Florida Health Informatics Degree Programs

Florida’s rapidly growing healthcare industry, combined with its status as a major retirement destination and hub for medical research, creates an exceptional environment for health informatics education and careers.

2027 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Florida

Searching for the best health informatics degree programs in Florida? We at healthinformaticsdegree.org have analyzed the options to bring reliable rankings. Our evaluation considers accreditation, curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and career outcomes. Florida features many strong programs, including flexible online choices and traditional campus offerings, suitable for both new students and experienced professionals. See how we rank programs by visiting https://www.healthinformaticsdegree.org/about-us/#rankings. That page explains our methodology in detail, ensuring full transparency. These leading programs can help prepare students for successful careers in health informatics.

#1

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - ucf.edu

Bachelor's - Health Informatics

Campus Based - Visit Website

UCF's Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics, delivered fully online, prepares students to drive healthcare innovation through data. The 60-credit major core blends data science, IT, and AI, covering electronic health records, data mining, and health law. Students complete an internship and can earn CHDA and CAHIMS certifications. The program offers three start dates per year and costs $212 per credit. Careers include clinical informatics specialist, EHR analyst, and bioinformacist, with 17% projected job growth through 2031. No ACT or SAT scores are listed as admission requirements, focusing instead on practical, career-ready skills.

• $212 per credit
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• Fully online delivery
• Earn CHDA and CAHIMS certifications
• Internship requirement for hands-on learning
• Career paths: Bioinformacist, EHR Analyst, Data Analyst
• 17% projected job growth through 2031
• Curriculum blends data science and IT
• 60-credit major core

Master's - Health Care Informatics, Professional Science, MS

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Central Florida's fully online Master of Science in Health Care Informatics is a cohort-based program that bridges technology and healthcare. The CAHIIM-accredited curriculum covers health information systems, data analytics, and system design, with hands-on internship experience. Students can earn CAHIMS/CPHIMS certifications and an SAS academic specialization. Free memberships to HIMSS, AMIA, and ACHE provide networking with industry leaders. No GRE is required, making it accessible for working professionals. Graduates pursue roles such as health informatics director, database administrator, or medical services manager. The program is accredited through 2028 and offers reduced campus-based fees.

• CAHIIM accredited
• Cohort-based structure
• Fully online program
• No GRE required
• Required internship
• CAHIMS/CPHIMS certification exam
• Free memberships to HIMSS, AMIA, ACHE
• SAS academic specialization offered
• Reduced campus-based fees
• CAHIIM accredited through 2028

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#2

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, FL - Public 4-Year - unf.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of North Florida's online Master of Science in Health Informatics is a 33-credit interdisciplinary program offered through a collaboration of the Brooks College of Health, Coggin College of Business, and the College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction. The curriculum covers health IT systems, EHRs, data governance, and healthcare analytics, preparing students for board certification and careers as health informaticists, clinical analysts, or data managers. Designed for both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds, it requires prerequisites in statistics and medical terminology. Applications include a resume, letter of intent, and two recommendations; no entrance exam is mentioned. The program starts in fall and spring, supports employer reimbursement, and provides financial aid and scholarship options.

• 33 total credit hours
• Starts fall/spring
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• $30 application fee
• Employer reimbursement supported
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Primarily online delivery
• Prepares for board certification

#3

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Nova Southeastern University's Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics teaches students to harness technology for improved healthcare. The curriculum covers electronic medical records, data management, legal and ethical issues, privacy and security, and quality assessment, with courses like Bioinformatics, Fundamentals of Computer Programming, and Human-Computer Interaction. Required internships and the Clinic Exploration Program offer hands-on experience shadowing medical professionals. The program holds CAHIIM candidacy accreditation. Unique dual admission options let students secure seats in NSU's D.O. or MS in Health Informatics programs. Graduates pursue careers as medical informaticians, data analysts, and health information technicians in hospitals, clinics, and government. The campus-based program benefits from collaboration between the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Computing, AI, and Cybersecurity.

• CAHIIM accredited
• Dual admission with D.O. program
• Dual admission into MS Health Informatics
• CAHIIM candidacy accreditation
• Clinic Exploration Program available
• Hands-on internships required
• Collaboration with College of Computing
• Career paths in medical informatics
• Pathway to graduate programs

Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Nova Southeastern University's MS in Health Informatics is a CAHIIM-accredited online program tailored for working healthcare and IT professionals. The 36-credit curriculum blends computer science, clinical informatics, and health IT management, preparing students for data-driven leadership roles. Notably, no GRE or GMAT is required for admission. Students earn four professional certifications—Lean Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt, CPHIMSS, and NextGen—as part of coursework. With three start dates (winter, summer, fall) and completion in as little as one year, it offers flexibility. A hands-on practicum at a local health organization bridges theory and practice. Housed within the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the program provides unique clinical exposure. Graduates pursue roles like clinical informatics manager, health IT project manager, and health data analyst, supported by a 90% job placement rate.

