Utah’s life sciences and healthcare sector is a powerhouse for the state economy, directly supporting nearly 55,000 jobs and indirectly another 127,000 in 2022, while contributing about $8 billion to Utah’s GDP.
Despite this growth, the state faces critical provider shortages:
- Utah has one of the nation’s lowest nurse-to-population ratios (just over 1,300 nurses per 100,000 residents).
- Utah needs more than 1,095 additional primary care physicians by 2030 to meet demand, especially in its rural communities.
Digital Innovation & Care Coordination
Health informatics is a key remedy, streamlining clinical workflows and improving patient outcomes through better data exchange.
- The Utah Health Information Network (UHIN) serves as the state’s HIE, connecting 1,300+ providers and over 50 hospitals.
- Major systems like Intermountain Healthcare leverage advanced EHR platforms to support data-driven decision-making and seamless information sharing across their network.
Training Tomorrow’s Healthcare Technologists
To address the talent gap, Utah’s universities have launched robust informatics programs, ensuring graduates are ready to lead in Utah’s increasingly digital healthcare landscape.
2027 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Utah
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu
Doctorate - PhD in Biomedical Informatics (Public Health Informatics)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's PhD in Biomedical Informatics offers a specialized concentration in Public Health Informatics within a rigorous research framework. Students complete core coursework, select an application track, and take methods courses such as Data Science & Analytics or Ethical Issues. Research threads in Precision Medicine, Exposure, Health Variations, and Disease Prevention shape dissertation work. The program culminates in an original dissertation, with no entrance exam requirement specified. Admitted candidates typically receive full funding, including a $41,000 annual stipend, 100% tuition coverage, and health insurance. As the first biomedical informatics department (1964), it provides internationally recognized training. Graduates pursue independent research careers in academia, industry, or public health agencies, translating data into improved population health outcomes.
- 4 concentration options
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Thesis required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- First biomedical informatics department
- Annual $41,000 stipend
- 100% tuition coverage
- Support for research conferences
- NLM Training Grant support
Doctorate - PhD in Biomedical Informatics
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's PhD in Biomedical Informatics prepares independent scientists to turn data into health solutions. This research-intensive program offers four application tracks—Translational, Public Health, Clinical Research, and Clinical Informatics—plus methods tracks in Data Science, AI, Ethics, Sociotechnical Design, and Standards. Students complete 35 credit hours, pass comprehensive and qualifying exams, and defend a dissertation. Notably, the program does not specify an entrance exam requirement. Founded in 1964 as the world's first biomedical informatics department, it is internationally renowned. Admitted students typically receive full funding, including a $41,000 stipend, tuition, health insurance, and conference support. The program trains leaders for academia, healthcare, and industry, driving innovation in health informatics.
- 4 concentration options
- 35 total credit hours
- Thesis required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- First department established in 1964
- Internationally recognized leader
- Annual $41,000 stipend
- 100% tuition coverage
- Health insurance included
List of Utah Colleges With Health Informatics Degree Programs
Salt Lake City, UT
University of Utah
- Doctorate - PhD in Biomedical Informatics
Campus Based - Website
- 4 concentration options
- 35 total credit hours
- Thesis required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- First department established in 1964
- Internationally recognized leader
- Annual $41,000 stipend
- Doctorate - PhD in Biomedical Informatics
Concentration: Public Health Informatics - Campus Based - Website
- 4 concentration options
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Thesis required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- First biomedical informatics department
- Annual $41,000 stipend
- 100% tuition coverage
What Kind of Job Can You Apply for With Your Degree?
What opportunities in Utah will a degree in health informatics degree create? Below is a brief analysis of some current job openings in the market.
