New Jersey Health Informatics Degree Programs

The Need for Health Informatics Specialists in New Jersey

New Jersey’s healthcare sector is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, contributing $31.4 billion and supporting nearly 160,000 jobs in 2022.

Widespread EHR adoption underscores the need for informatics expertise:

• Major vendors—Epic Systems, Oracle Health (Cerner), and MEDITECH—dominate both national and New Jersey hospital markets.
• The New Jersey Health Information Network (NJHIN) enables secure statewide exchange of patient data, including admission/discharge/transfer alerts and Continuity of Care Documents (CCDs), requiring strong interoperability, data management, and cybersecurity skills.

However, the Garden State faces critical workforce shortages, including:

• An 11 % decline in new enrollees in pre-licensure RN programs from 2021 to 2023, exacerbating the nursing shortage.
• Growing demand for primary care physicians and specialists, driving the need for informatics solutions to optimize care delivery, reduce provider burnout, and allocate resources efficiently.

As the Garden State continues to advance its healthcare infrastructure, the demand for skilled health informatics professionals is escalating.

New Jersey offers a focused collection of high-quality health informatics programs that leverage the state’s unique advantages in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

States Nearby

For additional education options, check out the schools in these adjoining states:

• New York
• Connecticut
• Pennsylvania

How to Choose the Best Program for You

Master’s Level Programs

Rutgers University leads with two locations (New Brunswick and Newark) offering identical 36-credit programs, while Fairleigh Dickinson University provides programs at both Florham and Metropolitan campuses with hybrid learning formats. These programs typically require 32-42 credits and offer flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Public Health Integration

Stockton University’s Master of Public Health program represents New Jersey’s commitment to population health and health equity, focusing on addressing health disparities through data-driven approaches. This 42-credit program emphasizes the intersection of public health and informatics, preparing students for careers in community health, epidemiology, and health policy.

Healthcare Administration Convergence

Seton Hall University’s CAHME-accredited Master of Healthcare Administration program, ranked in the top 50 nationally, demonstrates how healthcare management and informatics increasingly overlap. This 42-credit program prepares students for executive roles where informatics knowledge is essential for strategic decision-making.

Admission Requirements and Accessibility

Entrance Exam Policies

Almost all New Jersey programs have eliminated entrance exam requirements, making them more accessible to working professionals and career changers. This trend reflects the field’s recognition that professional experience and motivation often predict success better than standardized test scores.

GPA Requirements and Academic Standards

Requirements range from 2.75-3.0, with most programs at the 3.0 level. Rutgers programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA, while Fairleigh Dickinson programs accept students with 2.75 GPAs, providing options for students with varying academic backgrounds.

Prerequisites and Background Requirements

Vary by program focus. Stockton University’s MPH program requires biology and statistics prerequisites, while Rutgers programs welcome students without programming backgrounds and provide necessary technical training. This flexibility allows career changers from diverse fields to enter health informatics.

Application Requirements

Generally straightforward, requiring bachelor’s degrees, transcripts, personal statements, and recommendation letters. The streamlined application processes reflect New Jersey programs’ focus on attracting working professionals who may not have time for complex admission procedures.

ost Analysis: Value Proposition in New Jersey

New Jersey’s programs offer compelling value propositions, particularly when considering the state’s proximity to high-salary markets.

Public University Value

Rutgers University programs provide exceptional value as part of the state university system. While specific tuition rates aren’t detailed in the program descriptions, public university pricing typically offers significant savings compared to private alternatives, especially for New Jersey residents.

Private University Investment

Fairleigh Dickinson University programs represent mid-tier private education costs, while Seton Hall University offers premium private education with strong outcomes. The 96% job placement rate within three months of graduation from Seton Hall’s program demonstrates strong return on investment potential.

Hidden Value Factors

Seton Hall’s 25% tuition discount for eligible full-time employees enhances accessibility, while the extensive alumni network of 1,600+ professionals provides valuable networking opportunities that can accelerate career advancement and salary growth.

Geographic Cost Advantage

Living in New Jersey while accessing job markets in New York City and Philadelphia provides cost advantages. Students can benefit from lower housing and living costs while maintaining access to high-paying positions in major metropolitan areas.

