Massachusetts is a global hub for healthcare innovation, with its healthcare sector contributing significantly to the state’s economy. Health informatics professionals are critical in addressing challenges and driving digital transformation in this dynamic environment.
Key aspects of health informatics in Massachusetts:
Workforce Challenges:
- significant healthcare workforce issues, with concerns about nursing staff shortages impacting patient care quality.
- a shrinking primary care workforce leading to longer wait times and increased emergency department visits.
Digital Infrastructure:
- Massachusetts hospitals widely utilize leading EHR systems from vendors like Epic and Oracle Health (Cerner)
- The state boasts the Mass HIway, a publicly supported Health Information Exchange (HIE) that facilitates secure electronic transfer of patient data.
Education and Training:
Massachusetts academic institutions are a cornerstone for developing health informatics talent.
These programs equip professionals with the skills needed to leverage technology for improved healthcare delivery, addressing critical areas like data analytics, AI integration, and cybersecurity in the state’s complex healthcare landscape. Take a look at some the best options below.
2026 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: No Concentration - Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeastern University's Master of Science in Health Informatics is a STEM-certified program that blends technology and healthcare to enhance delivery and patient outcomes. It welcomes professionals from diverse backgrounds, offering flexible concentrations in data management, analytics, and healthcare systems. With no GRE required, the program emphasizes experiential learning through co-ops, preparing graduates for roles in population health analysis and IT operations. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
- STEM-certified interdisciplinary program
- No GRE required for admission
- Multiple concentration options
- Co-op and internship opportunities
- Collaborative learning environment
- Technical and business management courses
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Two letters of recommendation needed
- Personal statement required
- Work with diverse professional backgrounds
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Personal Health Informatics - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Personal Health Informatics, this Master of Science program at Northeastern University integrates technology to improve patient outcomes through interdisciplinary courses from health and computer sciences. It includes hands-on research and a capstone project, with no GRE needed. Admission mandates a 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, two recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a resume; international students must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- STEM-certified program.
- Interdisciplinary approach.
- Focus on Personal Health Informatics.
- Hands-on research opportunities.
- Capstone project required.
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
- Official transcripts needed.
- Two recommendation letters.
- Personal statement required.
- Resume submission needed.
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Informatics Analytics - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Health Informatics Analytics concentration at Northeastern University's Master of Science program trains students to transform healthcare using data, with electives in computational modeling and data mining. This STEM-certified curriculum bridges health and computer sciences, requiring a 3.0 GPA and no GRE. It fosters research and collaboration, preparing graduates from varied backgrounds to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes.
- STEM-certified program
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Focus on Health Informatics Analytics
- Collaboration with College of Engineering
- Research opportunities available
- Diverse professional backgrounds welcome
- Capstone project required
- Electives in data mining
- Improves healthcare delivery
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Personal Health Informatics Concentration - Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in Personal Health Informatics, this Master of Science program at Northeastern University focuses on applying medical knowledge and evaluating health technologies through interdisciplinary studies. It requires a 3.0 GPA and no GRE, offering cooperative education for practical experience. Students develop skills in data management and analytics, aiming to improve healthcare delivery and patient interactions.
- STEM-certified interdisciplinary program
- No GRE required for admission
- Multiple concentration options
- Cooperative education opportunities
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Informatics Analytics Concentration - Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeastern University's Master of Science with a Health Informatics Analytics concentration combines business, technical, and informatics courses, including data analytics and computational modeling. It features a capstone project for real-world application, with no GRE required and a 3.0 GPA admission standard. Applicants need transcripts, two recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a resume; international students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- STEM-certified program
- Health Informatics Analytics Concentration
- Capstone project included
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum for admission
- Official transcripts needed
- Two recommendation letters
- Personal statement required
- Resume submission
- TOEFL/IELTS for international students
Doctorate - PhD in Personal Health Informatics
Campus Based - Visit Website
The PhD in Personal Health Informatics at Northeastern University centers on designing and evaluating health technologies through human-computer interaction and interdisciplinary research. It includes core courses in interface design, software engineering, and research methods, with tailored electives. Admission requires a strong academic background, and the program prepares leaders for healthcare technology advancements without specifying entrance exam requirements.
- Focus on human-computer interaction.
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities.
- Real-world technology evaluation.
- Core courses in health interface design.
