Pennsylvania Health Informatics Degree Programs

Pennsylvania’s healthcare industry drives nearly $190 billion in economic activity and supports 1 in 9 jobs statewide.

Leading EHR systems (Epic, Oracle Health/Cerner, MEDITECH) and HIE initiatives like HealthShare Exchange create high demand for professionals skilled in interoperability, data integrity, and HIPAA-compliant information exchange.

However, the Commonwealth faces acute workforce shortages:

• over 20,000 RNs projected to be needed by 2026
• 55 of 67 counties designated as HPSAs or MUAs

All of which makes informatics solutions essential for optimizing staffing, workflows, and resource allocation.

Pennsylvania universities are developing future informatics leaders through programs such as the following.

States Nearby

Check out even more programs in states near PA.

• New York
• Delaware
• Connecticut

How to Choose the Best Program for You

Quick Take

Choose University of Pittsburgh for research excellence and comprehensive STEM education. Pitt’s nationally ranked #4 program offers multiple tracks, full online flexibility, and strong data science focus. The 36-credit program serves both full-time students (12-16 months) and working professionals (2 years part-time) with no entrance exam requirements.

Select Saint Joseph’s University for dual-degree value and healthcare network access. Their unique dual Master’s programs combine health informatics with business intelligence or health administration. With 7 years average student experience, small class sizes, and Philadelphia healthcare connections, these programs suit experienced professionals seeking leadership roles.

Consider University of Scranton for CAHIIM-accredited education at lowest cost. At $757 per credit for 33 credits (~$25,000 total), Scranton provides excellent value with flexible start dates, no GRE requirements, and optional Data Analytics specialization. Ideal for budget-conscious students seeking accredited credentials.

Choose Temple University for interdisciplinary flexibility and urban opportunities. Their 36-credit MSHI program offers both online and in-person formats with optional GRE, CAHIIM accreditation, and project/thesis track options. Strong for students wanting traditional university experience with career flexibility.

Select Carnegie Mellon for cutting-edge technology and AI/ML expertise. Their STEM-designated MSHCA program focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data mining applications in healthcare. Premium investment for students pursuing advanced technical roles and innovation leadership.

Consider Duquesne University for guaranteed employment outcomes. With 100% job placement rate, $75,000 median salary, and 16-month completion, their CAHME-accredited MHA with Health Informatics concentration provides excellent ROI for healthcare administrators.

Continue below for detailed analysis.

Program Levels and Educational Pathways

Bachelor’s Level Foundation

University of Pittsburgh offers the only bachelor’s program in the state—a STEM-designated, 60-credit, 2-year program with 100% graduation rate and 94% employment outcomes. The program includes clinical rotations and prepares students for the Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) exam, providing direct entry into the healthcare informatics workforce.

Master’s Level Specializations

Programs range from 33-48 credits with diverse specialization options. University of Pittsburgh leads with four unique tracks including Data Science and Health Services Analytics. Saint Joseph’s offers innovative dual-degree combinations (MHI/MBA, MHI/MHA), while specialized programs like Temple’s CAHIIM-accredited curriculum and Scranton’s ethics-focused approach serve different professional needs.

Micro-Credentials and Certificates

Duquesne University provides a 12-credit Health Informatics and Data Analytics micro-credential that applies toward full degree completion. This pathway allows professionals to test program fit and gain immediate skills while preserving option for full degree advancement.

Professional Development Tracks

Programs distinguish between professional advancement (Saint Joseph’s, Duquesne) and academic preparation (Carnegie Mellon, Temple thesis track). Professional tracks emphasize leadership, project management, and system implementation, while academic tracks focus on research methods and theoretical foundations.

Admission Requirements and Accessibility

Entrance Exam Elimination

Most programs have eliminated GRE/GMAT requirements. Scranton, Slippery Rock, Saint Joseph’s, and Duquesne explicitly require no entrance exams. Temple makes GRE optional. This trend removes barriers for working professionals and career changers while emphasizing professional experience and academic performance.

