Wisconsin’s healthcare sector employs over 327,000 people and hosts major innovators like GE HealthCare. However, the state faces critical workforce shortages:
- a potential deficit of 12,000-19,000 registered nurses by 2040
- over 2,000 physician vacancies by 2030, particularly in rural areas
Wisconsin leads health IT innovation as home to Epic Systems, a global EHR developer. The Wisconsin Statewide Health Information Network (WISHIN) enables secure data sharing across 2,200+ care sites, while the state promotes health IT initiatives for enhanced care coordination.
Recognizing the critical need for a skilled health informatics workforce, Wisconsin’s educational institutions are robustly responding by offering specialized programs:
2026 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI - Public 4-Year - uwm.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Health Care Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Health Care Informatics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee provides comprehensive training in information technologies and data analytics to enhance healthcare delivery. This program offers flexible online and face-to-face options, ideal for working professionals seeking advancement in hospitals, insurance companies, or medical centers. The curriculum covers systems analysis, database management, and clinical decision support through 33-36 credits. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, with GRE scores mandatory for applicants with GPAs below 3.0. Students can choose between thesis or project options to complete their degree.
- Online and face-to-face options.
- 33-36 credit requirement.
- GRE required if GPA <3.0.
- Focus on data analytics.
- Flexible for professionals.
Master's - Coordinated MS Health Care Informatics/Master of Library and Information Science
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Coordinated MS Health Care Informatics/Master of Library and Information Science uniquely combines information technology with healthcare management in an online format. This dual-degree program prepares graduates for specialized roles as clinical informationists, focusing on ethical issues in health informatics and medical terminology. Students develop expertise in analyzing healthcare information systems and database management. The program requires GRE scores for admission, except for those with exceptional academic records. It culminates in a thesis or project, providing practical experience in managing healthcare information effectively.
- Online program format
- Blends IT with health care
- GRE required for admission
- Focus on ethical issues
- Thesis or project culmination
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Prepares for clinical informationist roles
- Skills in systems analysis
- Database management training
- Understanding medical terminology
Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Campus Based - Visit Website
The PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee represents Wisconsin's first interdisciplinary doctoral program in this field, developed in collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin. This on-campus program merges medical science with information technology to improve patient care, public health, and research. The curriculum includes human pathophysiology, medical informatics, and ethics, with six specialized tracks available. While a master's degree is preferred, exceptional bachelor's degree holders may apply. No specific entrance exam is mentioned as required. Graduates are in high demand across healthcare, research, and academia, with funding opportunities through assistantships and fellowships.
- First in Wisconsin
- Interdisciplinary approach
- Six specialized tracks
- High demand careers
- Assistantships available
- Collaboration with Medical College
- Focus on patient care
- Public health impact
- Research opportunities
- Ethics included
Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Concentration: Public Health Informatics - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics with a Public Health Informatics concentration, focusing on using information technology to enhance population health outcomes. This on-campus interdisciplinary program emphasizes research, publication, and conference presentations while covering courses in human pathophysiology and database management. Six specialized tracks allow customization based on career goals. Applicants typically hold master's degrees, though exceptional bachelor's degree candidates are considered. No entrance exam requirement is specified. Students benefit from teaching and research assistantships, preparing them for high-demand roles advancing healthcare IT systems.
- Interdisciplinary PhD program
- Concentration in Public Health Informatics
- On-campus format
- Collaboration with Medical College of Wisconsin
- Courses in human pathophysiology, databases
- Six specialized tracks available
- Opportunities for research and publication
- Teaching and research assistantships
- High demand for graduates
- Focus on healthcare IT advancements
Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Concentration: Translational Bioinformatics - Campus Based - Visit Website
The PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics with a Translational Bioinformatics concentration at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee specializes in applying information systems to bridge medical research and clinical practice. This on-campus program combines medical science with IT to revolutionize healthcare delivery and research methodologies. Students engage in cutting-edge research, publishing findings and presenting at conferences while studying human pathophysiology, medical informatics, and ethics. While master's degrees are preferred, outstanding bachelor's degree holders may apply without specified entrance exam requirements. Graduates develop leadership skills through faculty mentorship and assistantship opportunities, entering high-demand careers in healthcare and academia.