• CAHIIM accredited
• No entrance exam required
• $828 per credit
• 1-Year program
• Complete in in as little as one year
• 36 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts winter/summer/fall
• 90% job placement rate

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#4

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL - Public 4-Year - ufl.edu

Doctorate - Ph.D. in Medical Sciences (Biomedical Informatics)

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Florida's 90-credit, campus-based Ph.D. in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Biomedical Informatics blends computer science, health, and research methodology. Coursework covers data science, biostatistics, and engineering, with focused study in ontologies, social media, mHealth, and clinical informatics. Limited enrollment ensures personalized mentorship, with partnerships including the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the Informatics Institute, and the OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium. The curriculum emphasizes translational science and patient-centered outcomes, culminating in a dissertation and publishable manuscript. Aligned with national initiatives like PCORI and NCATS, this program prepares graduates for faculty and research careers. Entrance exam requirements are not explicitly listed; applicants should verify with the university.

• 90 total credit hours
• Apply by 2025-12-02
• Thesis required
• Research in ontologies and mHealth
• One-on-one faculty mentorship
• Limited enrollment for personalized attention
• Partnerships with CTSI and Informatics Institute

#5

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - famu.edu

Bachelor's - Health Informatics and Information Management

Campus Based - Visit Website

At FAMU, the Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management delivers a CAHIIM-accredited, 120-credit curriculum blending business, science, and IT. Students master data quality, informatics, analytics, and privacy while preparing for roles like privacy officer or clinical data manager. The program includes professional practice experiences and a management internship, ensuring practical skills. With a 94% employment rate and 100% graduation rate, graduates are positioned for the RHIA credential. This HBCU offers a supportive student association (SHIIMA) and optional certificates in medical coding or health privacy and security. Focused on bridging clinical care and technology, FAMU's program empowers future health informatics leaders.

• CAHIIM accredited
• 120 total credit hours
• 94% job placement rate
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• CAHIIM accredited through 2029
• 100% graduation rate (2022-2023)
• Prepares for RHIA credential
• Hands-on PPE and internship experiences
• Student association SHIIMA

*National Center for Education Statistics. (2025). IPEDS data system. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

How to Choose the Best Program for You in Florida

Quick Take

• Choose University of Central Florida for affordable, comprehensive education with strong industry connections.
• Select Nova Southeastern for private education with professional certifications and accelerated options.
• Consider University of North Florida for board certification preparation and working professional focus.
• Pursue Jacksonville University for rapid one-year completion.
• Choose Florida A&M for HBCU perspective with exceptional outcomes.
• Select University of Florida for doctoral-level research and academic preparation.

Program Levels and Educational Pathways

Florida offers health informatics education at multiple levels, providing entry points for students at different career stages.

Bachelor’s Level Programs

provide foundational education for students entering the field. The University of Central Florida pioneered health informatics education in Florida’s state university system with both campus-based and online bachelor’s programs. Nova Southeastern University offers a comprehensive campus-based program in Fort Lauderdale, while Florida A&M University provides an HBCU perspective with exceptional outcomes (100% graduation rate, 94% employment rate). These programs typically require 60-120 credit hours and often include mandatory internships and certification preparation.

Master’s Level Programs

dominate Florida’s health informatics landscape, designed primarily for working professionals and career advancement. Programs range from 33-36 credit hours and can be completed in 1-2 years. Notable offerings include Nova Southeastern’s CAHIIM-accredited program with professional certifications, University of North Florida’s board certification preparation focus, Jacksonville University’s accelerated one-year format, and University of Central Florida’s flexible online professional program.

Doctoral Programs

serve students pursuing research careers or academic positions. The University of Florida offers a comprehensive Ph.D. in Medical Sciences with Biomedical Informatics concentration, requiring 90 credit hours with 36 focused on biomedical informatics. This program emphasizes translational science and research methodology, preparing graduates for academic and research leadership roles.

Admission Requirements and Accessibility

Florida’s health informatics programs have embraced accessible admission policies while maintaining academic standards.

Entrance Exam Requirements

Most Florida programs have eliminated entrance exam requirements, with only the University of Florida’s doctoral program requiring entrance exams. This trend makes programs more accessible to working professionals and career changers who may not have recent standardized test experience.

