Alabama Health Informatics Degree Programs

Alabama’s healthcare sector is a vital economic engine, contributing over $25 billion annually and supporting 143,000 jobs across the state.

The Yellowhammer State faces significant workforce challenges, including:

• A projected severe nursing shortage, with nearly 39,000 nurses predicted to leave the profession over the next four years.
• Persistent shortages of primary care physicians in many rural areas, requiring innovative solutions to improve access to care.

Health informatics offers solutions by streamlining workflows, enhancing efficiency, and leveraging data for better resource allocation. Major healthcare systems in Alabama are actively embracing digital solutions:

• UAB Hospital and Huntsville Hospital both use Oracle Health (Cerner) EHR systems [4]
• The Alabama Department of Public Health employs an EHR system for various statewide programs
• The Alabama One Health Record® initiative, powered by InterSystems HealthShare, provides a statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE) platform for seamless data sharing and improved care coordination.

Alabama’s educational institutions are responding by offering robust health informatics programs:

How to Choose the Best Health Informatics Program for You in Alabama

Selecting the right health informatics program is a critical decision that impacts your career trajectory, financial investment, and educational experience. Alabama offers quality options at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels, each designed to prepare students for the rapidly expanding field of health informatics. This guide will help you evaluate which program best aligns with your educational background, career goals, budget, and learning preferences.

Bachelor’s Programs

Best for: High school graduates, career changers without a bachelor’s degree, or those seeking foundational knowledge in health informatics.

University of South Alabama offers Alabama’s first Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics, which is ABET-accredited and campus-based in Mobile. This program integrates technology with healthcare to enhance patient outcomes and reduce medical errors through hands-on learning. Students gain expertise in developing IT healthcare solutions through a curriculum combining healthcare knowledge with programming skills. The program prepares graduates for high-demand roles in hospitals, clinics, and software companies, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 16% field growth from 2022 to 2030.

Consider bachelor’s programs if you:

• Are beginning your undergraduate education or don’t hold a bachelor’s degree
• Want comprehensive foundational knowledge before specializing
• Prefer hands-on campus-based learning with expert faculty
• Seek entry-level positions in healthcare IT
• Have a strong science and technology background
• Can commit to a full-time campus program
• Value ABET accreditation for career credibility

Master’s Programs

Best for: Healthcare professionals, IT specialists, data analysts, or bachelor’s degree holders seeking advanced roles in health informatics leadership, analytics, or specialized applications.

Samford University offers an online Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics designed for working healthcare professionals. This five-semester program emphasizes analytics, information management, and business strategies through an interprofessional curriculum that includes legal and technological aspects. The program prepares graduates for data-driven healthcare roles with a projected 31% growth in data scientist jobs. Notably, the GRE is waived for applicants meeting specific work experience criteria, making career advancement more accessible.

Consider master’s programs if you:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field
• Have relevant healthcare or IT work experience
• Seek leadership positions in health informatics
• Want specialized expertise in analytics and data science
• Need flexible online learning to maintain employment
• Can meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Prefer avoiding GRE requirements through work experience qualification
• Value faith-based education (Christ-centered approach)
• Want to network with healthcare professionals while learning

Campus-Based Programs

Best for: Traditional students, those seeking immersive hands-on experiences, or learners who thrive in structured classroom environments.

University of South Alabama Bachelor’s Program:

Benefits:

• Direct interaction with expert faculty
• Hands-on learning with healthcare IT systems
• Immediate peer networking and collaboration
• Access to campus resources and labs
• Structured learning environment
• National recognition for cybersecurity excellence
• First program of its kind in Alabama (pioneering curriculum)

Considerations:

• Requires relocation to or commuting to Mobile, Alabama
• Fixed class schedules less flexible for working professionals
• Higher associated costs (housing, transportation, meals)
• Full-time enrollment typically required
• Limited ability to maintain full-time employment

100% Online Programs

Best for: Working professionals, distance learners, career changers, or those needing maximum scheduling flexibility.

