Virginia Health Informatics Degree Programs

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.

2026 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Virginia

If you're looking for the best health informatics degree programs in Virginia, you've come to the right place. At healthinformaticsdegree.org, we carefully rank these programs to help you find one that fits your needs. Our team evaluates schools based on factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and career outcomes. We aim to make your search easier by highlighting top options in Virginia, so you can pursue a rewarding career in health informatics. For details on how we create our rankings, check out our https://www.healthinformaticsdegree.org/about-us/#rankings page.

#1

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu

Bachelor's - B.S. in Informatics – Healthcare Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Liberty University's online B.S. in Informatics with a Healthcare Informatics focus equips students for careers in healthcare technology, covering health coding, classification, and enterprise systems. The program includes foundational pharmacology and offers flexibility with 8-week courses and no set login times. Admission does not require ACT or SAT exams, and tuition rates are frozen for nine years, making it cost-effective. Students can transfer up to 75% of credits, and the program is accredited by SACSCOC, ideal for those entering or advancing in the dynamic healthcare informatics field.

• 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 develops expertise in merging healthcare with information technology to enhance patient care through superior data management. This fully online program features 8-week courses for flexibility, focusing on database design, health policy, and public health research. Graduates are prepared for roles like health information manager or data networking analyst. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, and no standardized testing is needed. Military students receive tuition discounts, and the program is accredited by SACSCOC, offering affordable rates and transfer options for up to 50% of credits.

• 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

Liberty University's Master of Arts in Medical Sciences – Health Informatics concentration provides an online curriculum blending human anatomy, biochemistry, and medical ethics with health informatics training. This program emphasizes data-driven decision-making in healthcare, preparing students for medical professional schools or technology-enhanced roles. With 8-week courses and the ability to transfer up to 50% of credits, it suits busy adults. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA and no entrance exams. Accredited by SACSCOC, it includes military tuition discounts and focuses on biomedical sciences and healthcare information systems.

• 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.

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

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's Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics is a STEM-designated program that merges health sciences, IT, and data science to address healthcare issues. It offers flexible online or on-campus study, focusing on health data management, IT applications, and project management. Admission requires meeting university standards, including ACT or SAT scores. Graduates report 100% satisfaction, with high employment rates in IT firms, hospitals, and public health. The program is pending CAHIIM accreditation by 2025 and includes internship opportunities, preparing students for the fast-growing health informatics job market.

• 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.

#3

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - nsu.edu

Master's - Master of Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Norfolk State University's online Master of Health Informatics equips students to manage and analyze healthcare data effectively, focusing on electronic health records and data interoperability. The 33-credit program includes a mandatory 240-hour internship and one in-person course, preparing graduates for roles in health data management. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.8 GPA, and no entrance exam is needed, making it accessible for professionals advancing their careers in this HBCU's supportive environment.

• 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)

*Citation: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. DOE.

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.