Virginia Health Informatics Degree Programs

Virginia’s Healthcare: A Growing Sector Facing Workforce Needs, Supported by Digital Innovation

Virginia’s healthcare industry is a major economic driver, with hundreds of thousands of job postings in recent years reflecting its critical role in employment and stability.

Yet the Commonwealth grapples with a persistent nursing shortage—projected to need 87,130 RNs by 2030—and widespread physician gaps, especially in rural and underserved areas where nearly half of neighborhoods lack adequate primary care access.

Digital health solutions are playing an increasingly vital role:

• The Veterans Health Administration is rolling out its new federal EHR system across Virginia to create seamless, lifelong veteran health records.
• Virginia Health Information (VHI) connects over 445 organizations for secure, statewide data exchange—enhancing care coordination and reducing redundant testing.

To meet the demand for skilled informatics professionals, Virginia’s universities offer targeted programs equipping graduates to innovate and optimize care in Virginia’s digital health landscape.

2027 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Virginia

Searching for the best health informatics degree programs in Virginia? We at healthinformaticsdegree.org have gathered the top choices for you. Our rankings feature programs with strong coursework, real-world projects, and solid job placement. We compare schools by teaching quality, tech tools, and student support. From bachelor's to master's degrees, these Virginia programs lead the field and prepare graduates for exciting roles in healthcare technology. To understand exactly how we created these rankings, read our methodology page at https://www.healthinformaticsdegree.org/about-us/#rankings. Use this clear guide to pick the right program for your future.

#1

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu

Bachelor's - B.S. in Informatics – Healthcare Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Liberty University’s online B.S. in Informatics – Healthcare Informatics prepares students for roles at the intersection of healthcare and technology. The 120-credit curriculum includes health coding, classification, enterprise systems, systems integration, and pharmacology foundations. Graduates can become clinical informatics specialists, informatics analysts, or directors of clinical informatics. The program is 100% online with 8-week, asynchronous courses and no set login times. With eight start dates per year and up to 75% transfer credit acceptance, students can progress flexibly. The university is a private nonprofit with a nationally recognized campus and SACSCOC accreditation. Tuition is locked, and military benefits are accepted. This degree builds in-demand skills for the evolving health informatics field.

• Locked tuition rate
• 120 total credit hours
• 8 start dates per year
• Asynchronous online classes
• Military benefits accepted
• 100% online, 8-week courses
• Transfer up to 75% of credits
• Niche.com's #2 Best College Campus
• Careers in clinical informatics
• Study health coding and classification

Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Liberty University’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics integrates clinical practice with information technology. The 42-credit curriculum covers database design, health policy, electronic health records, data standards, and system integration, along with statistical reasoning and IT project management. Graduates pursue careers as health data analysts, clinical informatics specialists, and healthcare IT project managers. The 100% online program features 8-week courses with no set login times, offering flexibility for working professionals. With eight start dates per year and no GRE required, enrollment is accessible. Experienced faculty blend practical knowledge with a biblical worldview. Liberty holds SACSCOC accreditation and offers military benefits, scholarships, and transfer of up to 50% of credits.

• No entrance exam required
• $580 per credit
• 42 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 8 start dates per year
• Starts spring/summer/fall
• Asynchronous online classes
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• $50 application fee

Master's - Master of Arts in Medical Sciences – Health Informatics (Health Informatics)

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Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Health Informatics merges foundational medical sciences with data-driven healthcare technology. Coursework includes human anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry, and medical ethics, plus health informatics, information systems, and integrated technologies. Students learn to acquire, store, and analyze healthcare data to improve patient care and organizational efficiency. Designed for those pursuing medical or professional schools or careers in healthcare technology, the program prepares graduates for roles such as medical policy analyst, practice manager, or research analyst. The 34-credit program is 100% online with 8-week courses and no set login times. Multiple start dates, transfer credit options, military tuition discounts, and no entrance exam requirement enhance accessibility. Faculty hold terminal degrees and bring real-world expertise.

• No entrance exam required
• 34 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 8 start dates per year
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• $50 application fee
• Military benefits accepted
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA - Public 4-Year - gmu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

George Mason University’s online Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics integrates health sciences, IT, data science, and behavioral sciences. Students learn to collect, analyze, and manage health data to improve patient care and population health, with coursework covering health information systems, data analytics, and project management. A health informatics internship provides hands-on experience, while an accelerated BS-MS pathway allows completion of a master’s degree in one additional year. The STEM-designated program holds CAHIIM candidacy, offers flexible online and on-campus options, and emphasizes AI research in healthcare. Small classes and expert faculty support personalized learning. The program boasts a 100% first-year retention rate, 50% job placement, and 83% of graduates employed or pursuing further education. ACT/SAT requirements are not specified.

