Minnesota offers diverse pathways into the rapidly growing field of health informatics, with programs designed to meet students at different career stages and educational backgrounds.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs typically require 120 total credits with 76 credits dedicated to major coursework. These comprehensive 4-year programs are offered at institutions like The College of Saint Scholastica and Minnesota State University-Mankato, providing campus-based learning experiences that combine clinical knowledge, technology, and management principles.
Master’s Degree Programs offer accelerated pathways for working professionals, with options ranging from 28-month programs to 31-credit hour curricula. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and St. Catherine University both provide fully online master’s programs designed specifically for busy healthcare professionals seeking career advancement.
Core Areas of Study
Health informatics programs in Minnesota emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, covering:
- Data Analytics & Visualization: Programming languages including Python and R, database principles, and health data analytics
- Clinical Systems & Technology: Health Information Technology (HIT) implementation, electronic health records, and systems analysis
- Healthcare Management: Project management, leadership skills, and evidence-based decision making
- Security & Compliance: Data privacy, cybersecurity, and medicolegal issues in healthcare
- Population Health: Public health informatics and technology-driven solutions for healthcare challenges
Program Requirements & Admission
Academic Prerequisites: Most programs require a minimum GPA ranging from 2.7 to 3.0, with bachelor’s programs accepting high school graduates and master’s programs requiring completed undergraduate degrees. Programming experience is preferred but not always mandatory.
Flexible Admission Policies: Many Minnesota programs offer streamlined admission processes, with institutions like the University of Minnesota potentially waiving GRE requirements and focusing on professional experience and academic readiness.
Professional Preparation: Programs include practical components such as capstone projects, practicum experiences, and professional practice opportunities. Graduates from bachelor’s programs are often eligible for professional certifications like the RHIA exam.
Dual Degree Opportunities: Advanced students can pursue specialized combinations such as PharmD/MHI or MD/MHI dual degrees, integrating clinical practice with informatics expertise.
2027 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN - Public 4-Year - twin-cities.umn.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers an online Master of Science in Health Informatics designed for both health professionals and those from non-health backgrounds. This 36-credit program blends core courses in health informatics and biostatistics with electives like clinical informatics and patient safety, preparing graduates to improve healthcare through better information systems. Students can choose a thesis or additional coursework, completing the program in an average of 2.3 years. Admission requires a minimum GPA of 3.3, with fall and spring start dates. Tuition is $1,665 per credit. Graduates pursue careers in healthcare software companies and provider organizations, with a reported median salary of $90,000. No entrance exam is listed as a requirement.
- $1,665 per credit
- 7-Semester program
- Complete in average graduation time of 2.3 years
- 36 total credit hours
- Starts fall/spring
- 3.3 GPA minimum
- Thesis or capstone option
- Online program with no on-campus component
- Median salary of $90,000 per year
- Core courses in health informatics and biostatistics
The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, MN - Private 4-year - css.edu
Bachelor's - Health Informatics and Information Management
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor's in Health Informatics and Information Management at The College of St. Scholastica blends clinical, technology, and management courses to train future leaders in healthcare information. Students explore medical terminology, healthcare systems, data analytics, legal issues, and project management, finishing with a professional practice experience. The 69-credit major emphasizes critical thinking, ethics, and communication, and graduates qualify for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential. This campus-based program features small classes and personalized faculty support, fostering collaboration. Careers include managing health records and information systems in hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies. Ideal for those who prefer behind-the-scenes work with data, the program aligns with the institution's Roman Catholic and military-friendly traditions.
- 69 total credit hours
- 2.7 GPA minimum
- RHIA credential eligible
- Clinical, technology, management courses
- Professional practice experience
- Careers in hospitals, clinics, insurance
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The College of Saint Scholastica's online Master of Science in Health Informatics is designed for working professionals seeking to advance in healthcare. The curriculum merges computer science, data science, and healthcare, covering electronic health records, databases, data analytics, clinical vocabularies, system design, and healthcare finance. Students build skills in predictive analytics, project management, and health information security, culminating in a final applied research project. This 42-credit program requires a 3.0 minimum GPA and includes a capstone. Graduates are prepared for roles such as health informatics specialist, data analyst, or IT project manager, with a focus on improving patient care through data-driven solutions. The flexible online format accommodates busy schedules, and the program is military-friendly, reflecting its Roman Catholic heritage.