- Electives tailored to research interests.
- Strong foundation in software engineering.
- Research methods and statistics included.
- Collaboration with health professionals.
- Designed for future healthcare technology leaders.
- Admission requires strong academic background.
Boston University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - bu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
Boston University's Master of Science in Health Informatics is a CAHIIM-accredited online program that transforms healthcare technology professionals through comprehensive training in electronic medical data management and health information systems. The 32-credit curriculum focuses on developing healthcare algorithms, analyzing big data, and implementing advanced IT solutions, preparing graduates for high-demand roles. With flexible online and on-campus options, the program can be completed in 8-16 months at a part-time cost of approximately $22,940, and no GRE/GMAT is required, with merit scholarships available.
- CAHIIM-accredited program
- Online and on-campus options
- 32 total credits
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Part-time study around $22,940
- STEM designated program
- 8-16 months completion time
- Optional data analytics concentration
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Information Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Boston University's Master of Science in Health Informatics with a Health Information Management concentration equips professionals to excel in managing electronic health records and navigating complex healthcare information systems. This CAHIIM-accredited online program emphasizes information security, project management, and strategic technology implementation, offering a 40-credit curriculum completed in 12-20 months. Part-time tuition is around $30,800, with no GRE/GMAT required, and students benefit from practical hands-on learning and opportunities for professional certification exams.
- Online and on-campus options
- 40 credits total program
- 12-20 months completion
- STEM designated program
- No GRE/GMAT required
- CAHIIM accredited
- Part-time tuition ~$30,800
- 15:1 student-instructor ratio
- Concentration in Health Information Management
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Applied Data Analytics - Online Learning - Visit Website
Boston University's Master of Science in Health Informatics with an Applied Data Analytics concentration prepares professionals to leverage healthcare data through skills in data mining, analytics techniques, and visualization of electronic health records. This CAHIIM-accredited online program includes cybersecurity coursework and focuses on interdisciplinary health IT, with a 40-credit curriculum that can be completed in 12-20 months. Part-time tuition ranges from $27,400 to $29,100, and no GRE/GMAT is required, positioning graduates for high-growth careers in healthcare technology.
- CAHIIM-accredited program
- Online and on-campus options
- 40 credit hours
- 12-20 months completion
- STEM designated program
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Part-time tuition $27,400-$29,100
- Focuses on healthcare data analytics
- 17 core faculty members
- Cybersecurity coursework included
MCPHS University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - mcphs.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Clinical Informatics and Collaborative Practice - Online Learning - Visit Website
MCPHS University's online Master of Science in Health Informatics with a Clinical Informatics and Collaborative Practice concentration prepares healthcare professionals to use data and technology for enhanced patient care. This program, ideal for entry to mid-level roles, offers flexible fall and spring starts and focuses on solving healthcare challenges through informatics and data science. Graduates can pursue careers like Informatics Manager or Health Informatics Consultant, with an average salary around $108,000. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, and no entrance exam is specified, making it accessible for working professionals. It's military-friendly and emphasizes practical applications in clinical settings.
- Online program flexibility.
- Fall and spring starts.
- Focus on Clinical Informatics.
- Average salary $108K.
- Bachelor's degree required.
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Data Analytics and Applied Technology - Online Learning - Visit Website
The online Master of Science in Health Informatics at MCPHS University, concentrating on Health Data Analytics and Applied Technology, equips professionals to develop innovative solutions using data science in healthcare. Designed for working individuals, it features flexible fall and spring starts and an interdisciplinary curriculum aimed at improving patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. This program leads to high-demand careers in health informatics, with admission requiring a bachelor's degree and no mention of an entrance exam. It is military-friendly and focuses on leveraging technology to address real-world healthcare data challenges.
- Online program flexibility.
- Focus on Health Data Analytics.
- Fall and Spring start terms.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum.
- Designed for working professionals.
- Improves healthcare outcomes.
- High-demand career paths.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Innovative solutions focus.
- Leverages data and technology.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA - Public 4-Year - uml.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Health Information Management: Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Informatics - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Massachusetts-Lowell's online Master of Science in Health Information Management with a Health Informatics concentration prepares students to integrate healthcare and information technology, emphasizing data management and analysis to enhance patient care outcomes. This CAHIIM-accredited program offers an affordable $600 per credit tuition and can be completed in 18 months, providing flexibility for working professionals. No GRE is required for admission, making it highly accessible. Graduates pursue high-demand roles such as Health Informatics Consultant or Clinical Analyst, with median earnings around $111,400 annually, supported by a curriculum focused on practical skills and real-world applications.
