Kentucky Health Informatics Degree Programs

2026 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Kentucky

Looking for the best health informatics degree programs in Kentucky? You have come to the right place. At healthinformaticsdegree.org, we have carefully reviewed and ranked the top schools in the state to help you find a program that fits your goals. Our list includes universities known for strong curricula, experienced faculty, and good career outcomes for graduates. We focus on what matters to students, like affordability and support services. For a full look at how we create our rankings, check out our rankings methodology.

#1

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY - Public 4-Year - nku.edu

Bachelor's - Health Informatics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Northern Kentucky University's campus-based Health Informatics undergraduate program combines healthcare knowledge with IT, project management, and data analytics, focusing on big data's role in improving health decisions. Admission requires meeting undergraduate criteria, which may include ACT or SAT exams. Offering flexible online course options, it prepares graduates for diverse roles in hospitals and health systems, leveraging experienced faculty and industry resources to build skills in data analysis and presentation for impactful careers.

• Undergraduate program
• Combines healthcare and IT
• Focus on big data
• Flexible online courses
• Prepares for diverse roles
• Project management skills
• Data analytics training
• Campus-based program
• Experienced faculty
• Industry-connected resources

Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northern Kentucky University's 100% online Master of Science in Health Informatics prepares professionals to transform healthcare through technology and data management. This 33-credit program, completable in as few as 12 months for $19,800 total tuition, requires no entrance exam and emphasizes AI, data visualization, and electronic health records. With flexible online learning, multiple start dates, and a capstone project, it's ideal for working professionals aiming to improve healthcare systems through clinical informatics and value-based care strategies.

• 100% Online Degree
• 33 Total Credit Hours
• As Few as 12 Months
• Total Tuition $19,800
• Multiple Start Dates
• Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
• Flexible Online Learning
• Comprehensive Healthcare IT Curriculum
• Capstone Project Experience

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#2

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY - Public 4-Year - uky.edu

Master's - Online Master's in ICT

Concentration: health - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Kentucky's Online Master's in ICT with a health concentration prepares students to integrate technology into healthcare environments through courses in electronic health resources and medical informatics. This 36-credit program includes 15 core hours in ICT leadership and data science, plus health-specific electives, with asynchronous online classes offering flexibility. A practicum provides hands-on experience, and an exit assessment ensures competency. No GRE is required for admission, and lower online tuition rates make it affordable. This program is ideal for those seeking careers in health informatics without relocation.

• Health concentration available
• Online flexible format
• No GRE required
• 36 credit hours total
• 15 core course hours
• Health-specific electives
• Asynchronous classes
• Lower online tuition rates
• Graduate certificate options
• Dual degree possible

#3

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY - Public 4-Year - eku.edu

Bachelor's - Health Care Administration

Concentration: Health Informatics and Information Management - Campus Based - Visit Website

Eastern Kentucky University's Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration with a Health Informatics and Information Management concentration is a CAHIIM-accredited program preparing students for the RHIA exam. This campus-based program requires a 2.75 GPA, completion of pre-HCA courses with a C or better, and 75% of general education for admission. The 122-credit curriculum integrates health data analytics, computer applications, and professional practice experience, covering medical terminology, reimbursement systems, legal/ethical issues, and quality management. Focused on health information technology, it develops skills in data analysis, management systems, and research methods. Admission does not require ACT or SAT exams.

• CAHIIM-accredited program.
• Eligible for RHIA exam.
• 2.75 GPA required.
• Professional practice experience included.
• Focus on health data analytics.
• Campus-based learning.
• 122 total credit hours.
• Pre-HCA curriculum required.
• Health Informatics concentration.
• Includes medical terminology.

*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023.

How to Choose the Right Program for You

Quick Program Selection Guide

Choose Northern Kentucky University for affordability and accelerated completion.

NKU’s Master of Science in Health Informatics offers exceptional value at $19,800 total tuition with 12-month completion possibility. The 100% online program provides maximum flexibility with multiple start dates, 2.5 GPA minimum requirement, and comprehensive curriculum covering AI, data visualization, and electronic health records. Ideal for working professionals seeking rapid career advancement.

Select University of Kentucky for ICT leadership and dual degree opportunities.

UK’s Online Master’s in ICT with Health concentration emphasizes technology leadership in healthcare settings with no GRE requirement, asynchronous classes, and lower online tuition rates. The 36-credit program offers health-specific electives, practicum experience, and options for dual degrees or graduate certificates, perfect for professionals seeking ICT management roles.

Consider Eastern Kentucky University for CAHIIM accreditation and RHIA preparation.

EKU’s Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration with Health Informatics concentration provides the only CAHIIM-accredited undergraduate option in Kentucky. The campus-based program includes professional practice experience, RHIA exam preparation, and comprehensive health data analytics training with 122 total credit hours.