- 42 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Capstone required
- Focuses on data analytics and system design
- Accommodates working professionals
- Covers electronic health records and databases
- Includes predictive analytics coursework
- Requires a final applied research project
- Online format for flexible learning
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN - Public 4-Year - mnsu.edu
Bachelor's - Health Informatics BS
Campus Based - Visit Website
Minnesota State University-Mankato’s Health Informatics BS blends information technology, health sciences, and business to prepare students for careers at the intersection of healthcare and data. The 120-credit, four-year curriculum covers database management, information security, health IT systems, programming, and human-computer interaction, with hands-on projects and a required internship or capstone for real-world experience. This interdisciplinary program draws from computer science, nursing, and geography, emphasizing collaborative teamwork, project management, and data-informed decision making. Graduates work as health informatics specialists, clinical data analysts, or IT project managers in hospitals, clinics, and tech firms. With 76 major credits, the program is campus-based in Mankato. Available information does not specify ACT or SAT entrance exam requirements.
- 4-Year program
- 120 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Data-informed decision making
- Collaborative team skills
- Project management and leadership skills
- Internship or capstone required
- Campus-based in Mankato
- Health Science career cluster
Master's - Health Informatics Analytics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Minnesota State University-Mankato’s Professional Science Master’s in Health Informatics and Analytics prepares graduates to design, evaluate, and implement technology-based innovations in clinical environments. This interdisciplinary 30-credit, two-year program integrates information systems, healthcare management, and data analytics to improve healthcare delivery. Recognized by the Commission on Affiliation of Professional Science Master’s Programs, the curriculum ensures industry relevance. Graduates pursue careers as clinical informaticists, informatics analysts, and specialists. Admission requires a related bachelor’s degree and either a 3.25 GPA or a GRE score. The program also offers rolling admissions, graduate assistantships, and financial aid, with starts in fall, spring, or summer. Recognized as military-friendly, it emphasizes leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
- Commission on Affiliation of Professional Science Master's Programs accredited
- 2-Year program
- 30 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 3.3 GPA minimum
- Financial aid available
- Personal statement required
- Requires related bachelor's degree
- Career paths: informatics analyst, specialist
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - stkate.edu
Master's - Master of Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
St. Catherine University’s online Master of Health Informatics prepares professionals to drive healthcare transformation through data and technology. The curriculum emphasizes improving care quality, system efficiency, and community health, leading to careers as informatics specialists, clinical analysts, or health IT managers. Designed for working professionals, the program waives the GRE and application fee, with priority deadlines of August 1 and January 1. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA and two recommendation letters; healthcare experience is beneficial but not mandatory. Scholarships, including the Leadership in Health Informatics Scholarship, are available. International applicants without visa requirements may apply, though non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. This fully online, military-friendly program reflects the university’s Catholic heritage.
- No entrance exam required
- Starts fall/spring
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- $0 application fee
- Scholarships available
- Fully online program
- Leadership in Health Informatics Scholarship
- Work experience encouraged but not required
- Priority deadlines: August 1 and January 1
List of Minnesota Colleges With Health Informatics Degree Programs
Duluth, MN
The College of Saint Scholastica
- Bachelor's - Health Informatics and Information Management
Campus Based - Website
- 69 total credit hours
- 2.7 GPA minimum
- RHIA credential eligible
- Clinical, technology, management courses
- Professional practice experience
- Careers in hospitals, clinics, insurance
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 42 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Capstone required
- Focuses on data analytics and system design
- Accommodates working professionals
- Covers electronic health records and databases
- Includes predictive analytics coursework
- Requires a final applied research project
Mankato, MN
Minnesota State University-Mankato
- Bachelor's - Health Informatics BS
Campus Based - Website
- 4-Year program
- 120 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Data-informed decision making
- Collaborative team skills
- Project management and leadership skills
- Internship or capstone required
- Master's - Health Informatics Analytics
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Affiliation of Professional Science Master's Programs accredited
- 2-Year program
- 30 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 3.3 GPA minimum
- Financial aid available
- Personal statement required
Minneapolis, MN
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- $1,665 per credit
- 7-Semester program
- Complete in average graduation time of 2.3 years
- 36 total credit hours
- Starts fall/spring
- 3.3 GPA minimum
- Thesis or capstone option
- Online program with no on-campus component
Saint Paul, MN
St Catherine University
- Master's - Master of Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- No entrance exam required
- Starts fall/spring
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- $0 application fee
- Scholarships available
- Fully online program
- Leadership in Health Informatics Scholarship
What Are the Career Options Like for Degree Holders?