- Online program
- CAHIIM accredited
- No GRE required
- Complete in 18 months
- Affordable tuition
- Health Informatics concentration
- High demand careers
- Median earnings $111.4K/year
- Flexible for working professionals
- Focus on data management
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northeastern University's STEM-certified Master of Science in Health Informatics bridges healthcare and information technology through an interdisciplinary approach. Students can specialize in Personal Health Informatics or Health Informatics Analytics, gaining practical experience via research opportunities and a capstone project. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, two recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a resume, with no GRE needed. International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. This program emphasizes improving healthcare delivery and outcomes through effective IT use, preparing graduates for roles in health IT innovation.
- STEM-certified program
- Interdisciplinary approach
- Options for concentrations
- Practical research opportunities
- Capstone project required
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts needed
- Two recommendation letters
- Personal statement required
- Resume submission
Doctorate - PhD in Personal Health Informatics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeastern University's PhD in Personal Health Informatics focuses on human-computer interface technology and experimental design in health sciences. Students develop expertise in behavioral change, health technology, and research methods through interdisciplinary projects involving software engineering, rapid prototyping, and human subject experiments. The program emphasizes real-world applications and prepares graduates for impactful careers by fostering skills in effective communication and collaboration across disciplines. An entrance exam is required for admission, aligning with the program's research-intensive approach to advancing personal health informatics.
- Focus on human-computer interface technology.
- Strong foundation in health sciences.
- Interdisciplinary research projects.
- Skills in software engineering.
- Rapid prototyping and implementation.
- Experimental design with human subjects.
- Real-world applications emphasized.
- Prepares for impactful careers.
- Effective communication across disciplines.
- Collaboration with medical personnel.
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA - Private 4-year - baypath.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Healthcare Management
Concentration: Health Informatics - Online Learning - Visit Website
Bay Path University's online Master of Science in Healthcare Management with a Health Informatics concentration prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare IT. The program emphasizes designing and managing electronic health records, patient portals, and data systems, with coursework in AI applications, cybersecurity, and data warehousing. Graduates are eligible for CPHIMS certification and earn a graduate certificate in Health Informatics. This 36-credit program covers healthcare law, strategic planning, and organizational leadership, requiring a bachelor's degree for admission. No entrance exam is specified as required.
- Online program format
- 36 credit hours required
- Focus on Health Informatics
- EHR and patient portals
- AI applications in healthcare
- Cybersecurity and data warehousing
- CPHIMS certification eligible
- Graduate certificate included
- Healthcare law and ethics
- Strategic planning focus
2026 Most Affordable Health Informatics Programs in Mass
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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List of Programs by City
Boston, MA
Boston University
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- CAHIIM-accredited program
- Online and on-campus options
- 32 total credits
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Part-time study around $22,940
- STEM designated program
- 8-16 months completion time
- Optional data analytics concentration
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Applied Data Analytics - Online Learning - Website
- CAHIIM-accredited program
- Online and on-campus options
- 40 credit hours
- 12-20 months completion
- STEM designated program
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Part-time tuition $27,400-$29,100
- Focuses on healthcare data analytics
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Information Management - Online Learning - Website
- Online and on-campus options
- 40 credits total program
- 12-20 months completion
- STEM designated program
- No GRE/GMAT required
- CAHIIM accredited
- Part-time tuition ~$30,800
- 15:1 student-instructor ratio
MCPHS University
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Clinical Informatics and Collaborative Practice - Online Learning - Website
- Online program flexibility.
- Fall and spring starts.
- Focus on Clinical Informatics.
- Average salary $108K.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Data Analytics and Applied Technology - Online Learning - Website
- Online program flexibility.
- Focus on Health Data Analytics.
- Fall and Spring start terms.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum.
- Designed for working professionals.
- Improves healthcare outcomes.
- High-demand career paths.
- Bachelor's degree required.