Program Levels and Educational Pathways

Bachelor’s Level Programs

Northern Kentucky University: Offers a campus-based Health Informatics undergraduate program that merges healthcare knowledge with IT, project management, and data analytics. The program emphasizes big data applications in healthcare decision-making with flexible online course options and experienced faculty with industry connections.

Eastern Kentucky University: Provides a specialized Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration with Health Informatics and Information Management concentration. This CAHIIM-accredited program (122 credit hours) includes professional practice components and prepares students for RHIA certification with comprehensive health data analytics training.

Master’s Level Programs

Kentucky offers three distinct master’s-level approaches:

Northern Kentucky University (33 credit hours): 100% online Master of Science in Health Informatics focusing on healthcare technology revolution and data management. Covers AI, data visualization, electronic health records, and clinical informatics with capstone project experience.

University of Kentucky (36 credit hours): Online Master’s in ICT with Health concentration emphasizing IT management in healthcare settings. Includes 15 core course hours, health-specific electives, practicum experience, and options for dual degrees or graduate certificates.

Eastern Kentucky University: While primarily offering bachelor’s level training, provides comprehensive foundation for graduate study through CAHIIM-accredited curriculum and professional practice experience.

Admission Requirements and Accessibility

Entrance Exam Policies

Kentucky programs demonstrate strong commitment to accessibility:

• Northern Kentucky University: No entrance exam mentioned, 2.5 GPA minimum
• University of Kentucky: No GRE required for admission
• Eastern Kentucky University: Standard undergraduate admission criteria plus program-specific requirements

GPA Requirements and Academic Standards

• Northern Kentucky University: 2.5 GPA minimum for master’s program
• Eastern Kentucky University: 2.75 GPA required plus successful completion of pre-HCA courses with C or better
• University of Kentucky: GPA requirements not specified but generally accessible

Program-Specific Requirements

Eastern Kentucky University: Most rigorous with specific prerequisites including:

• 75% completion of general education requirements
• Successful completion of pre-HCA courses
• Minimum grade requirements for prerequisite coursework

Northern Kentucky University: Streamlined admission process designed for working professionals University of Kentucky: Flexible admission designed for technology professionals

Cost Analysis: Investment and Value

Exceptional Value Proposition

Northern Kentucky University: Outstanding value at $19,800 total tuition for complete master’s degree, representing one of the most affordable health informatics master’s programs available.

University of Kentucky: Features lower online tuition rates compared to traditional programs, with additional value through dual degree and certificate options.

Eastern Kentucky University: Public university pricing for comprehensive 122-credit bachelor’s program with CAHIIM accreditation and professional practice experience.

Return on Investment Considerations

All Kentucky programs offer public university pricing with strong career preparation:

• CAHIIM accreditation (EKU) ensures professional recognition and certification eligibility
• Rapid completion options (NKU’s 12-month possibility) minimize opportunity costs
• Practical focus across all programs ensures immediate industry applicability

Hidden Costs and Living Expenses

Kentucky’s low cost of living enhances the value proposition, particularly for campus-based programs. Online options eliminate commuting and housing costs while maintaining program quality.

Program Formats and Scheduling Flexibility

Comprehensive Online Learning

Northern Kentucky University: 100% online delivery with multiple start dates, designed specifically for working professionals with comprehensive healthcare IT curriculum.

University of Kentucky: Entirely online format with asynchronous classes providing maximum scheduling flexibility for working students.

Campus-Based with Online Components

Northern Kentucky University: Campus-based bachelor’s program offers flexibility through online course options while maintaining industry connections and faculty interaction.

Eastern Kentucky University: Traditional campus-based learning with comprehensive hands-on experience and professional practice components.

Accelerated and Flexible Completion

• Northern Kentucky University: As few as 12 months completion for master’s program
• Multiple start dates: Available for maximum scheduling flexibility
• Asynchronous learning: Accommodates diverse professional schedules

Specialization Areas and Career Focus

Clinical Informatics and Healthcare Technology

Northern Kentucky University: Comprehensive coverage of AI, data visualization, electronic health records, and clinical informatics with emphasis on healthcare innovation and technology revolution.

Health Information Management and Administration

Eastern Kentucky University: Specialized focus on health care administration combined with informatics, including health data analytics, medical terminology, and health care reimbursement systems.

ICT Leadership and Technology Management

University of Kentucky: Emphasis on information and communication technology leadership in healthcare settings, including electronic health resources, medical informatics, and data science applications.

Data Analytics and Big Data Applications

All programs address essential areas including:

• Big data in healthcare decision-making (NKU undergraduate)
• Health data analytics and management systems (EKU)
• Data science and visualization (UK and NKU)
• Project management and leadership skills across programs

Final Recommendations

Consider your career stage, certification needs, learning preferences, and timeline when making your decision.

NKU provides outstanding value and flexibility, UK offers ICT leadership focus with dual options, and EKU ensures professional accreditation with comprehensive training. informatics.