GPA Standards and Flexibility

Requirements range from 3.0-3.25, with most programs at 3.0 minimum. Saint Joseph’s dual degrees require 3.25 GPA, reflecting their competitive nature and experienced student body. Slippery Rock requires 3.0 minimum with $25 application fee, demonstrating commitment to accessibility.

Experience Requirements and Career Diversity

Saint Joseph’s programs average 7 years student experience with 2-year minimum recommendation. Other programs welcome career changers and new graduates. This diversity allows both career advancement and career transition pathways within the same geographic region.

Transfer Credit Opportunities

PCOM accepts up to 9 transfer credits with 25% tuition reduction for PharmD students. Scranton accepts up to 6 transfer credits. These policies reduce time-to-completion and total program costs for qualified students.

Cost Analysis: Investment and Value

Pennsylvania’s health informatics programs offer excellent value across different price points, with clear ROI indicators for career advancement.

Budget-Conscious Excellence

University of Scranton leads at $757 per credit (total ~$25,000), providing CAHIIM accreditation, Jesuit values education, and flexible scheduling. This represents exceptional value for accredited health informatics education.

Mid-Range Professional Programs

Saint Joseph’s dual degrees at $1,192-$1,240 per credit offer comprehensive leadership training with strong healthcare networks. Total investment of $40,000-$60,000 provides dual credentials and 7-year average experience cohort networking.

Premium Investment Options

Carnegie Mellon represents premium pricing for STEM-designated education focusing on AI/ML applications. While specific costs aren’t detailed, the investment supports cutting-edge technology training and research university prestige.

ROI and Employment Outcomes

Duquesne University demonstrates clear ROI with 100% job placement and $75,000 median starting salary. University of Pittsburgh’s 94% employment rate and STEM designation provide strong career prospects. These outcomes justify program investments across price ranges.

Financial Aid and Discounts

Multiple programs offer financial assistance: PCOM provides 25% tuition reduction for PharmD students and 10% spouse discounts, Saint Joseph’s offers 10% alumni discounts, and military-friendly programs provide additional support for veterans.

Program Formats and Scheduling Flexibility

Comprehensive Online Excellence

Saint Joseph’s, Scranton, Slippery Rock, Duquesne, Jefferson, and PCOM offer complete online education. These programs serve working professionals nationwide while maintaining Pennsylvania-based healthcare industry connections and internship opportunities.

Hybrid Learning Innovation

Saint Joseph’s dual MHA/MHI program combines online coursework with on-campus intensives, providing flexibility while ensuring hands-on experience with simulated healthcare environments and electronic health record training.

Accelerated Completion Options

Slippery Rock offers 12-month completion, Duquesne provides 16-month programs, and University of Pittsburgh enables 12-16 month full-time completion. These options serve professionals needing rapid credential advancement.

Multiple Start Dates and Flexibility

Scranton offers three start dates annually (fall, winter, spring), Slippery Rock provides similar flexibility, and most programs accommodate both full-time and part-time schedules to serve diverse professional needs.

Part-Time Professional Accommodation

University of Pittsburgh designs 2-year part-time options, while most programs explicitly accommodate working professionals with evening classes, weekend intensives, and asynchronous online components.

Specialization Areas and Career Focus

Data Science and Analytics Excellence

University of Pittsburgh’s Data Science track emphasizes R programming, Python, and advanced healthcare analytics. Scranton’s Data Analytics specialization and Jefferson’s statistical modeling focus provide comprehensive quantitative skills for evidence-based healthcare improvement.

Healthcare Administration and Leadership

Saint Joseph’s dual MHA/MHI program and Duquesne’s MHA with Health Informatics concentration prepare students for executive roles combining technology expertise with healthcare management. These programs emphasize strategic leadership and organizational change management.

Clinical Informatics and Patient Care

University of Pittsburgh’s Health Services Analytics track blends clinical, fiscal, and administrative knowledge. Temple’s CAHIIM-accredited program includes clinical rotation options and project-based learning focused on direct patient care improvement.