Program Formats and Scheduling Flexibility

Online and Hybrid Learning Excellence

Most programs offer online or hybrid formats accommodating working schedules. Rutgers programs provide both online and on-campus options, while Fairleigh Dickinson emphasizes hybrid learning that combines online convenience with in-person engagement. This flexibility is crucial for professionals working in New Jersey’s demanding healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

Accelerated and Part-Time Options

Rutgers programs offer both full-time completion in 18 months and part-time options for extended study. This flexibility allows students to balance educational goals with career responsibilities and personal commitments.

Professional-Friendly Scheduling

Programs are designed with working professionals in mind, recognizing that many students are advancing their careers rather than changing fields entirely. Evening classes, weekend intensives, and asynchronous online components accommodate demanding work schedules.

Specialization Areas and Career Focus

Healthcare Analytics and Data Science

Rutgers programs emphasize AI, machine learning, and data science applications in healthcare. These STEM-designated programs prepare students for high-demand roles in clinical data analysis, health technology companies, and pharmaceutical research. The focus on advanced analytics reflects the growing importance of data-driven decision making in healthcare.

Health Information Technology and Systems

Fairleigh Dickinson programs focus on the intersection of healthcare and information technology, emphasizing legal, ethical, and managerial challenges. This approach prepares students for roles in health IT implementation, system management, and healthcare technology consulting.

Public Health Informatics and Population Health

Stockton University’s MPH program addresses health equity and social justice through data-driven approaches. This specialization prepares students for careers in public health agencies, community health organizations, and policy-focused roles that use informatics to address population health challenges.

Healthcare Management and Leadership

Seton Hall’s MHA program prepares students for executive roles where informatics knowledge is increasingly essential. This approach recognizes that healthcare leaders must understand technology to make strategic decisions about system implementations, workflow optimization, and organizational transformation.

Industry Connections and Practical Experience

New Jersey’s programs leverage the state’s rich healthcare and pharmaceutical ecosystem to provide exceptional practical learning opportunities.

Pharmaceutical Industry Access

New Jersey’s concentration of pharmaceutical companies creates unique internship and research opportunities. Students can gain experience in drug development informatics, clinical trial data management, regulatory compliance systems, and pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.

Healthcare System Partnerships

Programs maintain relationships with major healthcare systems throughout New Jersey and neighboring states. These partnerships provide internship opportunities, capstone project sites, and direct pathways to employment upon graduation.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

Rutgers University’s research infrastructure provides access to cutting-edge projects in health informatics, while the state’s proximity to major research institutions in New York and Philadelphia expands research collaboration opportunities.

Professional Network Development

Seton Hall’s 1,600+ alumni network demonstrates the power of professional connections in career advancement. Smaller state programs often provide more intimate networking opportunities with stronger alumni relationships.

Faculty Expertise and Program Quality

New Jersey’s programs benefit from faculty with diverse backgrounds reflecting the state’s healthcare industry diversity.

Industry Practitioner Faculty

Programs emphasize faculty with current industry experience in pharmaceutical companies, healthcare systems, and technology firms. This practitioner focus ensures curriculum relevance and provides students with current industry insights and networking opportunities.

Research Faculty and Academic Excellence

Rutgers programs benefit from the university’s research infrastructure and faculty engaged in cutting-edge health informatics research. This academic excellence provides students with access to current research findings and publication opportunities.

Geographic Faculty Advantages

New Jersey’s location allows programs to attract faculty from New York City, Philadelphia, and local healthcare organizations, creating diverse perspectives and extensive industry connections.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

Program accreditation ensures educational quality and impacts employment opportunities.

CAHME Accreditation Excellence

Seton Hall University’s CAHME (Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education) accreditation for their MHA program ensures recognition within healthcare management education and may be required for certain executive positions.

STEM Designation Benefits

Rutgers programs carry STEM designation, providing valuable advantages particularly for international students including extended Optional Practical Training opportunities and potential qualification for certain scholarships and grants.

Regional Accreditation Standards

All programs operate under Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation, ensuring overall institutional quality and credit transferability.