GPA Requirements and Academic Flexibility

Requirements range from 2.5-3.0 for most programs, with additional documentation required for students below minimum thresholds. Jacksonville University provides guaranteed admission for their own BSHS graduates, while most programs accept students from diverse academic backgrounds.

Prerequisites and Background Diversity

Programs generally welcome students from various backgrounds. University of Central Florida requires prerequisite courses with ‘C’ grades, while many programs provide foundational training for students without healthcare or technical backgrounds. This flexibility supports career changers and professionals seeking to expand their skill sets.

Application Streamlining

Most programs require standard application materials including transcripts, resumes, letters of intent, and recommendation letters. The streamlined processes reflect Florida’s focus on attracting working professionals who need efficient admission procedures.

Cost Analysis: Exceptional Value in Florida

Public University Excellence

Florida’s state university system provides exceptional value. University of Central Florida charges just $212.28 per credit for in-state students ($748.89 out-of-state), making quality education highly affordable. With typical master’s programs requiring 33-36 credits, total tuition costs for residents range from $7,000-$7,600—among the lowest in the nation for quality health informatics education.

Private University Options

Nova Southeastern University and Jacksonville University offer private education alternatives with additional services, smaller class sizes, and specialized resources. While more expensive than public options, these programs may provide unique value through accelerated formats, comprehensive support services, or specialized industry connections.

Hidden Value Factors

Florida’s lack of state income tax effectively increases graduate salaries compared to other states. The average salary of $80,730 goes further in Florida than equivalent salaries in states with income taxes, improving return on educational investment.

Professional Certification Integration

Many programs include professional certifications (Lean Six Sigma, CPHIMSS, CAHIMS, CHDA) in their curricula, adding immediate value and reducing post-graduation certification costs. These included certifications can add thousands of dollars in value while enhancing employability.

Program Formats and Scheduling Flexibility

Online Learning Excellence

Most Florida programs offer fully online options recognizing that many students are working professionals. University of Central Florida, Nova Southeastern, University of North Florida, and Jacksonville University all provide comprehensive online programs with interactive learning tools and virtual collaboration opportunities.

Hybrid and Flexible Formats

Nova Southeastern University offers hybrid options combining online convenience with in-person experiences, while various programs provide flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals’ unpredictable schedules.

Accelerated Completion Options

Jacksonville University’s one-year master’s program and Nova Southeastern’s 1.5-year option provide rapid credential completion for motivated students. These accelerated formats allow quick career advancement while minimizing time away from professional responsibilities.

Campus-Based Advantages

Campus-based programs at University of Central Florida (downtown Orlando), Nova Southeastern (Fort Lauderdale), and Florida A&M (Tallahassee) provide traditional university experiences with access to on-campus resources, face-to-face networking, and hands-on laboratory facilities.

Specialization Areas and Career Focus

Florida’s programs reflect the state’s diverse healthcare needs and provide specialized training for various career paths.

Clinical Informatics and Patient Care

Programs emphasize improving patient care through technology implementation. University of North Florida prepares Clinical Informaticists, while multiple programs focus on electronic medical records, clinical decision support systems, and workflow optimization in healthcare settings.

Health Information Management and Data Security

University of Central Florida and Florida A&M emphasize data quality, security, and privacy—critical skills given healthcare’s increasing cybersecurity challenges. These programs prepare students for RHIA certification and specialized roles in health information governance.

Healthcare Technology and Systems Integration

Nova Southeastern and other programs focus on bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and IT systems, preparing graduates to manage technology implementations, system integrations, and digital transformation initiatives.

Research and Biomedical Informatics

University of Florida’s doctoral program provides comprehensive training in biomedical informatics, translational science, and research methodology. This specialization prepares students for academic careers and research leadership in medical institutions.

Healthcare Analytics and Data Management

Multiple programs emphasize data analytics, business intelligence, and evidence-based decision making. These skills are increasingly critical as healthcare organizations seek to improve outcomes while controlling costs through data-driven strategies.

Hands-On Experience and Industry Connections

Florida’s programs leverage the state’s extensive healthcare ecosystem to provide exceptional practical learning opportunities.

Mandatory Internship Requirements

Most programs require internships or practical experience components. University of Central Florida includes mandatory internships in both bachelor’s and master’s programs, while Jacksonville University incorporates work projects or internships. These requirements ensure graduates have real-world experience upon graduation.

Hospital and Healthcare System Partnerships

Programs maintain relationships with major healthcare systems throughout Florida. University of Central Florida’s downtown Orlando location provides proximity to major hospitals, while other programs leverage statewide healthcare networks for internship and employment opportunities.