- Interdisciplinary doctoral program
- Concentration in Translational Bioinformatics
- Combines medical science with IT
- Prepares for careers in healthcare, research
- Opportunities for research and teaching assistantships
- Curriculum includes human pathophysiology
- Courses in medical informatics, databases
- Focus on ethics in healthcare
- Students publish peer-reviewed articles
- Graduates in high demand
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - wisc.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical and Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Wisconsin-Madison's online Master of Science in Clinical and Health Informatics prepares professionals to revolutionize healthcare through data analytics and technology. This 30-credit STEM-eligible program focuses on optimizing clinical workflows, electronic health records, and healthcare information management, leading to competitive salaries from $54,000 to $155,000. Designed for working professionals, it requires a bachelor's degree, statistics course, and minimum 3.0 GPA, with no entrance exam specified. Students can complete the degree in 2-3 years at $1,600 per credit, offering flexibility with multiple admission terms and a comprehensive curriculum that enhances patient outcomes through data-driven solutions.
- 100% Online Program
- 30 Graduate Credits
- $1,600 Per Credit
- 2-3 Years Completion
- STEM OPT Eligible
- Multiple Admission Terms
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Work Experience Preferred
- Comprehensive Healthcare Informatics
- Competitive Career Outlook
List of Wisconsin Colleges With Health Informatics Degree Programs
Madison, WI
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical and Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 30 Graduate Credits
- $1,600 Per Credit
- 2-3 Years Completion
- STEM OPT Eligible
- Multiple Admission Terms
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Work Experience Preferred
Milwaukee, WI
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Master's - Coordinated MS Health Care Informatics/Master of Library and Information Science
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Blends IT with health care
- GRE required for admission
- Focus on ethical issues
- Thesis or project culmination
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Prepares for clinical informationist roles
- Skills in systems analysis
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Care Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- Online and face-to-face options.
- 33-36 credit requirement.
- GRE required if GPA <3.0.
- Focus on data analytics.
- Flexible for professionals.
- Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Campus Based - Website
- First in Wisconsin
- Interdisciplinary approach
- Six specialized tracks
- High demand careers
- Assistantships available
- Collaboration with Medical College
- Focus on patient care
- Public health impact
- Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Concentration: Public Health Informatics - Campus Based - Website
- Interdisciplinary PhD program
- Concentration in Public Health Informatics
- On-campus format
- Collaboration with Medical College of Wisconsin
- Courses in human pathophysiology, databases
- Six specialized tracks available
- Opportunities for research and publication
- Teaching and research assistantships
- Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Concentration: Translational Bioinformatics - Campus Based - Website
- Interdisciplinary doctoral program
- Concentration in Translational Bioinformatics
- Combines medical science with IT
- Prepares for careers in healthcare, research
- Opportunities for research and teaching assistantships
- Curriculum includes human pathophysiology
- Courses in medical informatics, databases
- Focus on ethics in healthcare
Job Market Analysis: What Can You Do With Your Degree?
The Wisconsin market shows strong demand for Epic EHR expertise across multiple employers, with particular emphasis on data analysis skills and healthcare standards knowledge. Remote work options are increasingly available, and career progression paths range from technical implementation to strategic leadership roles. Below is an analysis of some recent job openings.