Professional Recognition

Program rankings and recognition, such as Seton Hall’s top 50 national ranking and Rutgers’ top 10 health informatics program recognition, indicate quality and industry respect.

What Jobs Can You Get with Health Informatics Degree in NJ?

New Jersey’s robust healthcare ecosystem offers exceptional opportunities for health informatics professionals, from clinical informatics specialists to executive leadership roles. The state’s proximity to major metropolitan areas and concentration of leading health systems creates a competitive market for top talent.

Here is a look at what some employers are looking for.

Clinical Experience and Healthcare Domain Knowledge

Nursing and Clinical Background Requirements

RWJBarnabas Health requires RN licensure with current New Jersey credentials for their Clinical Informatics Specialist II positions ($91,472-$129,204), emphasizing 3+ years of clinical experience with progressive leadership responsibilities and 1-2 years relevant informatics experience. The organization seeks professionals who can integrate clinical science with multiple information management and analytical sciences.

Baylor Scott & White Health (Hackettstown) requires current state licensure as a Registered Nurse for their Manager, Informatics position, mandating 6 years of healthcare experience including quality/process improvement experience. The role focuses on managing Meaningful Use program requirements and clinical informatics initiatives.

Physician Leadership in Informatics

Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health (Cherry Hill Township) seeks Associate Chief Medical Informatics Officers requiring MD or DO degrees with board certification in ABMS medical specialties. The position demands minimum 5 years of clinical work experience as an attending physician with at least 3 years of demonstrated leadership experience in EHR management and informatics.

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) requires M.D. or equivalent degree with board certification or eligibility in Clinical Informatics (ABPM) for their Associate Chief Health Informatics Officer role, emphasizing expertise in clinical informatics with special weight given to advanced training such as fellowships, master’s degrees, or PhD certifications.

Pharmacy and Specialized Clinical Knowledge

AtlantiCare (Tuckerton) offers $80K-$120K for Pharmacy Informatics Managers requiring pharmacy school graduation, current New Jersey pharmacist licensure, minimum 3 years informatics experience, and 1 year operational pharmacy experience. St. Joseph’s Health (Paterson) pays $42.02-$65.13/hour for Pharmacy Informatics Applications Analyst II positions emphasizing medication system workflows and database management.

Technical Skills and Certifications

Epic System Expertise and EHR Proficiency

RWJBarnabas Health mandates Epic certification maintenance according to department requirements across all clinical informatics positions. Their Clinical Informatics Rep I roles ($75,597-$106,780) require Epic certification with responsibilities for operational support, customer education, and clinical change implementation.

University of Pennsylvania strongly prefers active and relevant Epic EHR certifications for their Associate Chief Health Informatics Officer position, emphasizing 60-70% protected time for clinical informatics activities overseeing ambulatory EHR operations.

Advanced Data Analytics and Programming Skills

Rutgers University (New Brunswick) requires advanced knowledge of data management using MS Access, Excel, SQL, Python, R, and Tableau for their Medicaid Data Analyst positions. The role demands minimum 5 years of professional experience querying, analyzing, and reporting on complex healthcare datasets using Access, SAS, SQL, or SAP BI.

Hackensack Meridian Health emphasizes data science tools and informatics utilization for their Clinical Informatics Engineer positions, focusing on decision-making clarity and practical performance improvements through framework development for data governance and self-service dashboards.

Compensation and Salary Ranges

Entry to Mid-Level Clinical Positions

• RWJBarnabas Health Clinical Informatics Rep I: $75,597-$106,780
• RWJBarnabas Health Clinical Informatics Specialist II: $91,472-$129,204
• St. Joseph’s Health Pharmacy Informatics Applications Analyst II: $42.02-$65.13/hour

Management and Senior Roles

• AtlantiCare Pharmacy Informatics Manager: $80K-$120K
• Valley Health System Manager, Health Informatics (Paramus): Master’s level degree required with 2+ years staff management experience

Executive and Leadership Positions

Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health offers competitive compensation commensurate with education and experience for Associate Chief Medical Informatics Officer roles (0.7 FTE informatics, 0.3 FTE clinical). University of Pennsylvania provides associate professor level compensation for their Associate Chief Health Informatics Officer position with significant protected time for informatics activities.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

Rutgers University requires Bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines such as epidemiology, health informatics, policy analysis, public health, economics, engineering, computer science, or information security with minimum 5 years professional experience in complex healthcare data analysis.

