Colorado Health Informatics Degree Programs

The Impact of Health Informatics in Colorado

Colorado offers strong momentum for health informatics careers:

• $2.15 billion raised by Colorado life sciences in 2024
• Denver–Boulder ranks as a top-20 global life sciences R&D hub with strong venture capital support
• Projected 14% growth in informatics roles by 2027, driven by EHR expansion, IoT, and telemedicine

Colorado invests heavily in health tech infrastructure and collaboration:

• Colorado Hub for Health Impact draws companies, talent, and investment, supported by federal labs
• Strong HIE infrastructure:
  • Contexture (formerly CORHIO) connects hospitals, labs, and providers statewide
  • Quality Health Network (QHN), now unified with Contexture, serves rural and behavioral health systems
• Startup and incubator scene: Fitzsimons Innovation Community, Innosphere, CHTC, and Catalyst HTI support digital health and medtech startups

Colorado’s education and research institutions drive workforce development and real-world impact:

• High-level training: CU Anschutz Medical Campus and other R1 schools offer interdisciplinary informatics programs
• University support for startups: CU Boulder’s Venture Partners help launch data-driven bioscience companies
• Skilled talent pipeline: 34 federal labs, substantial VC investment, and educational programs ensure growth-ready professionals

For students ready to participate in this economy, Colorado’s health informatics programs represent a concentrated but high-quality selection of educational opportunities, each serving distinct student populations and career pathways.

How to Choose the Best Program for You in Colorado

Quick Take

Consider your specific interests within health informatics:

Choose University of Denver for hybrid learning with hands-on industry projects and multiple specializations (Health Data Analytics, Digital Health). Ideal for professionals seeking leadership training with real-world data experience and flexible 18-month completion at $835 per credit hour.

Select Regis University for fully online master’s education with Data Science specialization and practical case studies. Perfect for working professionals needing maximum flexibility with 18-month full-time or extended part-time options, requiring 3.0 GPA and related bachelor’s degree.

Consider Community College of Denver for affordable bachelor’s completion in Health Care Informatics with hybrid delivery. Excellent for students with associate degrees in health sciences, computer technology, or business seeking foundational health informatics education with interdisciplinary curriculum and real-world assignments.

Read on for all the details.

Types of Degrees

Master’s Level Programs for Career Advancement

The University of Denver offers a hybrid Master of Science in Health Informatics with multiple concentrations including Health Data Informatics and Analytics and Digital Health. Regis University provides a fully online Master of Science program with options for general study or Data Science specialization. Both programs emphasize practical application and real-world experience.

Bachelor’s Completion Programs for Career Foundation

The Community College of Denver’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Care Informatics serves as a unique completion program for students with associate degrees. This 60-credit program provides an accessible pathway for students with backgrounds in health sciences, computer technology, or business to transition into health informatics careers.

Admission Requirements

Standardized Test Requirements Eliminated

Both the University of Denver and Regis University are waiving GRE and GMAT requirements. This trend reflects the field’s recognition that professional experience and motivation often provide better indicators of program success than standardized test performance.

GPA Requirements and Academic Standards

Regis University requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission to their master’s program, while the Community College of Denver’s bachelor’s program requires an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution without specific GPA thresholds mentioned.

Educational Background Flexibility

Regis University specifically requires a “related bachelor’s degree,” while the University of Denver appears more flexible in background requirements. The Community College of Denver accepts students with associate degrees in health sciences, computer technology, or business, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of health informatics.

Cost Analysis and Financial Investment

Private University Premium Pricing

The University of Denver charges $835 per credit hour and offers competitive positioning in the health informatics market. For typical master’s programs requiring 36-45 credits, students can expect total tuition costs of approximately $30,000-$37,500, which compares favorably to many private graduate programs while providing specialized health informatics training.

Community College Value Proposition

The Community College of Denver’s bachelor’s completion program provides exceptional value for students seeking foundational health informatics education. As a 60-credit completion program at community college pricing, this option likely represents the most cost-effective path to a health informatics bachelor’s degree in the region.

Hidden Value Components

The University of Denver includes hands-on industry projects with real-world data, free application processes, and industry partnerships. Regis University emphasizes practical applications through case studies and projects. These additional components often justify tuition costs through enhanced career preparation and networking opportunities.

Program Duration

Most programs are designed for completion in 18 months for full-time students. This accelerated timeline reduces opportunity costs and allows for quicker entry into higher-paying health informatics careers.

Program Formats and Scheduling Flexibility

Hybrid Learning Excellence

The University of Denver’s program combines online learning with hands-on campus experiences. This model provides the flexibility of online education while ensuring students gain practical experience with healthcare technologies and data analysis tools. The hybrid approach also facilitates networking with classmates and faculty.