Key Highlights:
- Cross-disciplinary opportunities bridge clinical practice, technology, business analytics, and quality management
- Salary ranges from $60K-$80K (entry-level) to $77K-$168K (analyst positions)
- Education requirements span from Associate’s degrees to advanced medical/pharmacy degrees
- Major employers include Ascension, Epic, Stryker, Aspirus Health, and University of Wisconsin
Core Technical Skills in Demand
Data Analysis & Programming
Primary Employers: Stryker, University of Wisconsin System
- Stryker seeks proficiency in Python, R, SQL for healthcare data analysis ($77,200-$168,200)
- UW System requires data science methodologies and analytics tools (salary not disclosed)
- Both positions emphasize transforming complex healthcare data into actionable insights
EHR/EMR Systems Expertise
Primary Employers: Ascension, Epic, Aspirus Health, Advocate Aurora
- Epic leads with physician-focused roles requiring several years Epic software experience (salary not disclosed, merit-based compensation plus stock grants)
- Ascension seeks Epic EHR specialists across multiple positions (salary varies by experience)
- Aspirus Health requires extensive Epic core systems experience for leadership roles (salary not disclosed)
- Advocate Aurora mandates Epic certification within 6 months (salary not disclosed)
Healthcare Data Standards
Primary Employers: Stryker, Advocate Aurora
- Stryker requires proven experience with ICD-10, HL7, FHIR frameworks ($77,200-$168,200)
- Advocate Aurora focuses on pharmacy information systems and interoperability (salary not disclosed)
Education Requirements by Role Level
Entry-Level Positions
Bridge Community Health Clinic – Associate’s degree in Health Information Technology, HIT, Health Informatics, or HIM ($60,000-$80,000)
Mid-Level Positions
Ascension – High school with 2+ years experience OR Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree (salary varies) Stryker – Bachelor’s in Health Informatics, Information Systems, Public Health, or Business Analytics ($77,200-$168,200)
Advanced Leadership Roles
Aspirus Health – Master’s degree in nursing or informatics required for Director positions; DNP preferred (salary not disclosed) Epic – Medical degree required for physician informatics roles (competitive compensation) Advocate Aurora – Doctor of Pharmacy preferred for specialized positions (salary not disclosed)
Salary Ranges by Position Type
Analyst Roles
- Health Informatics Analyst (Stryker): $77,200-$168,200 plus bonuses
- EHR Manager (Bridge Clinic): $60,000-$80,000
Specialist Positions
- Clinical Informatics Specialist (Ascension): Compensation varies by experience
- Pharmacist Informatics Analyst (Advocate Aurora): Not disclosed
Leadership Positions
- Medical Director (.5 FTE, Aspirus): Not disclosed
- Director System Nursing Informatics (Aspirus): Not disclosed
- Clinical Informatics Manager (Ascension): Not disclosed
Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities
Clinical-Technology Bridge Roles
Ascension combines clinical experience with technology implementation, requiring healthcare background plus EHR expertise. Epic specifically targets practicing physicians to transition into informatics consulting.
Business-Healthcare Analytics
Stryker merges health economics with data science, requiring understanding of value-based care models and CMS performance metrics. UW System integrates public health policy with data analytics.
Quality-Informatics Integration
Advocate Aurora combines pharmacy practice with informatics, requiring clinical expertise plus technology skills. Aspirus Health blends nursing leadership with informatics management.
Implementation-Training Specialization
Multiple employers emphasize change management and training delivery, combining technical knowledge with education and communication skills.
Specialized Certifications Valued
Healthcare Quality
Stryker prefers CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) or CPPS certifications
Technical Certifications
Aspirus Health values Epic certification in clinical modules and ANCC certification in healthcare informatics
Professional Associations
Aspirus Health recommends HIMSS, ACHE memberships for networking and continued education
Remote Work and Geographic Flexibility
Advocate Aurora offers fully remote work from multiple states including Wisconsin. Stryker provides remote opportunities from Madison. Ascension offers hybrid arrangements (3 days onsite, 2 remote).
Career Progression Paths
Entry-level positions at Bridge Community Health Clinic can advance to analyst roles at Stryker, then progress to specialist positions at Ascension or Advocate Aurora. Leadership tracks are available through Aspirus Health director roles or Epic physician consulting positions.
Wisconsin’s health informatics market spans large health systems (Ascension, Aspirus), technology companies (Epic, Stryker), academic institutions (UW System), and community clinics (Bridge), offering diverse career trajectories from technical implementation to strategic leadership.