Wisconsin’s healthcare sector employs over 327,000 people and hosts major innovators like GE HealthCare. However, the state faces critical workforce shortages:
- a potential deficit of 12,000-19,000 registered nurses by 2040
- over 2,000 physician vacancies by 2030, particularly in rural areas
Wisconsin leads health IT innovation as home to Epic Systems, a global EHR developer. The Wisconsin Statewide Health Information Network (WISHIN) enables secure data sharing across 2,200+ care sites, while the state promotes health IT initiatives for enhanced care coordination.
Recognizing the critical need for a skilled health informatics workforce, Wisconsin’s educational institutions are robustly responding by offering specialized programs:
2025 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Wisconsin
Looking for the best health informatics degree programs in Wisconsin? 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 list highlights schools that offer quality education, hands-on experience, and strong support for students. We understand how important it is to choose a program that fits your needs, and that's why we've carefully evaluated each one. Curious about how we picked these programs? Check out our ranking methodology to see what makes them stand out.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI - Public 4-Year - uwm.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Health Care Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Master of Science in Health Care Informatics program is designed for professionals aiming to leverage information technology and data analytics in healthcare settings. Offering both online and face-to-face learning options, this 33-36 credit program covers essential topics like systems analysis and database management. A bachelor's degree is required for admission, with GRE scores necessary for applicants with a GPA below 3.0. This program is perfect for those seeking careers in hospitals, medical centers, or health insurance companies.
- Online and face-to-face options.
- 33-36 credit requirement.
- GRE required if GPA <3.0.
- Focus on data analytics.
- Flexible for professionals.
Master's - Coordinated MS Health Care Informatics/Master of Library and Information Science
Online Learning - Visit Website
This unique coordinated program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee combines a Master of Science in Health Care Informatics with a Master of Library and Information Science, preparing students for specialized roles in health information management. The online format emphasizes the intersection of IT and healthcare, including medical terminology and ethical considerations. Admission requires GRE scores, unless waived for outstanding academic achievement. Graduates are well-equipped for positions as clinical informationists or in health informatics.
- Online program format
- Blends IT with health care
- GRE required for admission
- Focus on ethical issues
- Thesis or project culmination
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Prepares for clinical informationist roles
- Skills in systems analysis
- Database management training
- Understanding medical terminology
Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers Wisconsin's first PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics, an interdisciplinary program in partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin. This on-campus program is tailored for those with a master's in a related field, though exceptional bachelor's degree holders may apply. With six specialized tracks, the curriculum includes human pathophysiology and medical informatics, preparing graduates for high-demand careers in healthcare, research, and academia. Assistantships and fellowships are available to support students.
- First in Wisconsin
- Interdisciplinary approach
- Six specialized tracks
- High demand careers
- Assistantships available
- Collaboration with Medical College
- Focus on patient care
- Public health impact
- Research opportunities
- Ethics included
Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Concentration: Public Health Informatics - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Public Health Informatics, this PhD program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a trailblazer in integrating medical science with IT to improve public health and patient care. The on-campus program encourages research and publication, with a curriculum that covers human pathophysiology and ethics. Applicants typically need a master's degree, with funding options like assistantships and fellowships. Graduates pursue impactful careers in healthcare and research, contributing to health informatics advancements.
- Interdisciplinary PhD program
- Concentration in Public Health Informatics
- On-campus format
- Collaboration with Medical College of Wisconsin
- Courses in human pathophysiology, databases
- Six specialized tracks available
- Opportunities for research and publication
- Teaching and research assistantships
- High demand for graduates
- Focus on healthcare IT advancements
Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Concentration: Translational Bioinformatics - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Translational Bioinformatics concentration within the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics program stands out for its focus on revolutionizing healthcare through IT. This on-campus program is ideal for those with a master's in a related field, offering a curriculum that spans human pathophysiology and medical informatics. With opportunities for research and teaching assistantships, graduates are prepared for leadership roles in healthcare and research, making significant contributions to the field.
