SIUE’s Healthcare Informatics Program in Keeping With its Pioneer Pace Will Soon Offer Degree Online
Because the demand for healthcare professionals to be adept in information technology is increasing in scope and complexity, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will offer its established Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics program online in August 2016.
“As healthcare facilities work to meet government mandates concerning the use of electronic health records and other information technologies, the need for healthcare professionals with advanced education in informatics is at an all-time high,” said Frank Lyerla, PhD, RN and director of SIUE’s Master’s in Healthcare Informatics Program.
“This master’s degree at SIUE provides healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to plan, design, implement and use information technologies,” Lyerla added. “The program is suited for professionals with a bachelor’s degree, healthcare background and experience in information technology or the clinical setting.”
Healthcare informatics professionals integrate the worlds of medicine and technology by combining their expertise in data management, patient care and information technology systems. The Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics program emphasizes the application of state-of-the-art computing technologies to healthcare.
“As an RN, I was a heavy data user,” said James Thomas, manager of performance improvement and information services at BJC Healthcare. “I completed the healthcare informatics program at SIUE, and now I manage and design all the data systems in addition to using the data. Lessons learned and knowledge from the program have helped me immensely.”
The premiere graduate program was developed in partnership with leaders in healthcare administration. The essentials of the program include training students to effectively use computerized systems in providing quality patient health care, according to Jerry Weinberg, associate provost for research and dean of the SIUE Graduate School.
The degree program benefits from an interdisciplinary approach with courses delivered by several SIUE Schools including: Business, Engineering, Nursing and Education, Health and Human Behavior.
Interested students should apply online at siue.edu/apply or inquire at graduateadmissions@siue.edu.
Photo: Frank Lyerla, PhD, RN, director of SIUE's Master's of Health Informatics program.