Technology Integration and Innovation

Carnegie Mellon’s focus on AI, machine learning, and data mining represents the most advanced technical training available. Harrisburg University emphasizes healthcare IT systems, while PCOM focuses on project and change management for technology implementation.

Ethics and Governance Leadership

University of Scranton’s Jesuit values foundation emphasizes ethical leadership in health informatics. Programs address legal and regulatory compliance, privacy protection, and ethical decision-making in healthcare technology.

Business Intelligence and Enterprise Systems

Saint Joseph’s SAS-certified Business Intelligence track and Duquesne’s Tableau-focused curriculum prepare students for enterprise-level analytics and decision support systems in large healthcare organizations.

Hands-On Experience and Industry Connections

Philadelphia Healthcare Network Access

Saint Joseph’s University leverages extensive Philadelphia healthcare connections for internships, networking, and employment opportunities. The region’s concentration of major health systems provides diverse clinical informatics experience.

Simulated Learning Environments

Saint Joseph’s programs feature simulated healthcare environments for hands-on electronic health record training and workflow optimization experience. This practical training bridges academic learning with real-world application.

Clinical Rotation Integration

University of Pittsburgh’s undergraduate program includes mandatory clinical rotations, while graduate programs offer optional clinical experience. Temple University provides similar clinical integration options for students seeking direct healthcare exposure.

Capstone Project Requirements

Scranton, Jefferson, and Temple require capstone projects that often involve real healthcare organizations. These projects provide portfolio development opportunities and potential employment connections.

Professional Certification Preparation

University of Pittsburgh prepares students for CHDA certification, Saint Joseph’s includes SAS certification preparation, and CAHIIM-accredited programs ensure graduates meet industry credentialing standards.

Industry Partnership Benefits

PCOM’s collaboration with Harrisburg University provides shared resources and expertise. Duquesne’s CAHME accreditation ensures strong connections with healthcare administration employers.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

CAHIIM Accreditation Excellence

Temple University and University of Scranton maintain CAHIIM accreditation, ensuring curriculum meets Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education standards. This accreditation enhances employment prospects and professional credibility.

STEM Designation Benefits

University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon programs carry STEM designation, providing international students with extended Optional Practical Training opportunities and potential access to additional funding sources.

CAHME Recognition

Duquesne University’s CAHME accreditation for their MHA program ensures recognition by Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, enhancing credibility for healthcare administration roles.

University System Quality

Programs within established university systems benefit from institutional quality standards, research infrastructure, and academic reputation that enhance graduate employment prospects.

Making Your Decision: Essential Evaluation Criteria

Budget and ROI Analysis

Consider total program costs against career advancement potential. Scranton provides excellent value at $25,000 total cost. Saint Joseph’s dual degrees justify higher investment through leadership preparation and networking. Duquesne’s demonstrated employment outcomes support program investment decisions.

Schedule and Format Compatibility

Assess your ability to balance work and education commitments. Pennsylvania programs excel in flexibility, with most offering complete online options and part-time accommodations for working professionals.

Location and Industry Access

Consider proximity to Pennsylvania’s major healthcare markets in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. These regions provide internship opportunities, networking access, and employment prospects that enhance educational investment value.

Specialization Interest and Technical Depth

Evaluate your interest in technical depth versus management focus. Carnegie Mellon and Pitt provide strongest technical preparation, while Saint Joseph’s and Duquesne emphasize leadership and administration.

Emerging Trends and Future Considerations

Artificial Intelligence Integration

Carnegie Mellon leads in AI/ML applications for healthcare, while other programs increasingly incorporate machine learning concepts. Pennsylvania’s growing technology sector creates opportunities for graduates with AI expertise.

Telehealth and Digital Health Innovation

COVID-19 accelerated digital health adoption, creating opportunities for graduates skilled in telehealth platforms, remote monitoring, and digital therapeutics. Programs emphasize these emerging technologies in curriculum updates.

Healthcare Data Security and Privacy

Growing cybersecurity threats to healthcare create demand for professionals skilled in data protection, privacy compliance, and risk management. Programs increasingly address these critical competencies.