Samford University Master’s Program:

Benefits:

• Complete coursework from anywhere
• Maintain full-time employment while studying
• Five-semester structured timeline (approximately 20-21 months)
• Self-paced within semester parameters
• Lower relocation and commuting costs
• Access to interprofessional curriculum
• Networking opportunities with healthcare professionals nationwide
• Christ-centered educational values integrated into online learning

Considerations:

• Requires strong self-discipline and time management
• Limited face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers
• Must have reliable technology and internet access
• Fewer impromptu networking opportunities
• Minimum 3.0 GPA and relevant work experience required

Choosing by Cost

Alabama offers relatively affordable health informatics education compared to national averages:

Samford University (Private Institution):

• Annual tuition: $18,100 – $27,100 (Graduate)
• Total program cost estimate: ~$30,150 – $45,167 for five semesters
• Private institution pricing with Christian values-based education
• Competitive for a fully online master’s program
• No GRE fee if work experience qualifies (saves $200+ in testing costs)

University of South Alabama (Public Institution):

• Public university pricing typically lower for in-state residents
• ABET accreditation adds value without premium pricing
• Campus-based format may include additional fees (technology, lab, activity fees)
• In-state vs. out-of-state tuition differential significant

Budget Considerations:

• In-state vs. out-of-state status: Public institutions like University of South Alabama offer substantial discounts for Alabama residents
• Total program cost: Calculate entire program cost, not just per-credit rates
• Hidden costs: Factor in textbooks, technology requirements, software licenses, certification exam fees
• Opportunity cost: Consider income loss if reducing work hours for campus programs
• Financial aid eligibility: Federal aid typically requires minimum half-time enrollment (bachelor’s programs may have more aid options)
• Employer tuition assistance: Many healthcare employers offer education benefits—verify which institutions they approve
• GRE waiver savings: Samford’s work experience waiver saves test prep costs ($200+ exam fee, prep materials, time)
• Completion time: Faster completion reduces total cost despite higher per-term expenses

Choosing by Career Goals

Healthcare IT Implementation and Support

Recommended Programs:

• University of South Alabama BS Health Informatics (foundational technical skills)
• Samford University MS Health Informatics and Analytics (advanced implementation strategies)

Career Roles: Clinical systems analyst, EHR implementation specialist, healthcare IT consultant, clinical applications coordinator

Health Data Analytics and Data Science

Recommended Programs:

• Samford University MS Health Informatics and Analytics (emphasis on analytics, 31% projected data scientist job growth)

Career Roles: Healthcare data analyst, clinical data scientist, population health analyst, business intelligence analyst

Healthcare Software Development

Recommended Programs:

• University of South Alabama BS Health Informatics (programming and healthcare IT development focus)

Career Roles: Healthcare software developer, clinical systems developer, health IT application developer

Health Information Management Leadership

Recommended Programs:

• Samford University MS Health Informatics and Analytics (business strategies and information management focus)

Career Roles: Health information manager, director of health informatics, chief information officer (CIO), health IT director

Clinical Informatics (Nursing, Physician, Allied Health)

Recommended Programs:

• Samford University MS Health Informatics and Analytics (interprofessional curriculum suitable for various clinical backgrounds)

Career Roles: Clinical informatics specialist, physician informaticist, nursing informatics leader, pharmacy informaticist

Choosing by Admission Requirements

Entrance Exam Requirements

ACT/SAT Required:

• University of South Alabama Bachelor’s Program: ACT or SAT scores required as typical for undergraduate admission. Strong science and technology background expected.

GRE Conditionally Waived:

• Samford University Master’s Program: GRE waived for applicants meeting specific work experience criteria. This makes the program highly accessible for experienced healthcare professionals who want to avoid standardized testing.

Best for:

• If you test well: University of South Alabama bachelor’s accepts strong ACT/SAT scores as part of holistic admission
• If you have work experience: Samford University master’s lets you skip GRE through experience qualification
• If you want to avoid testing: Samford master’s is your only option with work experience waiver

GPA Requirements

University of South Alabama Bachelor’s:

• Requires strong academic record (specific minimum GPA not stated but competitive admission expected)
• High school GPA and college prep coursework in science/technology evaluated

Samford University Master’s:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA from bachelor’s degree required
• Clear threshold makes admission requirements transparent

Work Experience Requirements

University of South Alabama Bachelor’s:

• No work experience required (designed for traditional undergraduate students)
• Science and technology background from high school coursework expected

Samford University Master’s:

• Relevant work experience required for admission
• Sufficient work experience waives GRE requirement
• Targets working healthcare professionals seeking advancement

Educational Background Requirements

University of South Alabama Bachelor’s:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong foundation in science and technology subjects
• College preparatory coursework preferred

Samford University Master’s:

• Bachelor’s degree required (any field accepted)
• Healthcare, IT, data analysis, or related experience valued
• Interprofessional curriculum accommodates diverse backgrounds

Additional Selection Factors

Accreditation and Program Recognition

ABET Accreditation:

• University of South Alabama is ABET-accredited, providing nationally recognized credibility for the bachelor’s program
• ABET accreditation ensures curriculum meets rigorous industry and academic standards
• Particularly valuable for careers requiring engineering or technical credentials