• CAHIIM accredited
• Complete in Average Time to Degree Completion: 3.6 years
• 50% job placement rate
• Accelerated BS-MS program available
• Health informatics internship opportunity
• STEM-designated for international students
• 100% one-year retention rate
• 83% employed or pursuing further education
• CAHIIM candidacy status
• Research in AI and healthcare

#3

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - nsu.edu

Master's - Master of Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Norfolk State University offers a fully online Master of Health Informatics (MHI) designed for working professionals seeking expertise in health data management. The 33-credit curriculum emphasizes electronic health records, data analysis, interoperability, and patient data security, preparing graduates for roles as health informaticians and data analysts. Students complete a 240-hour internship with partners like the Virginia Department of Health, gaining hands-on experience. Admission requires a 2.8 GPA and does not require the GRE. As an HBCU and military-friendly institution, NSU welcomes diverse learners. Courses are online except MHI 650, with financial aid and scholarships available. The program starts in the fall and offers competitive enrollment.

• No entrance exam required
• 33 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Fully online except MHI 650
• Internship requires 240 clock hours
• Consortium partners: VDH and HRCHC
• Competitive enrollment with limited slots

*IPEDS 2025 dataset, accessed via NCES Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

What Jobs Can You Get With a Health Informatics Degree?

Explore the types of positions available in Virginia’s health informatics market—below is a concise overview of some recent job openings.

Job Market Key Findings:

• Salary ranges from $52.46/hour (clinical roles) to $231,540 annually (executive positions)
• Geographic distribution across Northern Virginia (federal focus), Richmond (state government/health systems), and Hampton Roads (regional networks)
• Education requirements span from RN licenses to Master’s degrees and federal experience
• Major employers include federal agencies (VA, DOD), health systems (UVA Health, Augusta Health), and consulting firms (CVS Health, Guidehouse)

Notable aspects of Virginia’s market include strong federal healthcare opportunities requiring security clearances, emphasis on clinical expertise combined with technical skills, and increasing remote work options. The state shows particular demand for Epic proficiency, VistA/CPRS expertise for VA systems, and leadership roles requiring both clinical and business acumen.

Clinical Systems Integration & Leadership

EHR Implementation and Optimization

Primary Employers: Williamsburg Landing (Williamsburg), Augusta Health (Fishersville), Elite WorkForce Inc (Richmond)

• Williamsburg Landing: Clinical Informatics and Staff Development Nurse role integrating EMR optimization with staff training ($67,800/year, full-time)
• Augusta Health: Clinical Informaticist III focusing on EHR redesign and quality improvement (salary not disclosed, full-time)
• Elite WorkForce Inc: Clinical Informatics Analyst for EHR implementation in corrections setting (12+ month contract, 4 days on-site)

Senior Clinical Informatics Leadership

Primary Employers: Veterans Health Administration (Salem), Intermountain Health (Salt Lake City), U.S. Department of Defense (Fort Belvoir)

• Veterans Health Administration: Associate Chief Health Informatics Officer for new facility opening (salary not disclosed, 8am-4:30pm)
• U.S. Department of Defense: Chief Health Informatics Officer leading Defense Health Network initiatives (federal position, Secret clearance required)

Specialized Clinical Informatics

VistA/CPRS Systems Expertise

Primary Employers: Dexian (Arlington)

• Health Informatics Specialist/Clinical Application Coordinator: 10+ years VistA and CPRS experience for VHA modernization (salary not disclosed, extensive technical focus)

Pharmacy Informatics

Primary Employers: UVA Health (Charlottesville), Tekfortune Inc (Virginia Beach – Remote)

• UVA Health: Pharmacist, Clinical Informatics and Medication Automation ($52.46-$83.94/hour, full-time)
• Tekfortune Inc: Clinical Informaticist (Pharmacist) with Epic Beacon/Willow expertise (contract, remote work)

Nursing Informatics and Education

Clinical Training and Development

Primary Employers: Bon Secours Mercy Health (Norfolk), Chesapeake Regional Healthcare (Chesapeake)

• Bon Secours Mercy Health: Informatics Nurse Specialist for Hampton Roads market (salary not disclosed, hybrid position)
• Chesapeake Regional Healthcare: Clinical Informaticist part-time role combining clinical and technical expertise (salary not disclosed, part-time)

Data Analytics and Public Health

Public Health Informatics

Primary Employers: Guidehouse (Falls Church)

• Public Health Informaticist Associate Director: Leading federal/state modernization with HL7 and FHIR expertise (salary not disclosed, up to 10% travel)

Healthcare Analytics

Primary Employers: Humana Inc (Glen Allen – Remote)

• Informaticist: Claims data analysis and predictive modeling for cost optimization (salary not disclosed, remote position)