- Interdisciplinary doctoral program
- Concentration in Translational Bioinformatics
- Combines medical science with IT
- Prepares for careers in healthcare, research
- Opportunities for research and teaching assistantships
- Curriculum includes human pathophysiology
- Courses in medical informatics, databases
- Focus on ethics in healthcare
- Students publish peer-reviewed articles
- Graduates in high demand
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - wisc.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical and Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a Master of Science in Clinical and Health Informatics, a 100% online program designed for professionals aiming to revolutionize healthcare through informatics. This STEM OPT eligible program spans 30 graduate credits, focusing on electronic health records, data analytics, and healthcare information management to improve clinical workflows and patient care. With a flexible schedule, students can graduate in 2-3 years, paying $1,600 per credit. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, a statistics course, and a minimum 3.0 GPA, with work experience preferred. Graduates enter a competitive field with salaries ranging from $54,000 to $155,000, reflecting the program's strong career outlook.
- 100% Online Program
- 30 Graduate Credits
- $1,600 Per Credit
- 2-3 Years Completion
- STEM OPT Eligible
- Multiple Admission Terms
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Work Experience Preferred
- Comprehensive Healthcare Informatics
- Competitive Career Outlook
List of Wisconsin Colleges With Health Informatics Degree Programs
Wisconsin offers several colleges with health informatics degree programs. These programs prepare students for careers in managing health information. Below is a table listing schools, their locations, program highlights, and links to more details. Whether you're starting your education or advancing your career, these programs provide the skills needed in the fast-growing health informatics field. Check out each school's program page to learn more about what they offer.
Madison, WI
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical and Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 30 Graduate Credits
- $1,600 Per Credit
- 2-3 Years Completion
- STEM OPT Eligible
- Multiple Admission Terms
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Work Experience Preferred
Milwaukee, WI
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Master's - Coordinated MS Health Care Informatics/Master of Library and Information Science
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Blends IT with health care
- GRE required for admission
- Focus on ethical issues
- Thesis or project culmination
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Prepares for clinical informationist roles
- Skills in systems analysis
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Care Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- Online and face-to-face options.
- 33-36 credit requirement.
- GRE required if GPA <3.0.
- Focus on data analytics.
- Flexible for professionals.
- Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Campus Based - Website
- First in Wisconsin
- Interdisciplinary approach
- Six specialized tracks
- High demand careers
- Assistantships available
- Collaboration with Medical College
- Focus on patient care
- Public health impact
- Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Concentration: Public Health Informatics - Campus Based - Website
- Interdisciplinary PhD program
- Concentration in Public Health Informatics
- On-campus format
- Collaboration with Medical College of Wisconsin
- Courses in human pathophysiology, databases
- Six specialized tracks available
- Opportunities for research and publication
- Teaching and research assistantships
- Doctorate - Biomedical and Health Informatics
Concentration: Translational Bioinformatics - Campus Based - Website
- Interdisciplinary doctoral program
- Concentration in Translational Bioinformatics
- Combines medical science with IT
- Prepares for careers in healthcare, research
- Opportunities for research and teaching assistantships
- Curriculum includes human pathophysiology
- Courses in medical informatics, databases
- Focus on ethics in healthcare
Job Market Analysis: What Can You Do With Your Degree?
The Wisconsin market shows strong demand for Epic EHR expertise across multiple employers, with particular emphasis on data analysis skills and healthcare standards knowledge. Remote work options are increasingly available, and career progression paths range from technical implementation to strategic leadership roles. Below is an analysis of some recent job openings.