First in Alabama:

• University of South Alabama pioneered health informatics education in the state
• Establishes curriculum leadership and innovation

National Recognition:

• University of South Alabama recognized for national cybersecurity excellence
• Important for careers involving protected health information (PHI) and HIPAA compliance

Christ-Centered Education:

• Samford University integrates Christian values into curriculum and community
• Appeals to students seeking faith-based educational environment

Location and Geographic Benefits

Mobile, Alabama (University of South Alabama):

• Gulf Coast location with access to major healthcare systems
• University of South Alabama Health System provides clinical partnerships
• Growing healthcare technology sector in the region
• Lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas
• Access to Infirmary Health, USA Health, and other healthcare employers

Birmingham, Alabama (Samford University):

• Although program is online, Samford is based in Birmingham
• Birmingham is Alabama’s largest city with extensive healthcare presence
• UAB Medical Center, Brookwood Baptist Health, and other major systems nearby
• Networking opportunities even in online format due to regional healthcare connections
• Alumni network concentrated in Southeast

Online Accessibility (Samford University):

• Study from anywhere in Alabama or beyond
• Maintain current employment and location
• Access faculty and resources regardless of geographic constraints

Job Market and Growth Projections

Bureau of Labor Statistics Projections:

• 16% growth in health informatics field from 2022-2030 (University of South Alabama data)
• 31% growth projected for data scientist jobs (Samford University emphasis)
• Both projections significantly exceed average job growth across all occupations

High-Demand Roles:

• Hospitals and health systems
• Clinics and ambulatory care centers
• Healthcare software companies
• Insurance and payer organizations
• Government health agencies
• Consulting firms
• Research institutions

Alabama Healthcare Market:

• Major employers: UAB Health System, Huntsville Hospital, Baptist Health, Infirmary Health
• Growing telehealth and health IT sectors
• Increasing demand for data analytics and cybersecurity expertise
• Rural health initiatives creating opportunities in underserved areas

Program Structure and Timeline

University of South Alabama Bachelor’s:

• Traditional four-year bachelor’s degree (120-128 credit hours typical)
• Semester-based academic calendar
• Full-time enrollment expected
• Structured curriculum with prerequisites and sequenced courses
• Hands-on labs and projects throughout

Samford University Master’s:

• Five-semester completion (approximately 20-21 months)
• Accelerated timeline suitable for working professionals
• Fully online asynchronous and synchronous components
• Interprofessional cohort model
• Structured progression through curriculum

Completion Speed:

• Fastest option: Samford master’s in five semesters (~21 months)
• Traditional timeline: University of South Alabama bachelor’s in four years
• Part-time options not clearly specified but may be negotiable (contact admissions)

Support Services and Resources

University of South Alabama:

• Campus-based student services (advising, career services, tutoring)
• Access to health sciences library and research resources
• Hands-on labs with current healthcare technologies
• Expert faculty with industry experience
• Career placement assistance with healthcare employers
• Student organizations and professional development

Samford University:

• Online student support services
• Faith-based community and spiritual support
• Professional networking with interprofessional cohort
• Career advancement resources
• Alumni network in healthcare sector
• Christ-centered mentorship and values integration

Faith-Based Education Considerations

Samford University’s Christ-Centered Approach:

Benefits for faith-oriented students:

• Integration of Christian ethics into healthcare decision-making
• Community of like-minded professionals and faculty
• Spiritual development alongside professional growth
• Values-based approach to patient care and data ethics
• Chapel services and faith-based resources available

Considerations:

• May require participation in faith-based activities or coursework
• Mission and values statements may emphasize Christian principles
• Appeals most strongly to Christian students or those comfortable in faith-based environment
• Diverse perspectives welcomed but within Christian framework

For non-religious students:

• Evaluate whether faith-based mission aligns with personal values
• Consider whether religious components are integrated or optional
• Contact admissions to understand expectations and requirements
• Many faith-based institutions welcome diverse perspectives while maintaining Christian identity

Decision-Making Checklist

Use this checklist to compare Alabama programs:

Academic Fit:

• Program level matches educational status (need bachelor’s vs. already have bachelor’s)
• Prerequisites met or obtainable
• GPA meets minimum requirements (3.0 for Samford master’s)
• Entrance exam requirement manageable (ACT/SAT for bachelor’s; GRE waived for master’s with experience)
• Academic background aligns (science/tech for bachelor’s; any field for master’s)

Professional Fit:

• Work experience requirements met (Samford master’s requires relevant experience)
• Career goals align with program emphasis (hands-on IT vs. analytics/data science)
• Accreditation appropriate for career goals (ABET for bachelor’s)
• Job market projections align with interests (16% general growth vs. 31% data scientist growth)
• Networking opportunities adequate

Financial Fit:

• Tuition within budget ($18,100-$27,100 annually for Samford master’s)
• Total program cost calculated (not just per-semester)
• Financial aid options researched
• Employer tuition assistance verified
• Hidden costs identified (GRE, books, technology, etc.)
• Return on investment acceptable for career goals

Format Fit:

• Campus-based vs. online matches learning preference
• Schedule compatible with work/life obligations
• Technology requirements met for online learning
• Geographic location feasible (Mobile campus vs. study from anywhere)
• Hands-on learning needs met (campus labs vs. online simulations)

Values and Culture Fit:

• Faith-based education aligns with personal values (if considering Samford)
• Campus culture and community feel comfortable
• Mission and vision statements resonate
• Student support services meet needs
• Institutional reputation aligns with career goals

Timeline Fit:

• Program length acceptable (4 years bachelor’s vs. ~21 months master’s)
• Completion deadline realistic for career advancement plans
• Start dates align with personal timeline
• Full-time vs. part-time options meet availability

Comparing Alabama’s Two Primary Options

University of South Alabama Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics

Choose this program if you:

• Don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree
• Want hands-on campus-based learning
• Seek comprehensive foundational technical skills
• Value ABET accreditation
• Prefer structured classroom environment with expert faculty
• Can commit to full-time on-campus study in Mobile
• Want to enter the field at ground level with programming and IT skills
• Are interested in healthcare software development or technical implementation
• Have strong science and technology aptitude
• Want to be part of Alabama’s pioneering health informatics program

Not the best fit if you:

• Already hold a bachelor’s degree (consider master’s instead)
• Cannot relocate to or commute to Mobile
• Need to maintain full-time employment
• Prefer online or hybrid learning
• Want specialized analytics and data science focus
• Seek quick entry to advanced roles

Samford University Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics

Choose this program if you:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree (any field)
• Have relevant healthcare or IT work experience
• Need fully online flexibility to maintain employment
• Want to avoid GRE through work experience qualification
• Seek specialized expertise in analytics and data science
• Are targeting leadership or advanced specialist roles
• Value accelerated completion (~21 months in five semesters)
• Are comfortable with Christ-centered educational approach
• Want to network with interprofessional healthcare colleagues
• Are interested in data-driven healthcare decision-making
• Can meet minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Prefer private institution with faith-based values

Not the best fit if you:

• Don’t have a bachelor’s degree yet (complete bachelor’s first)
• Lack relevant work experience (may not qualify or won’t get GRE waiver)
• Below 3.0 GPA (won’t meet minimum requirement)
• Prefer secular educational environment
• Want hands-on campus-based learning
• Seek primarily technical/programming focus rather than analytics
• Cannot afford private institution tuition

What Kind of Jobs Can You Get with a Health Informatics Degree in Alabama?

Your degree will position you to take advantage of the diverse opportunities for health informatics professionals, from clinical settings to supply chain optimization. Here’s what leading employers across the state are seeking and the compensation they offer (with real examples).

Clinical Experience and Healthcare Domain Knowledge

Nursing and Clinical Background Requirements

USA Health (Mobile) requires either a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution with four years of professional nursing experience and current Alabama RN licensure, OR a Master’s degree in health informatics with four years of professional health informatics experience for their Informatics Specialist positions. Baptist Health (Montgomery) mandates current RN licensure with minimum 1 year clinical nursing experience, seeking Clinical Informatics Specialists to serve as resources for PowerChart, Surginet, Anesthesia, and Firstnet applications.

DCH Health System (Tuscaloosa) requires certification as MT/MLS or specialist/technologist certification in any laboratory discipline for their Laboratory Informatics Specialist role, emphasizing the need for clinical laboratory experience combined with informatics expertise.

Pharmacy and Specialized Clinical Knowledge

Infirmary Health System (Mobile) seeks IT Pharmacy Informatics Specialists requiring graduation from an accredited school of pharmacy, current Alabama State Board of Pharmacy licensure, and completion of Post Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) with minimum 1 year of hospital pharmacist experience. The role focuses on implementing and maintaining information systems for medication ordering, tracking, and compliance processes.

Technical Skills and Certifications

Epic and EHR System Expertise

Infirmary Health System mandates EPIC Willow Certification and EPIC Medication Order Certification within 1 year of placement for pharmacy informatics roles. Baptist Health emphasizes experience with clinical IT systems and super user experience, particularly with PowerChart and related clinical applications.