Fully Online Options

Regis University’s completely online Master of Science program is designed specifically for working professionals who need maximum scheduling flexibility. The online format includes interactive elements, case studies, and project-based learning to maintain engagement and practical application.

Evening and Weekend Accommodation

The University of Denver’s scheduling options include evening and online classes designed around working professionals’ schedules. The 10-week term length provides intensive but manageable course pacing.

Accelerated Completion Options

Motivated students tocancomplete master’s programs in as little as 18 months, while part-time options extend completion timelines to accommodate work and family responsibilities. This flexibility ensures programs can serve students with varying availability and commitment levels.

Specialization Areas and Career Focus Alignment

Health Data Analytics and Business Intelligence

These concentrations appear prominently across programs, with the University of Denver’s Health Data Informatics and Analytics track and Regis University’s Data Science specialization addressing the growing demand for healthcare data scientists. These programs prepare students for roles in population health management, quality improvement, and healthcare business intelligence.

Digital Health and Innovation Focus

The University of Denver’s Digital Health concentration addresses the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare technology, including mobile health applications, telemedicine, and patient engagement technologies. This specialization prepares students for roles in healthcare innovation and digital transformation initiatives.

Healthcare IT and Systems Management

This is a key emphasis across almost all programs, preparing students for traditional health informatics roles in electronic health record implementation, healthcare system optimization, and clinical workflow improvement. These foundational skills remain essential for health informatics professionals.

What is the Job Market Like for Graduates?

Based on current job postings from major healthcare organizations, technology companies, and academic institutions, here’s what employers across the state are seeking in health informatics candidates.

Clinical Documentation and EHR Expertise

Electronic Health Record Systems Management

Colorado employers prioritize candidates with deep EHR experience, particularly with major systems like Epic, Cerner, and Meditech. CVS Health seeks Clinical Informatics Specialists at $17.00-$31.30 per hour to support primary care providers with clinical documentation, requiring knowledge of medical terminology and strong computer literacy. These roles serve as clinical documentation assistants, helping providers with ICD-10 and CPT coding while supporting value-based care initiatives.

Peak Vista Community Health Centers offers Director of Clinical Informatics positions at $89,721-$126,933 annually, requiring 7-10 years of EHR experience and 5+ years of management experience. These roles oversee EHR implementation, training, and optimization across multiple healthcare facilities, requiring bachelor’s degrees in project management, business, or information technology.

Clinical Documentation Improvement

REALIGN LLC contracts Clinical Informatics specialists at $52 per hour, focusing on EHR optimization and clinical workflow improvement. These positions require 2-5 years of clinical practice and health IT experience, along with certifications like ANCC Board Certification in Informatics Nursing (RN-BC) or Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS).

Data Analytics and Business Intelligence

Healthcare Data Science

Humana Inc. seeks Informaticists for remote positions requiring bachelor’s degrees and 2+ years of data analysis experience. These roles focus on claims data analysis, medical cost trends, and predictive modeling to improve clinical care and cost containment. The company emphasizes experience with data mining, predictive modeling techniques, and tools like SAS, SQL, R, Python, Power BI, and Tableau.

Children’s Hospital Colorado offers Research Informatics & Data Science Program Manager positions requiring bachelor’s degrees in business administration, finance, or computer science, with master’s degrees in informatics preferred. These roles involve managing analytics resource centers, overseeing grant intake processes, and ensuring compliance with research regulations and data agreements.

Advanced Analytics Leadership

Humana Inc. also provides Informatics Lead positions in IT Operations requiring master’s degrees in quantitative disciplines like statistics, mathematics, or computer science. These roles demand advanced SQL experience, Power Platform expertise (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI), and 2+ years of leadership experience. Responsibilities include developing machine learning models, creating ETL processes, and delivering executive-level metrics.

Leadership and Management Roles

Executive-Level Positions

CVS Health offers Lead Director, Informatics roles in Denver at $100,000-$231,540 annually, requiring 10+ years of healthcare consulting and EHR governance experience. These positions involve managing CVS Health’s care delivery informatics strategy, standardizing clinical definitions, and overseeing electronic health record governance across multiple business units.

Veracity Solutions seeks Managers of Clinical Informatics and Applications in Glenwood Springs, requiring bachelor’s degrees (master’s preferred) and current Colorado RN licenses for nursing candidates. These roles involve leading informaticist teams, developing IT strategic plans, and serving as liaisons between clinical staff and IT departments.

