Massachusetts Health Informatics Degree Programs

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.

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.