Virginia’s Healthcare: A Growing Sector Facing Workforce Needs, Supported by Digital Innovation
Virginia’s healthcare industry is a major economic driver, with hundreds of thousands of job postings in recent years reflecting its critical role in employment and stability.
Yet the Commonwealth grapples with a persistent nursing shortage—projected to need 87,130 RNs by 2030—and widespread physician gaps, especially in rural and underserved areas where nearly half of neighborhoods lack adequate primary care access.
Digital health solutions are playing an increasingly vital role:
- The Veterans Health Administration is rolling out its new federal EHR system across Virginia to create seamless, lifelong veteran health records.
- Virginia Health Information (VHI) connects over 445 organizations for secure, statewide data exchange—enhancing care coordination and reducing redundant testing.
To meet the demand for skilled informatics professionals, Virginia’s universities offer targeted programs equipping graduates to innovate and optimize care in Virginia’s digital health landscape.
2025 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Virginia
Looking for the best health informatics degree programs in Virginia? You're in the right place. At healthinformaticsdegree.org, we've done the homework to help you find top-notch programs that match your career goals. Whether you're starting fresh or aiming to advance in the health informatics field, our rankings spotlight schools that offer quality education, hands-on training, and strong job prospects. We understand how important it is to choose a program that fits your needs, which is why we've carefully evaluated each one. Curious about how we rank these programs? Check out our ranking methodology to see what factors we consider.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu
Bachelor's - B.S. in Informatics – Healthcare Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
Liberty University offers an online B.S. in Informatics with a Healthcare Informatics concentration, preparing students for the evolving healthcare technology sector. This program emphasizes health coding, classification, and enterprise systems, alongside foundational pharmacology. Its 100% online, 8-week course structure provides flexibility for students balancing other commitments. Notable for its affordability, with tuition rates frozen for nine years, and the option to transfer up to 75% of credits, it's a practical choice for aspiring health informatics professionals. The program is accredited by SACSCOC, ensuring a quality education without the need for ACT or SAT scores for admission.
- 100% online format.
- 8-week courses.
- Focus on healthcare informatics.
- Study health enterprise systems.
- Learn healthcare coding.
- Foundations of pharmacology.
- Flexible for busy professionals.
- No tuition increase for 9 years.
- Transfer up to 75% credits.
- SACSCOC accredited.
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
Liberty University's online Master of Science in Health Informatics is designed for professionals seeking to integrate healthcare with IT, focusing on improving patient care through advanced data management. This program stands out for its 100% online format, 8-week courses, and the ability to transfer up to 50% of credits, offering unparalleled flexibility. With no GRE required, a 3.0 GPA for admission, and military discounts, it's tailored for diverse learners. The curriculum covers database design, health policy, and public health research, preparing graduates for leadership roles in health informatics. Accredited by SACSCOC, it combines affordability with a robust educational framework.
- 42 credit hours.
- 100% online format.
- 8-week courses.
- Transfer up to 50% credits.
- No standardized testing for admission.
- 3.0 GPA required.
- Military tuition discount.
- Focus on database design.
- Health policy studies.
- Public health research methods.
Master's - Master of Arts in Medical Sciences – Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Informatics - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Master of Arts in Medical Sciences – Health Informatics at Liberty University is an innovative online program blending medical sciences with health informatics. It delves into human anatomy, biochemistry, and medical ethics, alongside specialized informatics training, ideal for those aiming to enhance healthcare through technology. The program's flexibility, with 8-week courses and up to 50% credit transfers, accommodates working professionals. Admission requires a 2.75 GPA, with no standardized tests, making it accessible. Financial aid and military discounts further ensure affordability. Graduates are equipped for data-driven roles in healthcare, supported by a curriculum accredited by SACSCOC.
- 100% online program.
- 8-week course format.
- Transfer up to 50% credits.
- Focus on health informatics.
- No standardized testing for admission.
- Affordable tuition rates.
- Military tuition discounts available.
- Prepares for medical professional schools.
- Covers anatomy and physiology.