Minnesota employers seek professionals capable of bridging clinical expertise with advanced technical skills, particularly in Epic systems, data analytics, research applications, and emerging AI/ML technologies across healthcare delivery, academic research, and public health settings.
Below is a look at what employers are looking for based on a review of recent job openiings.
Technical and Data Management Skills
Advanced Analytics and Programming Expertise
Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) recruits Informatics Analysts with salaries ranging $56,908–$93,280, requiring Master’s degrees in computer science, analytics, engineering, informatics, nursing, statistics, or business with 3+ years of experience. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in SQL, Tableau, Power BI, Looker, Excel, Oracle, and Google Cloud Platform tools including Big Query and ML/AI applications. The role emphasizes data mining experience in R, Python, or SAS for statistical modeling and predictive analytics.
Research Data Engineering and Pipeline Management
Essentia Health (Duluth, MN) offers Research Informatics Analyst positions at $74,090–$111,134 annually, focusing on complex research database management including Virtual Data Warehouse (VDW), OMOP, and PCORnet Common Data Model. Candidates need strong Python programming skills with pandas, pyodbc, and SQLAlchemy for data transformation, plus experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and modern pipeline orchestration tools like Airflow and Databricks Workflows.
Epic and EHR System Specialization
Multiple employers emphasize Epic proficiency. Mayo Clinic requires Epic certification within six months for Clinical Informaticist positions ($77.4K–$123K), while Fairview Health Services seeks Mobile Senior Clinical Informaticists with Epic certifications and user-centered design expertise. HealthPartners (Minneapolis) specifically recruits Epic Health Informatics Analysts preferring Epic Clarity experience alongside data visualization and SQL skills.
Clinical Informatics and Healthcare Integration
Trauma and Specialty Registry Management
Fairview Health Services (Edina, MN) employs Trauma Informatics Specialists at $27.34–$38.59 hourly, requiring Associate’s degrees in healthcare fields or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credentials with 2+ years trauma registry experience. Specialists must master ICD-10 coding, injury severity scoring, and regulatory compliance for MN Trauma Registry, MN TBI/SCI Registry, and TQIP submissions.
Clinical Decision Support and Workflow Optimization
UCare (Minneapolis, MN) recruits Clinical Informaticist Leads earning $104,966–$131,207 annually, requiring Bachelor’s degrees in health informatics, statistics, mathematics, finance, or business administration with 8+ years of health IT experience. Candidates must understand clinical terminologies (LOINC, SNOMED, ICD10, NDC) and demonstrate expertise in population health management, risk stratification, and clinical decision support systems.
Nursing Informatics and Clinical Systems
Multiple positions target nursing professionals transitioning into informatics. Mayo Clinic offers Informatics Nurse positions ($39.48–$64.75 hourly) requiring Bachelor’s degrees in nursing with 3+ years clinical experience and Epic certification. Fairview Health Services (Hibbing, MN) seeks Nurse Informaticists requiring Minnesota RN licensure with CHCI or CPEHR certifications for electronic documentation system management.
Leadership and Strategic Management
Clinical Informatics Leadership
Fairview Health Services recruits Mobile Senior Clinical Informaticists requiring Bachelor’s degrees in healthcare fields with 5+ years clinical healthcare or informatics experience. These remote positions focus on shared clinical services, laboratory systems, and order set management with emphasis on PDSA methodology and change management expertise.
Healthcare Data Strategy and Governance
UCare’s Clinical Informaticist Lead role bridges clinical knowledge and information technology, requiring experience with healthcare metrics, managed care concepts, and statistical calculation. Candidates must demonstrate team leadership experience and understand Agile software development, product ownership, and human-centered design principles.
Academic and Research Leadership
University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) offers Institute for Health Informatics Faculty positions ($120,000–$135,000) for Natural Language Processing and Knowledge Representation specialists. Positions require doctoral-level training in AI, Computer Science, or Computational Linguistics with extensive health sciences training and nationally-impactful research accomplishments.