Northeastern University
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Informatics Analytics - Campus Based - Website
- STEM-certified program
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Focus on Health Informatics Analytics
- Collaboration with College of Engineering
- Research opportunities available
- Diverse professional backgrounds welcome
- Capstone project required
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Informatics Analytics Concentration - Campus Based - Website
- STEM-certified program
- Health Informatics Analytics Concentration
- Capstone project included
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum for admission
- Official transcripts needed
- Two recommendation letters
- Personal statement required
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: No Concentration - Campus Based - Website
- STEM-certified interdisciplinary program
- No GRE required for admission
- Multiple concentration options
- Co-op and internship opportunities
- Collaborative learning environment
- Technical and business management courses
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Two letters of recommendation needed
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Personal Health Informatics - Campus Based - Website
- STEM-certified program.
- Interdisciplinary approach.
- Focus on Personal Health Informatics.
- Hands-on research opportunities.
- Capstone project required.
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
- Official transcripts needed.
- Two recommendation letters.
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Concentration: Personal Health Informatics Concentration - Campus Based - Website
- STEM-certified interdisciplinary program
- No GRE required for admission
- Multiple concentration options
- Cooperative education opportunities
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- STEM-certified program
- Interdisciplinary approach
- Options for concentrations
- Practical research opportunities
- Capstone project required
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts needed
- Two recommendation letters
- Doctorate - PhD in Personal Health Informatics
Campus Based - Website
- Focus on human-computer interface technology.
- Strong foundation in health sciences.
- Interdisciplinary research projects.
- Skills in software engineering.
- Rapid prototyping and implementation.
- Experimental design with human subjects.
- Real-world applications emphasized.
- Prepares for impactful careers.
Longmeadow, MA
Bay Path University
- Master's - Master of Science in Healthcare Management
Concentration: Health Informatics - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- 36 credit hours required
- Focus on Health Informatics
- EHR and patient portals
- AI applications in healthcare
- Cybersecurity and data warehousing
- CPHIMS certification eligible
- Graduate certificate included
Lowell, MA
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Information Management: Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Informatics - Online Learning - Website
- Online program
- CAHIIM accredited
- No GRE required
- Complete in 18 months
- Affordable tuition
- Health Informatics concentration
- High demand careers
- Median earnings $111.4K/year
How to Choose the Best Program for You
Quick Take
Choose Northeastern University for STEM excellence and co-op opportunities. Northeastern’s campus-based STEM-certified program offers multiple concentrations (Personal Health Informatics, Health Informatics Analytics), no GRE requirements, and signature co-op experiences. The PhD option in Personal Health Informatics provides research leadership preparation with human-computer interaction focus.
Select Boston University for CAHIIM-accredited flexibility and affordability. BU’s online/on-campus programs range from $22,940-$30,800 with 8-20 month completion options. CAHIIM accreditation, STEM designation, and three concentration choices (general, Health Information Management, Applied Data Analytics) serve diverse professional needs.
Consider University of Massachusetts-Lowell for exceptional value and rapid completion. UMass-Lowell delivers CAHIIM-accredited education at $600 per credit with 18-month completion potential. Online format, no GRE requirement, and $111.4K median earnings projection provide outstanding ROI for working professionals.
Choose MCPHS University for healthcare-focused specialization and high salary outcomes. Their online MS programs emphasize Clinical Informatics and Health Data Analytics with $108K average salaries. Fall and spring starts accommodate working professionals seeking interdisciplinary healthcare solutions.
Select Bay Path University for healthcare management integration and certification preparation. Their 36-credit online program combines healthcare management with health informatics, includes CPHIMS certification eligibility, and provides graduate certificate completion alongside the master’s degree.
Continue below for detailed analysis.
Program Levels and Educational Pathways
Massachusetts offers comprehensive health informatics education across multiple degree levels, providing pathways from professional master’s to doctoral research preparation with strong emphasis on practical application.
Master’s Level Specializations
Programs range from 32-40 credits with diverse concentration options. Northeastern leads with multiple STEM-certified concentrations including Personal Health Informatics and Health Informatics Analytics. Boston University provides three distinct tracks: general health informatics, Health Information Management, and Applied Data Analytics. MCPHS offers Clinical Informatics and Health Data Analytics specializations.
Accelerated Professional Tracks
Boston University leads with 8-16 month completion options for their 32-credit program, while UMass-Lowell enables 18-month completion. These accelerated pathways serve professionals needing rapid credential advancement without extended career interruption.