- Includes biomedical science.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA - Public 4-Year - www2.gmu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
George Mason University offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics, a STEM-designated program that merges health sciences, information technology, and data science to address healthcare industry challenges. Designed for flexibility, students can choose between online and on-campus formats. The curriculum emphasizes health data management, healthcare IT applications, and project management, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in IT firms, hospitals, and public health. Admission aligns with university standards, requiring no specific entrance exam. With a 100% satisfaction rate, graduates excel in employment or further studies. The program is on track for CAHIIM accreditation by 2025, enhancing its value in the fast-growing health informatics field.
- STEM-designated program.
- Online and on-campus options.
- Pending CAHIIM accreditation.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum.
- 100% student satisfaction.
- Flexible study formats.
- High employment rate post-graduation.
- Accelerated BS to MS option.
- Expert faculty with industry experience.
- Hands-on internship opportunities.
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - nsu.edu
Master's - Master of Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
Norfolk State University offers an innovative online Master of Health Informatics program, tailored for professionals aiming to excel in healthcare data management. This 33-credit program emphasizes the practical application of electronic health records and health data analysis to enhance patient care outcomes. With a required 240-hour internship, students gain hands-on experience in tackling real-world healthcare data challenges. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in health informatics, focusing on data interoperability and accuracy. Admission is accessible with a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.8 GPA, and notably, the GRE is not required. This program is ideal for those seeking to advance their careers in the rapidly evolving field of health informatics.
- Fully online curriculum
- 33 credit hours total
- 240-hour internship required
- No GRE required
- Minimum 2.8 GPA
- Focuses on health data management
- Supported by Department of Health
- One in-person course (MHI 650)
2025 Most Affordable Health Informatics Programs in Virginia
Virginia offers promising opportunities for students pursuing health informatics at the master's level with several affordable programs across the state. Prospective students in cities like Richmond, Norfolk, and Arlington can find cost-effective educational pathways that prepare them for dynamic careers in healthcare technology. These programs focus on equipping professionals with essential skills in data management, healthcare systems, and technological innovation. Understanding the financial challenges many students face, these institutions prioritize accessible education that balances high-quality instruction with reasonable tuition rates. By investing in these programs, students can develop critical competencies in health information management without incurring overwhelming student debt, making advanced education more attainable for aspiring healthcare technology professionals.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty University |
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| Norfolk State University |
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List of Virginia Colleges With Health Informatics Degree Programs
Virginia offers several colleges with health informatics degree programs, each providing unique opportunities for students. These programs blend healthcare and information technology, preparing graduates for careers in this growing field. Below is a table listing schools in Virginia, their locations, program highlights, and links to more information. This guide helps you compare options and find the right fit for your education and career goals in health informatics.
Fairfax, VA
George Mason University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- STEM-designated program.
- Online and on-campus options.
- Pending CAHIIM accreditation.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum.
- 100% student satisfaction.
- Flexible study formats.
- High employment rate post-graduation.
- Accelerated BS to MS option.
Lynchburg, VA
Liberty University
- Bachelor's - B.S. in Informatics – Healthcare Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online format.
- 8-week courses.
- Focus on healthcare informatics.
- Study health enterprise systems.
- Learn healthcare coding.
- Foundations of pharmacology.
- Flexible for busy professionals.
- No tuition increase for 9 years.
- Master's - Master of Arts in Medical Sciences – Health Informatics
Concentration: Health Informatics - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program.
- 8-week course format.
- Transfer up to 50% credits.
- Focus on health informatics.
- No standardized testing for admission.
- Affordable tuition rates.
- Military tuition discounts available.
- Prepares for medical professional schools.
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 42 credit hours.
- 100% online format.
- 8-week courses.
- Transfer up to 50% credits.
- No standardized testing for admission.
- 3.0 GPA required.
- Military tuition discount.
- Focus on database design.
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk State University
- Master's - Master of Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online curriculum
- 33 credit hours total
- 240-hour internship required
- No GRE required
- Minimum 2.8 GPA
- Focuses on health data management
- Supported by Department of Health
- One in-person course (MHI 650)
What Jobs Can You Get With a Health Informatics Degree?