Population Health and Analytics

Value-based care models increase demand for professionals skilled in population health analytics, quality measurement, and outcome improvement. Pennsylvania programs align curriculum with these healthcare transformation trends.

What Kind of a Job Can You Get with a Health Informatics Degree in PA?

Pennsylvania’s diverse healthcare ecosystem, anchored by major academic medical centers and health systems, offers exceptional opportunities for health informatics professionals across the spectrum from data analytics to clinical leadership. The state’s concentration of leading hospitals and research institutions creates a competitive market for top-tier informatics talent.

Below are some of the types of opportunities available, along with required qualifications.

Clinical Experience and Healthcare Domain Knowledge

Nursing and Clinical Background Requirements

UPMC (Pittsburgh) seeks Informatics Nurse I positions requiring nursing experience combined with informatics expertise, emphasizing participation in project teams, research activities, and professional development. The role involves liaison work between end users and the informatics division while supporting continuous improvement projects and eRecord maintenance.

Jefferson Health requires BSN with Master’s degree preferred for their Senior Clinical Informatics Specialist positions, mandating 2+ years nursing experience plus 5+ years informatics experience. Highmark Health (Pittsburgh) requires Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with current PA RN licensure and 3-5 years EHR experience in clinical capacity, preferring Epic experience and ED/ICU/OB backgrounds.

Medical Degree and Board Certification Requirements

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 position. The role demands expertise in clinical informatics with special weight given to advanced training including fellowships, master’s degrees, or PhD certifications, particularly favoring active Epic EHR certifications.

Specialized Clinical Knowledge

Jefferson Health (Williamsport) offers $80K-$120K for Pharmacy Data Informatics Managers requiring BS in Pharmacy with advanced degree preferred, plus at least 3 years hospital pharmacy and information systems experience. Penn State College of Medicine (Hershey) seeks Postdoctoral Scholars requiring PhD in statistics/biostatistics, public health, bioinformatics, computer science, or MD with big data experience.

Technical Skills and Data Analytics Expertise

Advanced Programming and Analytics Requirements

Siemens Healthineers (Malvern) offers $89K-$134K for Health Informatics Analysts requiring Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, or statistics with 3-5 years demonstrated analytics experience. The role emphasizes Microsoft SQL, Azure Data Warehouse, Snowflake, and modern programming languages like Python, R, or Java.

Jefferson Health requires advanced capabilities with Microsoft Office Applications, proficiency with data analytics tools (Qlik, Tableau, Power BI), and strong understanding of relational database fundamentals for their pharmacy data roles.

EHR System Expertise and Specializations

Greater Philadelphia Health Action mandates NextGen experience for their Senior Clinical Informatics Specialist positions, requiring minimum 5 years supporting NextGen electronic health records and practice management systems. Highmark Health prefers Epic experience for clinical informatics roles.

Spectrum Health Services (Philadelphia) requires Master’s degree in Health Information Technology with working knowledge of all health center data applications, emphasizing AthenaNet and population health management system i2i experience.

Compensation and Salary Ranges

Entry to Mid-Level Positions

• JRG Partners (Philadelphia): $80,000-$120,000 (Clinical Informatics Specialist)
• Jefferson Health (Williamsport): $80K-$120K (Pharmacy Data Informatics Manager)
• Siemens Healthineers (Malvern): $89K-$134K (Health Informatics Analyst)

Senior and Leadership Roles

JRG Partners emphasizes total compensation potential ranging from $90,000-$150,000 annually including performance bonuses (5-20% of base salary), comprehensive health benefits, and professional development opportunities. Senior positions at larger healthcare institutions offer potential for higher earnings with long-term incentive plans.

Academic and Research Positions

University of Pennsylvania offers associate professor level compensation for their Associate Chief Health Informatics Officer position with 60-70% protected time for clinical informatics activities. Penn State College of Medicine provides one-year limited-term postdoctoral appointments with opportunities for independent grant support development.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

Siemens Healthineers requires Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, statistics, or related field with advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or Health Informatics preferred. Spectrum Health Services mandates Bachelor’s degree in related field with Master’s degree in Health Information Technology required.