Key Findings:
- Salary ranges span from $21.16/hour (entry-level support) to $130,000 annually (senior research roles)
- Geographic concentration in Salt Lake City with growing remote opportunities
- Education requirements range from high school diplomas to doctoral degrees, with strong preference for advanced degrees in leadership roles
- Major employers include University of Utah Health, Intermountain Health, Molina Healthcare, and Humana
Notable aspects of Utah’s market include the strong presence of academic medical centers driving research-focused positions, significant remote work opportunities, and unique hybrid roles that combine clinical expertise with technical skills. The state shows particular strength in biomedical research informatics and integrated health system optimization.Retry
Clinical Systems Integration & Implementation
EHR Optimization and Workflow Analysis
Primary Employers: University of Utah Health (Salt Lake City)
- Medical Assistant, Certified – Informatics: Integrates medical assistant knowledge with computer science for EHR optimization (salary not disclosed, hybrid work)
- Nursing Quality Informatics Nurse: Combines nursing expertise with informatics for clinical decision support (salary not disclosed, hybrid work)
- Both positions emphasize translating clinical needs to IT staff and conducting quality assurance testing
Advanced Clinical Informatics Leadership
Primary Employers: Intermountain Health (Salt Lake City)
- Associate Chief Clinical Informatics Officer – Acute: Senior leadership role advancing health IT adoption across acute care ($66.41-$102.52/hour, hybrid with travel required)
- Focuses on improving caregiver satisfaction with Epic and other clinical platforms while serving as clinical advocate
Data Science & Analytics
Biomedical Research Informatics
Primary Employers: University of Utah (Salt Lake City)
- Medical Informaticist: Data warehouse architecture and clinical research support ($100,000-$130,000 annually, campus-based)
- Bioinformatics Data Analyst I: Cancer research data analysis using national datasets ($22.88-$28.02/hour, part-time, campus-based)
- Emphasis on machine learning, statistical tools, and controlled medical terminologies (SNOMED-CT, LOINC, RxNorm)
Predictive Analytics and Business Intelligence
Primary Employers: Humana Inc. (Sandy, UT – Remote)
- Informaticist: Advanced modeling for revenue optimization and cost containment (salary not disclosed, remote work)
- Focuses on claims data analysis, medical cost trends, and provider contract impact assessment
Technical Support & Implementation
Telehealth and Patient Experience
Primary Employers: Molina Healthcare (Utah – Remote)
- Associate Analyst, Clinical Informatics: Frontline telehealth support with technical troubleshooting ($21.16-$42.20/hour, remote with rotating weekends)
- Combines patient care with hardware/software support for clinical workflows
Program Management
Primary Employers: College of Health (Salt Lake City)
- Public Health Informatics and Technology Program Manager: Grant management and stakeholder coordination ($80,000-$85,000 annually, full-time on-site)
- Manages government grants related to public health informatics initiatives
Education Requirements by Position Level
Entry-Level Positions
Molina Healthcare – High school diploma/GED with Associate’s preferred, 2+ years experience required ($21.16-$42.20/hour)
Mid-Level Clinical Roles
University of Utah Health – Clinical certifications (CMA, RMA, RN) with 3+ years EHR experience for specialist positions University of Utah – Bachelor’s in Bioinformatics/Computer Science for analyst roles ($22.88-$28.02/hour part-time, $100,000-$130,000 full-time)
Advanced Leadership Positions
Intermountain Health – Clinical Bachelor’s/Advanced degree (BSN, PharmD) with current state licensure for C-suite roles ($66.41-$102.52/hour) College of Health – Master’s in Business Administration, IT, or related field for program management ($80,000-$85,000)
Research and Academic Positions
University of Utah – Master’s in Biomedical Informatics/Computer Science required, PhD preferred for Medical Informaticist roles ($100,000-$130,000)
Salary Ranges by Position Type
Analyst and Support Roles
- Associate Analyst (Molina Healthcare): $21.16-$42.20/hour (remote)
- Bioinformatics Data Analyst (University of Utah): $22.88-$28.02/hour (part-time)
Specialist and Management Positions
- Program Manager (College of Health): $80,000-$85,000 annually
- Medical Informaticist (University of Utah): $100,000-$130,000 annually
Senior Leadership Roles
- Associate Chief Clinical Informatics Officer (Intermountain Health): $66.41-$102.52/hour plus performance bonuses
Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities
Clinical-Technology Bridge
University of Utah Health combines medical assistant and nursing expertise with informatics, requiring clinical certifications plus EHR proficiency. Intermountain Health integrates clinical leadership with technology strategy for acute care settings.
Healthcare-Data Science Integration
University of Utah merges biomedical research with data science, requiring expertise in genomics, biostatistics, and machine learning. Humana combines healthcare analytics with business intelligence for cost optimization.
Public Health-Technology Intersection
College of Health integrates public health initiatives with technology program management, requiring grant management skills plus informatics knowledge.
Patient Experience-Technical Support
Molina Healthcare combines patient care experience with technical troubleshooting, emphasizing telehealth platform management and clinical workflow support.
Required Technical Skills
Programming and Database Management
University of Utah requires SQL, Python, R, and machine learning capabilities for research positions. Humana emphasizes SAS, SQL, Python, and Power BI for analytics roles.
Clinical Systems Expertise
University of Utah Health and Intermountain Health require Epic proficiency and clinical workflow analysis. Molina Healthcare emphasizes EHR applications and smartphone configuration.
Research and Statistical Analysis
University of Utah positions require experience with controlled medical terminologies, statistical modeling, and data warehousing for healthcare research.
Geographic Distribution and Work Arrangements
Salt Lake City dominates the market with University of Utah Health, University of Utah, Intermountain Health, and College of Health offering campus-based and hybrid arrangements. Remote opportunities available through Molina Healthcare (statewide) and Humana Inc. (Sandy location, remote work). Hybrid models common at major health systems, combining on-site clinical engagement with remote analytical work.
Professional Certifications and Specializations
Clinical Certifications
University of Utah Health values medical assistant certifications (CMA, RMA, NCMA) and nursing licensure (RN) for clinical informatics roles.
Technical Certifications
Intermountain Health prefers IT management certifications (PMP, ITIL) for leadership positions. University of Utah emphasizes degree-based qualifications over specific certifications.
Research Credentials
University of Utah positions prefer demonstrated publication records and grant experience for academic medical informaticist roles.
Utah’s health informatics market centers around major academic medical centers and integrated health systems, offering diverse opportunities from frontline technical support to senior clinical leadership, with strong emphasis on research, data science, and clinical workflow optimization.