Research Collaboration Opportunities

University of Florida students benefit from access to the OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium and various NIH-funded research projects. These opportunities provide exposure to cutting-edge research and publication opportunities that enhance career prospects.

Professional Certification Preparation

Programs integrate preparation for industry certifications including CAHIMS, CHDA, RHIA, CPHIMSS, and others. Nova Southeastern includes Lean Six Sigma certification, while multiple programs provide free access to professional organizations, enhancing networking and continuing education opportunities.

Faculty Expertise and Program Quality Indicators

Industry Experience and Connections

Faculty often maintain current relationships with Florida’s healthcare industry, providing students with current insights, internship opportunities, and job placement assistance. This industry connection ensures curriculum relevance and provides networking opportunities.

Research Excellence and Innovation

University of Florida’s research-intensive faculty provide access to cutting-edge biomedical informatics research, while other programs benefit from faculty engaged in applied research projects with healthcare organizations.

Student Success Outcomes

Florida A&M’s 100% graduation rate and 94% employment rate within one year demonstrate exceptional program quality and student support. These outcomes reflect comprehensive student services and strong industry relationships.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

CAHIIM Accreditation Excellence

Multiple Florida programs maintain CAHIIM (Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education) accreditation, including Nova Southeastern University and Florida A&M University. This accreditation ensures curricula meet industry standards and may be required by some employers.

Professional Recognition and Rankings

Programs benefit from institutional recognition and state university system quality standards. University of Central Florida’s status as the first health informatics program in Florida’s state system demonstrates pioneering leadership in the field.

Certification Preparation Integration

Programs align curricula with professional certification requirements, ensuring graduates are prepared for industry-standard credentials that enhance employability and career advancement opportunities.

Career Outcomes and Employment Success

Outstanding Employment Rates

Florida A&M’s 94% employment rate within one year and other programs’ strong placement records demonstrate excellent employer demand for graduates. Florida’s 22% job growth rate ensures continued strong employment prospects.

Salary and Advancement Potential

The average salary of $80,730 provides excellent earning potential, especially considering Florida’s lack of state income tax. Career advancement opportunities are abundant given the state’s growing healthcare industry and expanding technology sector.

Career Path Diversity

Programs prepare graduates for diverse roles including Clinical Informaticists, Health Information Management Directors, Clinical Analysts, Healthcare Data Analysts, System Implementation Specialists, and Research Coordinators.

Geographic Flexibility

Florida’s diverse healthcare markets (Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Gainesville) provide employment opportunities throughout the state, while the comprehensive training prepares graduates for national career mobility.

Making Your Decision: Essential Evaluation Criteria

Career Goal Alignment

Consider your specific interests within health informatics. If you’re interested in research and academic careers, University of Florida’s doctoral program provides comprehensive preparation. For clinical applications, programs with strong hospital partnerships offer excellent training. For rapid career advancement, accelerated master’s programs provide efficient pathways.

Budget and Value Considerations

Florida’s public universities offer exceptional value, particularly University of Central Florida’s low tuition rates. Consider total costs including living expenses, and factor in Florida’s tax advantages when evaluating return on investment.

Schedule and Format Preferences

Honestly assess your ability to balance work, education, and personal commitments. Florida’s programs offer excellent flexibility, but success requires realistic planning and strong time management skills.

Location and Lifestyle Factors

Consider Florida’s diverse regions and their unique characteristics. Orlando offers theme park industry connections, Jacksonville provides financial services opportunities, Miami offers international healthcare connections, and Gainesville provides a traditional university town experience.

Industry Interest and Networking Goals

If you’re interested in specific healthcare sectors (hospitals, research, technology companies, government), choose programs with stronger connections to those areas. Consider whether you want to build local, state, or national professional networks.

Emerging Trends and Future Considerations

Aging Population Demographics

Florida’s large and growing elderly population creates unique opportunities for health informatics professionals specializing in geriatric care, chronic disease management, and age-related healthcare technologies.

Telehealth and Remote Care Expansion

COVID-19 accelerated telehealth adoption, and Florida’s geographic diversity and seasonal population changes create ongoing demand for remote healthcare delivery expertise.

Healthcare Tourism and International Connections

Florida’s role as a healthcare destination for international patients creates opportunities for health informatics professionals with experience in international healthcare standards and cross-border data management.

Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness

Florida’s vulnerability to hurricanes and other climate-related events creates demand for health informatics professionals specializing in emergency preparedness, disaster response, and healthcare continuity planning.