Strategic Leadership and Program Management

Executive-Level Positions

Primary Employers: CVS Health (Richmond), Virginia Dept of Behavioral Health (Richmond), Trilogy Federal LLC (Washington, DC)

• CVS Health: Lead Director, Informatics managing enterprise-wide strategy ($100,000-$231,540 annually plus bonuses)
• Virginia Dept of Behavioral Health: Clinical Director of Informatics for state facility system (salary not disclosed, one telework day/week)
• Trilogy Federal LLC: Healthcare Informatics Program Manager for federal clients ($130,000-$150,000 annually)

Education Requirements by Position Level

Entry-Level Clinical Positions

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare – RN license with 2+ years computerized patient care experience for part-time roles

Mid-Level Specialist Roles

Williamsburg Landing – BSN preferred, Master’s in Nursing Informatics preferred, 5+ years clinical experience ($67,800/year) Augusta Health – BSN required, 5 years clinical setting experience, prior EHR experience required

Advanced Clinical Leadership

Bon Secours Mercy Health – Master’s in Nursing or Informatics required for specialist positions UVA Health – Bachelor’s in Pharmacy or PharmD required for pharmacy informatics roles ($52.46-$83.94/hour)

Executive and Federal Positions

U.S. Department of Defense – Bachelor’s in health sciences or related field, specialized experience at GS-13+ level Trilogy Federal LLC – Master’s degree with 15+ years experience for program management ($130,000-$150,000) CVS Health – Bachelor’s required, Master’s preferred for director-level roles ($100,000-$231,540)

Salary Ranges by Position Type

Clinical Support and Part-Time Roles

• Clinical Informaticist (Chesapeake Regional): Part-time, salary not disclosed
• Clinical Informatics Analyst (Elite WorkForce): Contract position, salary not disclosed

Specialist and Full-Time Positions

• Clinical Informatics Nurse (Williamsburg Landing): $67,800/year
• Pharmacist Informatics (UVA Health): $52.46-$83.94/hour

Leadership and Executive Roles

• Lead Director (CVS Health): $100,000-$231,540 annually plus equity
• Program Manager (Trilogy Federal): $130,000-$150,000 annually
• Federal positions: Competitive federal pay scales with security clearance requirements

Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities

Clinical-Technology Integration

Williamsburg Landing combines nursing practice with EMR configuration and staff development. UVA Health merges pharmacy practice with medication automation and clinical workflow analysis.

Healthcare-Government Interface

Veterans Health Administration and U.S. Department of Defense offer opportunities to work with federal healthcare systems and military populations. Virginia Dept of Behavioral Health focuses on behavioral health and developmental disabilities.

Public Health-Technology Convergence

Guidehouse integrates public health policy with health data interoperability, requiring expertise in federal modernization initiatives and health information exchange standards.

Business-Clinical Analytics

CVS Health combines clinical data management with business strategy across multiple lines of business. Humana merges healthcare analytics with financial modeling for cost optimization.

Required Technical Skills

EHR System Expertise

Multiple employers require Epic proficiency, with Tekfortune Inc specifically seeking Beacon and Willow module expertise. Dexian specializes in VistA/CPRS systems for VA modernization.

Data Standards and Interoperability

Guidehouse requires extensive HL7 and FHIR experience for public health data exchange. UVA Health emphasizes medication automation and pharmacy systems integration.

Project Management and Change Leadership

Trilogy Federal LLC requires SAFe Lean Agile expertise and full systems development lifecycle knowledge. Virginia Dept of Behavioral Health emphasizes change management and process improvement.

Geographic Distribution and Work Arrangements

Northern Virginia (Arlington, Falls Church, Fort Belvoir) offers federal contracting and consulting opportunities. Richmond area hosts major health systems and state government positions. Hampton Roads (Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach) provides opportunities with regional health networks. Remote work increasingly available through companies like Humana, Tekfortune Inc, and federal contractors.

Professional Certifications and Security Requirements

Clinical Certifications

Multiple employers require state RN licenses, with UVA Health requiring pharmacy licensure. Bon Secours Mercy Health prefers ANCC Nursing Informatics certification.

Federal Security Clearances

U.S. Department of Defense requires Secret security clearance. Veterans Health Administration and federal contractors require background investigations and drug screening.

Technical Certifications

Tekfortune Inc prefers Epic Beacon/Willow certification. Trilogy Federal LLC strongly prefers PMP certification for program management roles.

Virginia’s health informatics market spans federal agencies, major health systems, academic medical centers, and specialized care facilities, offering opportunities from direct patient care technology support to executive-level strategic leadership, with particularly strong demand for clinical expertise combined with technical proficiency and federal healthcare experience.