USA Health requires familiarity with electronic health record systems and other healthcare technologies, focusing on optimization and standardization of clinical documentation.

Advanced Informatics Certifications

DCH Health System requires CPHIMS or AMIA Informatics certification within 2 years of hire for Laboratory Informatics Specialists hired after November 17, 2023 (18 months for those hired prior). Alabama Department of Mental Health (Tuscaloosa) requires graduation from a CAHIIM-accredited program or equivalent AHIMA certification for Health Information Specialist positions.

Systems Management and Technical Infrastructure

Infirmary Health System seeks Radiology Informatics System Managers with working knowledge of PACS system operation, proficiency in office automation systems, communications protocols, and demonstrated project management skills. UAB Medicine (Birmingham) requires expertise in supply chain systems, particularly Lawson ERP, with skills in data mining, analysis, and VBA programming.

Compensation and Salary Ranges

Entry to Mid-Level Positions

While most Alabama health informatics positions don’t specify exact salaries, Alabama Department of Mental Health positions typically follow state government pay scales. Baptist Health and USA Health positions are full-time roles with comprehensive benefits packages including health insurance and professional development opportunities.

Senior and Management Roles

UAB Medicine offers competitive compensation for their Supply Chain Informatics Analyst position, requiring Bachelor’s degree with seven years of related experience. Guidehouse (Birmingham) seeks Associate Directors for Health Information Management with 10+ years of experience, offering comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement.

Academic Leadership Positions

University of Florida (with Alabama connections) offers “commensurate with education and experience” compensation for Division Director positions requiring PhD-level qualifications and significant research funding track records.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

UAB Medicine requires Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Informatics, Data Science, or related field with seven years of related experience, noting that work experience may not substitute for education requirement. Infirmary Health System requires BS in Radiology, IT, Health Administration, or related degree for radiology informatics management roles.

DCH Health System mandates Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science or lab-related field with three years of general laboratory experience for Laboratory Informatics Specialist positions.

Advanced Degree Preferences

University of Florida requires PhD in bioinformatics, health informatics, medical informatics, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, computer science, or related fields, or M.D. with additional specialty training in biomedical informatics for Division Director roles. UAB Medicine prefers Master’s degree in relevant fields for senior analyst positions.

Academic and Research Positions

University of Alabama at Birmingham seeks Assistant Professors for their Health Services Administration department, requiring earned terminal degrees in relevant disciplines that qualify candidates for mentoring students and teaching in health and biomedical informatics programs. The position emphasizes experience in health informatics as applied to data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and clinical/administrative health information systems. Candidates at Associate Professor rank or above must demonstrate strong portfolios of research and scholarship. The role offers collaboration with UAB’s multidisciplinary research programs across the academic campus, medical center, and UAB Heersink School of Medicine Informatics Institute, with salary and rank commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities

Supply Chain and Operations Integration

UAB Medicine offers unique opportunities combining health informatics with supply chain management, requiring expertise in Lawson ERP systems, data analysis, and process improvement. The role involves managing interfaces between disparate systems (Lawson, Oracle, Cerner, HealthQuest) and developing automated reports using VBA formats.

Laboratory Science and Informatics

DCH Health System provides opportunities for laboratory professionals to transition into informatics, requiring understanding of laboratory workflows, clinical best practices, and regulatory requirements while implementing information systems optimization.

Clinical Research and Data Science

University of Florida positions emphasize artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science methodologies, requiring collaboration with AI initiatives and clinical research networks. The role involves managing large-scale data repositories and electronic health record systems for research purposes.

Pharmacy and Medication Management Systems

Infirmary Health System offers specialized opportunities in pharmacy informatics, combining clinical pharmacy knowledge with IT systems for medication order management, requiring both pharmacy education and technology implementation skills.

Specialized Role Functions

Training and Education Focus

USA Health emphasizes developing and delivering training programs, creating operating manuals and learning tools, and providing ongoing support to providers and clinical staff. Baptist Health focuses on providing formal and informal technology teaching and competency validation.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

Alabama Department of Mental Health emphasizes ensuring health records are accurate, complete, and secure in accordance with state and federal regulations, participating in audits and quality assurance activities. DCH Health System requires maintaining policies and procedures for laboratory informatics concerning accreditation inspections (CLIA, CAP, TJC, ADH).

Project Management and Implementation

Infirmary Health System requires demonstrated project management and implementation skills for radiology informatics roles. UAB Medicine emphasizes managing complex projects, analyzing data to drive improvements, and collaborating across teams for technology needs.