Baylor Scott & White Health mandates Bachelor’s Degree in accredited Nursing Program, public health, health information technology, informatics, nursing, or related field for management positions.

Advanced Degree Preferences

Valley Health System (Paramus) requires Master’s Level Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Physician Assistant (PA) for their Manager, Health Informatics position, emphasizing clinical practice experience combined with informatics expertise.

Rutgers University prefers Master’s degree in relevant disciplines for senior analyst positions, particularly those with experience in complex hospital billing/EHR data, Medicaid/Medicare claims, and health utilization data analysis.

Medical Degree and Board Certification Requirements

Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health requires MD or DO degree with board certification in American Board of Medical Specialties medical specialty, preferring board certification in Medical Informatics or equivalent education. University of Pennsylvania mandates M.D. or equivalent degree with board certification or eligibility in Clinical Informatics (ABPM) or equivalent AMIA AHIC certification.

Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities

Healthcare Policy and Public Health Integration

Rutgers University offers unique opportunities combining health informatics with Medicaid policy analysis, requiring engagement in detailed research projects for DMAHS Director and senior management to inform NJ FamilyCare program direction. The role involves developing business intelligence tools, interactive dashboards, and standardized queries for performance metrics.

Academic Medicine and Research

University of Pennsylvania provides opportunities in pediatric healthcare informatics with teaching responsibilities for medical students, residents, and fellows, plus clinical responsibilities in outpatient pediatric practice. The role involves groundbreaking research, EHR program governance, and innovative pediatric health projects.

Quality Improvement and Operational Excellence

Hackensack Meridian Health emphasizes operational research analyses on clinical systems and workflows to coordinate and improve patient care delivery. The Senior Informatics Lead role involves creating frameworks for data governance, shared knowledge repositories, and partnerships with informatics training programs.

Enterprise Technology Leadership

Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health offers enterprise-wide technology leadership opportunities, requiring experience conceiving and leading technology-related change initiatives from inception through implementation and outcome evaluation. The role demands outstanding critical thinking, data-driven decision-making, and communication skills.

Specialized Role Functions

Clinical Workflow Optimization

RWJBarnabas Health emphasizes understanding relationships between clinical and health IT for optimal evidence-based practice delivery. Their Clinical Informatics Specialist II roles require proficiency in test script execution, troubleshooting, and documentation with minimal oversight.

AtlantiCare focuses on clinical project schedule development aligned with enterprise initiatives, standardizing clinical content, and evaluating emerging technologies for organizational strategy alignment.

Training and Education Leadership

Valley Health System requires development of formal onboarding/training curriculum for all new providers, overseeing training programs run by informaticists and clinical application specialists, and working with clinical leaders to determine training schedules.

RWJBarnabas Health provides proactive user support including training and education, acting as role models for professional practice including patient advocacy and ethical conduct.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

AtlantiCare emphasizes compliance initiative support ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and organizational policies, integrating professional standards and regulatory guidelines into EMR documentation and practices.

Rutgers University requires ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations while developing ad-hoc reports from state data warehouses and supporting healthcare quality improvement and cost containment initiatives.

Strategic Innovation and Technology Implementation

University of Pennsylvania seeks leaders who can incorporate digital transformation priorities including Epic Refuel modernization, intelligent automation through AI/ML solutions, and provider wellbeing initiatives to reduce burdensome EHR work.

Hackensack Meridian Health emphasizes creating programs for identifying and expanding talent-base through partnerships with informatics, data science, and machine learning training programs while contributing to scholarly work development.

New Jersey’s health informatics job market demonstrates exceptional demand for professionals who can bridge clinical expertise with advanced technology implementation. The state offers opportunities ranging from direct patient care support roles to executive leadership positions, with particular emphasis on Epic EHR expertise, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. Compensation varies significantly based on role complexity and educational requirements, with senior physician leadership positions offering the highest compensation packages combined with academic advancement opportunities.