Greater Philadelphia Health Action requires Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare, Health Information Management, or clinical fields such as Nursing, emphasizing ambulatory clinical practices knowledge and primary care office operations understanding.

Advanced Degree Preferences and Requirements

Spectrum Health Services specifically requires Master’s degree in Health Information Technology, not just preferring it. University of Pennsylvania mandates M.D. or equivalent degree with advanced training in clinical informatics, human computer interaction, computer science, implementation science, user-centered design, biostatistics, epidemiology, or population health.

Penn State College of Medicine requires PhD in statistics/biostatistics, public/population health, bioinformatics, computer science, or MD (or MD, MPH) with big data experience, emphasizing strong scientific writing skills demonstrated by publications.

Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities

Healthcare Technology and Medical Device Integration

Siemens Healthineers offers unique opportunities combining healthcare technology with medical device expertise, requiring understanding of how medical and IT technology enables processes and improves patient care delivery workflows. The role involves analyzing customer raw data extracts, developing business intelligence tools, and supporting pre-sales activities.

Academic Medicine and Research Integration

University of Pennsylvania provides opportunities in pediatric healthcare informatics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, involving teaching medical students, residents, and fellows while conducting groundbreaking research in EHR program governance and pediatric health improvement projects.

Penn State College of Medicine offers research-focused opportunities developing prediction models for stroke using electronic health record data enriched with social determinants of health, requiring familiarity with R and programming languages like Python, Perl, C++, Java, or MATLAB.

Quality Improvement and Population Health

Spectrum Health Services emphasizes quality improvement and population health management, requiring experience in data management, quality data analysis, and delivery of high-quality reports for internal departments and external agencies. The role involves coordinating HIM Committee activities and serving as liaison between user groups and clinical information systems providers.

Pharmaceutical and Supply Chain Integration

Jefferson Health provides specialized opportunities combining pharmacy expertise with data analytics, requiring understanding of EHRs, dispensing & claims databases, pharmaceutical & biotech companies, third party payers, and healthcare datasets. The role emphasizes machine learning, predictive modeling, and natural language processing applications.

Specialized Role Functions

Clinical Workflow Optimization and Process Improvement

UPMC emphasizes continuous improvement projects and eRecord maintenance, requiring participation in research activities, abstract submissions for conferences, and community engagement. The role involves mentorship at unit/department levels and maintaining partnerships with end users for quality improvement feedback.

Highmark Health focuses on clinical process redesign and consultative services for electronic health records, requiring translation between IT and clinicians while conducting current and future state analyses with stakeholders.

Training and Education Leadership

Greater Philadelphia Health Action requires minimum 2 years experience creating and maintaining training plans for organization, EHR, and quality improvement objectives. The role demands ability to communicate and conduct effective training to diverse populations with exceptional oral and written communication skills.

Highmark Health emphasizes development of educational materials and conducting training sessions, requiring travel to ambulatory and inpatient facilities for staff meetings and implementation support.

Enterprise Technology Leadership and Innovation

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. The role requires experience conceiving and leading enterprise-wide technology initiatives from inception through outcome evaluation.

Siemens Healthineers emphasizes innovation in healthcare technology, requiring flexibility to learn new software and up to 15% travel for customer site work, focusing on driving efficiency and effectiveness in hospital processes while improving quality and reducing costs.

Research and Data Science Applications

Penn State College of Medicine focuses on NIH-funded stroke prediction research using multi-institutional electronic health record data, requiring attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability for independent learning in dynamic environments while contributing to collaborative projects.

Jefferson Health emphasizes advanced analytics techniques including machine learning, predictive modeling, and natural language processing for healthcare trend forecasting and resource utilization optimization.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

JRG Partners emphasizes ensuring clinical informatics systems comply with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA, requiring deep understanding of industry regulations and compliance standards while implementing robust security measures for patient data protection.

Spectrum Health Services requires demonstration of technical expertise for state, federal, and externally mandated reporting to fulfill compliance requirements, maintaining confidentiality and respect for diverse populations.