Explore the types of positions available in Virginia’s health informatics market—below is a concise overview of some recent job openings.
Job Market Key Findings:
- Salary ranges from $52.46/hour (clinical roles) to $231,540 annually (executive positions)
- Geographic distribution across Northern Virginia (federal focus), Richmond (state government/health systems), and Hampton Roads (regional networks)
- Education requirements span from RN licenses to Master’s degrees and federal experience
- Major employers include federal agencies (VA, DOD), health systems (UVA Health, Augusta Health), and consulting firms (CVS Health, Guidehouse)
Notable aspects of Virginia’s market include strong federal healthcare opportunities requiring security clearances, emphasis on clinical expertise combined with technical skills, and increasing remote work options. The state shows particular demand for Epic proficiency, VistA/CPRS expertise for VA systems, and leadership roles requiring both clinical and business acumen.
Clinical Systems Integration & Leadership
EHR Implementation and Optimization
Primary Employers: Williamsburg Landing (Williamsburg), Augusta Health (Fishersville), Elite WorkForce Inc (Richmond)
- Williamsburg Landing: Clinical Informatics and Staff Development Nurse role integrating EMR optimization with staff training ($67,800/year, full-time)
- Augusta Health: Clinical Informaticist III focusing on EHR redesign and quality improvement (salary not disclosed, full-time)
- Elite WorkForce Inc: Clinical Informatics Analyst for EHR implementation in corrections setting (12+ month contract, 4 days on-site)
Senior Clinical Informatics Leadership
Primary Employers: Veterans Health Administration (Salem), Intermountain Health (Salt Lake City), U.S. Department of Defense (Fort Belvoir)
- Veterans Health Administration: Associate Chief Health Informatics Officer for new facility opening (salary not disclosed, 8am-4:30pm)
- U.S. Department of Defense: Chief Health Informatics Officer leading Defense Health Network initiatives (federal position, Secret clearance required)
Specialized Clinical Informatics
VistA/CPRS Systems Expertise
Primary Employers: Dexian (Arlington)
- Health Informatics Specialist/Clinical Application Coordinator: 10+ years VistA and CPRS experience for VHA modernization (salary not disclosed, extensive technical focus)
Pharmacy Informatics
Primary Employers: UVA Health (Charlottesville), Tekfortune Inc (Virginia Beach – Remote)
- UVA Health: Pharmacist, Clinical Informatics and Medication Automation ($52.46-$83.94/hour, full-time)
- Tekfortune Inc: Clinical Informaticist (Pharmacist) with Epic Beacon/Willow expertise (contract, remote work)
Nursing Informatics and Education
Clinical Training and Development
Primary Employers: Bon Secours Mercy Health (Norfolk), Chesapeake Regional Healthcare (Chesapeake)
- Bon Secours Mercy Health: Informatics Nurse Specialist for Hampton Roads market (salary not disclosed, hybrid position)
- Chesapeake Regional Healthcare: Clinical Informaticist part-time role combining clinical and technical expertise (salary not disclosed, part-time)
Data Analytics and Public Health
Public Health Informatics
Primary Employers: Guidehouse (Falls Church)
- Public Health Informaticist Associate Director: Leading federal/state modernization with HL7 and FHIR expertise (salary not disclosed, up to 10% travel)
Healthcare Analytics
Primary Employers: Humana Inc (Glen Allen – Remote)
- Informaticist: Claims data analysis and predictive modeling for cost optimization (salary not disclosed, remote position)
Strategic Leadership and Program Management
Executive-Level Positions
Primary Employers: CVS Health (Richmond), Virginia Dept of Behavioral Health (Richmond), Trilogy Federal LLC (Washington, DC)
- CVS Health: Lead Director, Informatics managing enterprise-wide strategy ($100,000-$231,540 annually plus bonuses)
- Virginia Dept of Behavioral Health: Clinical Director of Informatics for state facility system (salary not disclosed, one telework day/week)
- Trilogy Federal LLC: Healthcare Informatics Program Manager for federal clients ($130,000-$150,000 annually)
Education Requirements by Position Level
Entry-Level Clinical Positions
Chesapeake Regional Healthcare – RN license with 2+ years computerized patient care experience for part-time roles
Mid-Level Specialist Roles