Specialized Technical Roles

Research and Academic Positions

University of Colorado offers Postdoctoral Fellow positions in Health Informatics and Data Science requiring doctorate degrees in computer science, information systems, biostatistics, or bioinformatics. These roles involve analyzing structured and unstructured EHR data, investigating large language models, and developing SMART on FHIR applications. The positions offer hybrid work arrangements with competitive benefits including health insurance, life insurance, and tuition benefits.

State of Colorado provides Health Care Informatics Faculty Chair positions at $130,000-$180,000 annually, requiring advanced degrees and extensive industry experience. These academic leadership roles involve curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and collaboration with healthcare industry partners.

Nursing Informatics Specialization

State of Colorado offers Informatics Nurse and Clinical Trainer positions at $98,448-$110,448 annually, requiring current RN licensure and 3 years of professional nursing experience. These hybrid positions involve training clinical staff on EHR systems, developing training materials, and collaborating with health information technology teams.

Industry-Specific Applications

Medical Device and Safety

Philips seeks Medical Safety Managers for Enterprise Informatics at $114,000-$135,000 annually, focusing on safety guidelines for medical software and systems. These roles require understanding of quality management principles and medical device regulations, involving risk assessments, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration.

Philips also offers Director of Quality positions for Radiology Informatics at $120,000-$150,000 annually, emphasizing quality standards development, team leadership, and industry best practices in radiology informatics systems.

Imaging and Radiology Informatics

Valley View Regional Hospital provides Imaging Informatics/PACS Manager positions requiring associate degrees in radiologic technology and 2-3 years of imaging informatics experience. These roles focus on PACS and RIS systems management, workflow optimization, and regulatory compliance, offering comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision coverage, and ski pass perks.

Crossover Disciplines and Career Pathways

Business Administration Integration

Many Colorado employers seek candidates who can bridge healthcare and business domains. Peak Vista Community Health Centers and similar organizations value professionals who combine clinical knowledge with project management, business analysis, and strategic planning capabilities.

Information Technology Convergence

Montrose Regional Health seeks Informatics Analysts at $10,800 monthly, requiring healthcare experience with application support, dictionary build, and troubleshooting. These positions demonstrate the convergence of traditional IT skills with healthcare-specific applications, requiring familiarity with HIPAA and HITECH regulations.

Clinical and Technical Hybrid Roles

Katalyst CRO contracts Clinical Application Specialists requiring 8+ years of clinical trial data analysis using SAS, CDISC standards knowledge, and ADaM programming experience. These roles illustrate the intersection of clinical research, data analysis, and regulatory compliance.

Educational Requirements and Advancement Paths

Bachelor’s Degree Foundation

Most Colorado health informatics positions require bachelor’s degrees, with flexibility in specific majors. Common degree requirements include:

• Business Administration, Finance, or Information Technology
• Computer Science, Information Systems, or Data Science
• Project Management, Healthcare Administration
• Radiologic Technology or related healthcare fields

Advanced Degree Preferences

Many employers prefer or require advanced degrees:

• Master’s degrees in Health Informatics, Computer Science, Epidemiology, or Public Health
• Doctorate degrees for research and academic positions
• Professional certifications like CPHIMS, CAHIMS, or Epic certifications

Experience Substitution Flexibility

Several employers offer experience-for-education substitutions, with Peak Vista Community Health Centers accepting 6 years of related experience in lieu of bachelor’s degrees, and State of Colorado positions allowing 2 years of education to substitute for required experience.

Salary Ranges and Compensation Trends

Colorado health informatics salaries vary significantly based on role complexity, experience, and organizational level:

• Entry-level positions: $17.00-$31.30/hour (CVS Health Clinical Informatics Specialist)
• Mid-level specialist roles: $52/hour ($108,160 annually) for contract positions
• Management positions: $89,721-$126,933 annually (Peak Vista Director roles)
• Senior leadership roles: $100,000-$231,540 annually (CVS Health Lead Director)
• Executive and academic positions: $130,000-$180,000 annually (State Faculty Chair)
• Specialized technical roles: $114,000-$150,000 annually (Philips management positions)

Key Skills and Competencies in Demand

Technical Proficiencies

• EHR Systems: Epic, Cerner, Meditech expertise
• Programming Languages: SAS, SQL, R, Python, Power BI
• Data Analysis: Predictive modeling, machine learning, statistical analysis
• Standards Knowledge: CDISC, HL7 FHIR, ICD-10, CPT coding
• Regulatory Compliance: HIPAA, HITECH, medical device regulations

Professional Skills

• Project Management: Timeline development, resource allocation, risk management
• Leadership: Team management, change management, strategic planning
• Communication: Technical writing, presentation skills, stakeholder engagement
• Clinical Knowledge: Medical terminology, healthcare workflows, patient care processes