; however, students must complete a practicum local to where they live and work. Students are also welcome to participate in graduation on campus and visit campus at any time.

Applicants should contact the Grand Canyon University College of Nursing and Health Care Professions for a current estimated cost as tuition can change from year to year. A special rate is available for active duty and active reserve military personnel. Prospective students may speak with a university counselor to learn more.

As a final note, graduate students in the MSHI program may apply for student loans through the FAFSA. MSHI students may also inquire with their employer regarding a tuition reimbursement program, as well as seek community or organizational funding.

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.