Government and Public Health Applications
State Government Health Informatics Coordination
State of Minnesota (Rochester and Marshall) employs Health Informatics Program Coordinators as Management Analyst 2 positions supporting Department of Human Services initiatives. Roles require 1+ years health informatics or healthcare administration experience with EHR systems, data management practices, and healthcare regulations knowledge, offering telework eligibility and comprehensive state benefits.
Population Health and Data Analytics
University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute recruits Clinical Data Analysts/Informatics Consultants requiring BA/BS with 6+ years analytical experience or advanced degrees with 4+ years experience. Positions emphasize healthcare data extraction, formatting, and analysis of clinical records, labs, medications, and claims data with strong T-SQL, SAS, and R programming requirements.
Specialized Technical Competencies
Natural Language Processing and AI Applications
University of Minnesota’s Institute for Health Informatics specifically seeks faculty expertise in Biomedical NLP using Deep Learning, causal inference, and knowledge representation including computable guidelines and biological pathway modeling. Positions require formal doctoral training with capabilities in relational database analysis and unconventionally-structured data modeling.
Healthcare Business Intelligence and Visualization
HealthPartners (Minneapolis) recruits Epic Health Informatics Analysts requiring Bachelor’s degrees in quantitative fields with data visualization experience in Power BI, Tableau, and strong SQL knowledge. Candidates must demonstrate ability to “tell stories using data” and work within collaborative scrum teams including developers, data scientists, and data engineers.
Quality Management and Performance Analytics
Mayo Clinic’s Quality Informatics Specialist positions ($56,908–$93,280) require Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science or Healthcare Informatics with 3+ years healthcare informatics experience. Specialists focus on healthcare data collection, analysis, and research initiatives supporting quality reporting, patient safety, and performance improvement.
Educational Requirements and Career Pathways
Advanced Degree Expectations
Leadership positions consistently require Bachelor’s degrees minimum with strong preferences for Master’s or doctoral degrees. Mayo Clinic’s Informatics Analyst role requires Master’s degrees with 3+ years experience or Bachelor’s with 5+ years. University of Minnesota faculty positions demand doctoral-level training with extensive health sciences backgrounds.
Clinical Credential Integration
Many positions value clinical backgrounds. Mayo Clinic prefers Clinical credentials or Health Information Management credentials (MSN, RN, BSN, RHIA, RHIT) for analytics roles. Nursing informatics positions specifically require current RN licensure with specialized certifications like CHCI, CPEHR, or ANCC National certification in Nursing Informatics.
Interdisciplinary Background Value
Employers highly value candidates bridging multiple disciplines. ClinDCast LLC (St. Paul) seeks Clinical Informaticist Analysts with healthcare IT experience who can interpret clinical guidelines from CMS and Health Plans while collaborating with both clinicians and engineers for automation model development.
Geographic and Compensation Trends
Salary Ranges Across Experience Levels
- Entry-level specialists: $27.34–$38.59 hourly (Trauma Informatics)
- Mid-level analysts: $56,908–$111,134 annually (Research/Quality Analytics)
- Senior leadership: $104,966–$131,207 annually (Clinical Informaticist Leads)
- Academic positions: $72,000–$135,000 annually (Faculty/Research roles)
Geographic Distribution and Remote Opportunities
Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area dominates the market with major employers including Mayo Clinic (Rochester), University of Minnesota, UCare, HealthPartners, and Fairview Health Services. Many positions offer remote work options, particularly senior roles, though most require occasional on-site presence for collaboration and training.
Benefits and Professional Development
Minnesota employers emphasize comprehensive benefits including Mayo Clinic’s industry-leading packages, University of Minnesota’s Regents Tuition Benefit Program, and State of Minnesota’s public sector benefits with PSLF opportunities. Multiple employers provide tuition reimbursement, professional development funding, and continuing education support reflecting the rapidly evolving nature of health informatics.
Industry Specialization Opportunities
The Minnesota market shows strong specialization in trauma informatics (Fairview), research data management (Essentia Health, University of Minnesota), academic AI/NLP research (University of Minnesota), and managed care informatics (UCare), providing diverse career pathways within the broader health informatics field.