CAHIIM-Accredited Excellence
Boston University and UMass-Lowell maintain CAHIIM accreditation, ensuring curriculum meets Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education standards. This accreditation enhances professional credibility and employment prospects.
STEM Designation Benefits
Northeastern and Boston University programs carry STEM designation, providing international students with extended Optional Practical Training opportunities and potential access to additional funding sources and scholarship programs.
Doctoral Research Preparation
Northeastern offers the state’s PhD in Personal Health Informatics, focusing on human-computer interaction and health technology design. This program prepares graduates for research leadership, academic careers, and innovation roles in healthcare technology development.
Healthcare Management Integration
Bay Path University uniquely combines healthcare management with health informatics, preparing graduates for leadership roles that require both technological expertise and management acumen in healthcare organizations.
Admission Requirements and Accessibility
Massachusetts programs emphasize accessibility while maintaining academic rigor, reflecting the state’s commitment to expanding healthcare technology workforce through diverse educational pathways.
Entrance Exam Elimination
All Massachusetts programs have eliminated entrance exam requirements. Northeastern, Boston University, UMass-Lowell, MCPHS, and Bay Path require no GRE/GMAT, removing barriers for working professionals and emphasizing holistic admission review.
GPA Standards and Academic Flexibility
Northeastern requires 3.0 minimum GPA, while other programs don’t specify strict requirements, suggesting flexible admission review considering professional experience and career goals alongside academic performance.
Professional Background Diversity
Programs welcome students from diverse backgrounds. Northeastern accommodates various professional backgrounds, MCPHS targets entry to mid-level healthcare professionals, and Bay Path serves those seeking healthcare management leadership roles.
Application Process Streamlining
Most programs require standard application materials: transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, and resumes. International students need TOEFL/IELTS scores. This standardized approach simplifies application processes across institutions.
Flexible Start Options
MCPHS and Bay Path offer both fall and spring starts, providing application flexibility for working professionals. Other programs typically offer traditional fall enrollment with some rolling admission options.
Cost Analysis
Massachusetts programs offer varying value propositions from exceptional public university value to premium private education with strong employment outcomes.
Outstanding Public University Value
UMass-Lowell provides exceptional value at $600 per credit for CAHIIM-accredited education with $111.4K median earnings projection. This represents outstanding ROI potential for working professionals seeking rapid career advancement.
Competitive Private University Options
Boston University offers mid-range pricing with programs from $22,940-$30,800, providing CAHIIM accreditation and multiple concentration options. The 15:1 student-instructor ratio justifies moderate premium over public options.
Premium STEM Education Investment
Northeastern represents premium investment for STEM-certified education with co-op opportunities and research experiences. While specific costs aren’t detailed, the investment supports comprehensive experiential learning and strong industry connections.
Specialized Program Pricing
MCPHS and Bay Path programs target specific professional niches with competitive pricing. MCPHS projects $108K average salaries, while Bay Path includes certification preparation that enhances employment value.
Financial Aid and Support Options
UMass-Lowell explicitly mentions various financial aid options, while other programs likely offer standard graduate financial assistance including scholarships, assistantships, and federal aid programs.
Program Formats and Scheduling Flexibility
Comprehensive Online Excellence
Boston University, UMass-Lowell, MCPHS, Northeastern Professional Programs, and Bay Path offer complete online education. These programs serve working professionals nationwide while maintaining Massachusetts-based healthcare industry connections.
Hybrid Learning Options
Boston University provides both online and on-campus options, allowing students to choose optimal learning environments. This flexibility accommodates different learning preferences and professional schedules.
Campus-Based Research Preparation
Northeastern’s traditional campus-based programs provide access to co-op experiences, research opportunities, and faculty mentorship. The PhD program requires campus presence for research collaboration and laboratory access.
Accelerated Completion Models
Boston University’s 8-16 month options and UMass-Lowell’s 18-month potential provide rapid credential completion. These accelerated pathways serve professionals needing quick career advancement without extended education commitments.
Part-Time Professional Accommodation
Programs accommodate working professionals through part-time options, evening classes, and flexible scheduling. Boston University’s 12-20 month completion range demonstrates accommodation of various professional schedules.