Williamsburg Landing – BSN preferred, Master’s in Nursing Informatics preferred, 5+ years clinical experience ($67,800/year) Augusta Health – BSN required, 5 years clinical setting experience, prior EHR experience required
Advanced Clinical Leadership
Bon Secours Mercy Health – Master’s in Nursing or Informatics required for specialist positions UVA Health – Bachelor’s in Pharmacy or PharmD required for pharmacy informatics roles ($52.46-$83.94/hour)
Executive and Federal Positions
U.S. Department of Defense – Bachelor’s in health sciences or related field, specialized experience at GS-13+ level Trilogy Federal LLC – Master’s degree with 15+ years experience for program management ($130,000-$150,000) CVS Health – Bachelor’s required, Master’s preferred for director-level roles ($100,000-$231,540)
Salary Ranges by Position Type
Clinical Support and Part-Time Roles
- Clinical Informaticist (Chesapeake Regional): Part-time, salary not disclosed
- Clinical Informatics Analyst (Elite WorkForce): Contract position, salary not disclosed
Specialist and Full-Time Positions
- Clinical Informatics Nurse (Williamsburg Landing): $67,800/year
- Pharmacist Informatics (UVA Health): $52.46-$83.94/hour
Leadership and Executive Roles
- Lead Director (CVS Health): $100,000-$231,540 annually plus equity
- Program Manager (Trilogy Federal): $130,000-$150,000 annually
- Federal positions: Competitive federal pay scales with security clearance requirements
Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities
Clinical-Technology Integration
Williamsburg Landing combines nursing practice with EMR configuration and staff development. UVA Health merges pharmacy practice with medication automation and clinical workflow analysis.
Healthcare-Government Interface
Veterans Health Administration and U.S. Department of Defense offer opportunities to work with federal healthcare systems and military populations. Virginia Dept of Behavioral Health focuses on behavioral health and developmental disabilities.
Public Health-Technology Convergence
Guidehouse integrates public health policy with health data interoperability, requiring expertise in federal modernization initiatives and health information exchange standards.
Business-Clinical Analytics
CVS Health combines clinical data management with business strategy across multiple lines of business. Humana merges healthcare analytics with financial modeling for cost optimization.
Required Technical Skills
EHR System Expertise
Multiple employers require Epic proficiency, with Tekfortune Inc specifically seeking Beacon and Willow module expertise. Dexian specializes in VistA/CPRS systems for VA modernization.
Data Standards and Interoperability
Guidehouse requires extensive HL7 and FHIR experience for public health data exchange. UVA Health emphasizes medication automation and pharmacy systems integration.
Project Management and Change Leadership
Trilogy Federal LLC requires SAFe Lean Agile expertise and full systems development lifecycle knowledge. Virginia Dept of Behavioral Health emphasizes change management and process improvement.
Geographic Distribution and Work Arrangements
Northern Virginia (Arlington, Falls Church, Fort Belvoir) offers federal contracting and consulting opportunities. Richmond area hosts major health systems and state government positions. Hampton Roads (Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach) provides opportunities with regional health networks. Remote work increasingly available through companies like Humana, Tekfortune Inc, and federal contractors.
Professional Certifications and Security Requirements
Clinical Certifications
Multiple employers require state RN licenses, with UVA Health requiring pharmacy licensure. Bon Secours Mercy Health prefers ANCC Nursing Informatics certification.
Federal Security Clearances
U.S. Department of Defense requires Secret security clearance. Veterans Health Administration and federal contractors require background investigations and drug screening.
Technical Certifications
Tekfortune Inc prefers Epic Beacon/Willow certification. Trilogy Federal LLC strongly prefers PMP certification for program management roles.
Virginia’s health informatics market spans federal agencies, major health systems, academic medical centers, and specialized care facilities, offering opportunities from direct patient care technology support to executive-level strategic leadership, with particularly strong demand for clinical expertise combined with technical proficiency and federal healthcare experience.