Key Highlights:
- Cross-disciplinary opportunities bridge clinical practice, technology, business analytics, and quality management
- Salary ranges from $60K-$80K (entry-level) to $77K-$168K (analyst positions)
- Education requirements span from Associate’s degrees to advanced medical/pharmacy degrees
- Major employers include Ascension, Epic, Stryker, Aspirus Health, and University of Wisconsin
Core Technical Skills in Demand
Data Analysis & Programming
Primary Employers: Stryker, University of Wisconsin System
- Stryker seeks proficiency in Python, R, SQL for healthcare data analysis ($77,200-$168,200)
- UW System requires data science methodologies and analytics tools (salary not disclosed)
- Both positions emphasize transforming complex healthcare data into actionable insights
EHR/EMR Systems Expertise
Primary Employers: Ascension, Epic, Aspirus Health, Advocate Aurora
- Epic leads with physician-focused roles requiring several years Epic software experience (salary not disclosed, merit-based compensation plus stock grants)
- Ascension seeks Epic EHR specialists across multiple positions (salary varies by experience)
- Aspirus Health requires extensive Epic core systems experience for leadership roles (salary not disclosed)
- Advocate Aurora mandates Epic certification within 6 months (salary not disclosed)
Healthcare Data Standards
Primary Employers: Stryker, Advocate Aurora
- Stryker requires proven experience with ICD-10, HL7, FHIR frameworks ($77,200-$168,200)
- Advocate Aurora focuses on pharmacy information systems and interoperability (salary not disclosed)
Education Requirements by Role Level
Entry-Level Positions
Bridge Community Health Clinic – Associate’s degree in Health Information Technology, HIT, Health Informatics, or HIM ($60,000-$80,000)
Mid-Level Positions
Ascension – High school with 2+ years experience OR Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree (salary varies) Stryker – Bachelor’s in Health Informatics, Information Systems, Public Health, or Business Analytics ($77,200-$168,200)
Advanced Leadership Roles
Aspirus Health – Master’s degree in nursing or informatics required for Director positions; DNP preferred (salary not disclosed) Epic – Medical degree required for physician informatics roles (competitive compensation) Advocate Aurora – Doctor of Pharmacy preferred for specialized positions (salary not disclosed)
Salary Ranges by Position Type
Analyst Roles
- Health Informatics Analyst (Stryker): $77,200-$168,200 plus bonuses
- EHR Manager (Bridge Clinic): $60,000-$80,000
Specialist Positions
- Clinical Informatics Specialist (Ascension): Compensation varies by experience
- Pharmacist Informatics Analyst (Advocate Aurora): Not disclosed
Leadership Positions
- Medical Director (.5 FTE, Aspirus): Not disclosed
- Director System Nursing Informatics (Aspirus): Not disclosed
- Clinical Informatics Manager (Ascension): Not disclosed
Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities
Clinical-Technology Bridge Roles
Ascension combines clinical experience with technology implementation, requiring healthcare background plus EHR expertise. Epic specifically targets practicing physicians to transition into informatics consulting.
Business-Healthcare Analytics
Stryker merges health economics with data science, requiring understanding of value-based care models and CMS performance metrics. UW System integrates public health policy with data analytics.
Quality-Informatics Integration
Advocate Aurora combines pharmacy practice with informatics, requiring clinical expertise plus technology skills. Aspirus Health blends nursing leadership with informatics management.
Implementation-Training Specialization
Multiple employers emphasize change management and training delivery, combining technical knowledge with education and communication skills.
Specialized Certifications Valued
Healthcare Quality
Stryker prefers CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) or CPPS certifications
Technical Certifications
Aspirus Health values Epic certification in clinical modules and ANCC certification in healthcare informatics
Professional Associations
Aspirus Health recommends HIMSS, ACHE memberships for networking and continued education
Remote Work and Geographic Flexibility
Advocate Aurora offers fully remote work from multiple states including Wisconsin. Stryker provides remote opportunities from Madison. Ascension offers hybrid arrangements (3 days onsite, 2 remote).
Career Progression Paths
Entry-level positions at Bridge Community Health Clinic can advance to analyst roles at Stryker, then progress to specialist positions at Ascension or Advocate Aurora. Leadership tracks are available through Aspirus Health director roles or Epic physician consulting positions.
Wisconsin’s health informatics market spans large health systems (Ascension, Aspirus), technology companies (Epic, Stryker), academic institutions (UW System), and community clinics (Bridge), offering diverse career trajectories from technical implementation to strategic leadership.