Specialization Areas and Career Focus
Personal Health Informatics and Human-Computer Interaction
Northeastern University leads in Personal Health Informatics with both master’s and doctoral programs focusing on human-computer interaction, health technology design, and behavioral change applications. This specialization prepares graduates for user experience and interface design roles.
Applied Data Analytics and Big Data
Boston University’s Applied Data Analytics concentration and Northeastern’s Health Informatics Analytics track emphasize data mining, visualization, and analytics techniques. These programs prepare graduates for data scientist and analytics specialist roles in healthcare.
Clinical Informatics and Collaborative Practice
MCPHS University specializes in Clinical Informatics with emphasis on collaborative practice and interdisciplinary healthcare solutions. This focus serves professionals working directly in clinical environments seeking technology integration expertise.
Health Information Management Excellence
Boston University’s Health Information Management concentration and UMass-Lowell’s program focus provide comprehensive foundation in health information systems, electronic health records, and information governance essential for HIM professionals.
Healthcare Management and Leadership Integration
Bay Path University uniquely combines healthcare management with informatics, preparing graduates for executive roles requiring both technological expertise and management skills in healthcare organizations.
Cybersecurity and Information Security
Boston University and Bay Path programs emphasize cybersecurity, data warehousing, and information security—critical competencies given increasing cyber threats to healthcare organizations and patient data protection requirements.
Hands-On Experience and Industry Connections
Co-op and Experiential Learning Excellence
Northeastern University’s signature co-op program provides paid professional experience with leading healthcare organizations and technology companies. This experiential learning model creates strong industry connections and employment pathways.
Capstone Project Requirements
Northeastern and Boston University require capstone projects that often involve real healthcare organizations. These projects provide portfolio development opportunities and demonstrate practical application of learning to potential employers.
Research and Innovation Opportunities
Northeastern’s PhD program and research-focused master’s options provide access to cutting-edge health informatics research, faculty collaboration, and potential publication opportunities that enhance career prospects.
Clinical and Healthcare System Partnerships
Programs maintain relationships with Massachusetts healthcare systems including Mass General Brigham, Boston Medical Center, and other regional providers. These partnerships provide internship opportunities and employment pathways.
Professional Certification Integration
Bay Path University prepares students for CPHIMS (Certified Professional in Health Information Management Systems) certification, while CAHIIM-accredited programs ensure graduates meet industry credentialing standards.
Technology Industry Connections
Massachusetts programs benefit from proximity to Boston’s healthcare technology sector, providing access to internships, networking opportunities, and employment with health IT companies and startups.
Accreditation and Quality Assurance
CAHIIM Accreditation Excellence
Boston University and UMass-Lowell maintain CAHIIM accreditation, ensuring curriculum meets industry standards and enhancing employment prospects. This accreditation is particularly valuable for Health Information Management career paths.
STEM Designation Benefits
Northeastern and Boston University STEM designation provides international students with extended Optional Practical Training opportunities and potential access to additional funding sources and scholarship programs.
University System Quality Standards
Programs within established university systems benefit from institutional quality standards, research infrastructure, and academic reputation that enhance graduate employment prospects and professional credibility.
Professional Certification Alignment
Programs align with industry certification requirements including CPHIMS, RHIA, CHDA, and other professional credentials that enhance employability and career advancement potential.
What Kind of Job Can You Get with a Health Informatics Degree in Mass?
Below are some examples of relevant job openings for recent graduates.
Technical Skills and Data Management
Advanced Data Analytics and Programming
Massachusetts employers prioritize candidates with strong technical foundations. The Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) seeks professionals with mastery of R, SAS, or SQL to analyze healthcare enrollment, spending, and quality data ($79,574-$115,828). eviCore healthcare requires intermediate to advanced proficiency in SQL, SAS, Python, Hadoop, Teradata, Databricks, Snowflake, and Tableau ($111,800-$186,400). These roles involve analyzing complex healthcare datasets to inform policy decisions and operational improvements.
Data Visualization and Business Intelligence
Organizations consistently demand expertise in visualization tools. CHIA requires advanced familiarity with Tableau or Power BI for conveying complex data comprehensibly. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks professionals experienced in data analysis tools and methodologies for their Associate Director role. These positions focus on translating data insights into actionable healthcare strategies.
Leadership and Project Management
Team Leadership and Strategic Planning
Senior-level positions emphasize leadership capabilities. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute requires 3+ years of direct people management experience for their Associate Director of Operations role, managing 3-5 direct reports while overseeing complex, multi-stakeholder projects impacting patient care. Nantucket Cottage Hospital seeks Clinical Informatics Managers with outstanding leadership skills to coordinate organizational objectives through team management and motivation.
Project Portfolio Management
Employers value project management expertise across healthcare informatics initiatives. Dana-Farber requires 7+ years in product management, project management, or data analytics, with proven experience leading high-performing project delivery teams. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center seeks nurses who can plan and oversee individual projects using recognized project management methodology.
Clinical and Healthcare Domain Knowledge
Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems
EHR expertise, particularly Epic, is highly valued. Nantucket Cottage Hospital requires strong understanding of Epic, clinical operations, and governing policies/regulations, with 5+ years healthcare experience. Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services needs professionals with Meditech experience for their Clinical Informaticist position. These roles involve optimizing workflows, training end-users, and ensuring system compliance.
Healthcare Operations and Policy
Organizations seek candidates who understand healthcare delivery systems. CHIA requires 4+ years in healthcare data, analytics, policy, or program management to support priorities related to healthcare affordability, quality, and equity. eviCore healthcare demands 7+ years in healthcare payer data products and clinical data standards, including utilization management and care management processes.
Communication and Collaboration
Stakeholder Engagement
All positions emphasize communication skills for diverse audiences. Dana-Farber requires ability to present results persuasively to technical and non-technical stakeholders. CHIA seeks professionals who can articulate complex technical issues clearly and engage stakeholders through compelling communication. These roles involve translating technical concepts for clinical staff, administrators, and executives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Employers value professionals who work effectively across departments. Nantucket Cottage Hospital requires ability to coordinate diverse groups and work with multiple teams in matrix reporting environments. Beth Israel Deaconess seeks candidates who collaborate with Information Systems departments to support Patient Care Services informatics initiatives.
Educational Requirements and Advanced Degrees
Graduate Education Preferences
Most organizations prefer advanced degrees in relevant fields. Dana-Farber requires a Bachelor’s degree with Master’s preferred in relevant domains. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences requires Master’s in health informatics, computer science, or health-related fields for faculty positions, with doctorate preferred. eviCore healthcare accepts Bachelor’s or higher, but clinical licensure (RN, MD, PA, NP) is preferred.
Professional Certifications
Several employers value industry certifications. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy prefers AHIMA certification (CCS/CCA/RHIA). Nantucket Cottage Hospital prefers Clinical Informatics or Project Management certifications. Massachusetts Executive Office requires current Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for their Clinical Informaticist role.
Salary Ranges and Compensation
Entry to Mid-Level Positions
- CHIA Senior Health Policy Analyst: $79,574-$115,828
- Beth Israel Deaconess Registered Nurse – Informatics: Full-time, 36 hours/week
Senior and Leadership Roles
- eviCore Clinical Data Governance Lead: $111,800-$186,400
- Dana-Farber Associate Director: Competitive salary (not specified)
- Nantucket Cottage Hospital Clinical Informatics Manager: Competitive with comprehensive benefits
Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities
Healthcare Administration Integration
Many positions bridge informatics with healthcare administration. CHIA accepts experience in business administration, healthcare planning, public health policy, or economics. eviCore values healthcare payer operations experience alongside clinical informatics knowledge.
Nursing and Clinical Practice
Several roles specifically target clinically-trained professionals. Beth Israel Deaconess requires Registered Nurse licensure with 3-5 years experience. Massachusetts Executive Office needs RN license with supervisory experience and EHR implementation leadership.
Education and Training
Academic institutions offer opportunities for experienced professionals. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy seeks faculty with industry experience to teach health informatics and information management, requiring both practical experience and teaching capabilities.
Quality Improvement and Safety
Organizations increasingly integrate informatics with quality initiatives. Nantucket Cottage Hospital requires knowledge of healthcare quality, safety, and satisfaction data design. Dana-Farber emphasizes roles that impact patient care, staff wellbeing, and operational efficiencies through informatics solutions.
Massachusetts employers seek well-rounded professionals who combine technical expertise with healthcare domain knowledge, leadership capabilities, and strong communication skills. The market offers diverse opportunities ranging from policy analysis to clinical implementation, with competitive salaries reflecting the high demand for qualified health informatics professionals.