Data Science Track
Data Science (DS), a track in the Master of Science in Health Informatics program, is housed in the Department of Health Information Management, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS).
The Data Science (DS) track prepares students responsible for the development, evaluation, and management of health information technologies and systems. Graduates of this track analyze, design, implement, and evaluation health information systems. They will also have the ability to conduct in-depth data analytics projects to improve the quality of health care and reduce the cost of health care services. Students enrolled full-time can complete the program in 3-4 consecutive semesters.
There are online and on-campus versions of this track. The curriculum and course contents are identical in these two versions. Domestic students can choose either of them according to their situation or preference before the enrollment. International students are required to attend the on-campus version of the track.
Program Requirements
All students enrolled in the Data Science track are required to complete 36 credits. Courses are chosen with the advisor and a Plan of Study will be developed to enable each student to design an in-depth study of Data Science taking into account student’s previous academic preparation and experience.
Around half of our courses are only offered once per academic year. In this case, if a student fails to successfully complete a course, the student must retake the course the next academic year. Furthermore, this may also prevent the student from registering for the advanced-level courses and delay the date of graduation.
DS Curriculum
The Data Science curriculum allows students to choose from required courses and elective courses. Elective courses can be chosen from other health informatics tracks in the department, other departments in the SHRS or other academic programs within the University.
Required Health Informatics Courses (36 credits)
HI-2250 - Foundations of Health Informatics
HI-2450 - Security, Privacy, Legal & Ethical Issues in Health IT
HI-2210 - Health Information and the Health Care System
HI-2410 - Health Vocabulary, Terminology & Classification Systems
HI-2451 - Database Design and Big Data Analytics
HI-2452 - Digital Health
HI-2454 - Data Science in Health Informatics
HI-2632 - Leadership and Project Management
HI-2453 - Data Analytics and Machine Learning in Health Science
HI-2651 - Data Science Capstone
HI-2470 - Implementation Science of Health IT
HI-2650 - Practical Research & Evaluation Methods
Please note: All students are required to finish one Data Science capstone project. Before graduation, all students are also required to demonstrate body of knowledge in statistics and computer programming.
RHIA Track
The Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) track leading to a Master of Science degree in Health Informatics prepares students responsible for the development and management of health information systems consistent with the clinical, fiscal, administrative, ethical, and legal requirements of healthcare institutions. Graduates of this program analyze, design, implement, and evaluate health information systems. As members of the healthcare team, they interact with other healthcare professionals and administrators, and provide healthcare data for patient care, research, quality improvement, strategic planning, reimbursement, and related managerial functions.
RHIA graduates work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, health planning agencies, computer companies, consulting firms, information systems vendors, ambulatory care centers, research centers, rehabilitation facilities, and insurance companies.
The Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) Option
We offer courses within the RHIA track for students who are seeking eligibility to sit for the American Health Information Management (AHIMA) credentialing examination to become a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
The RHIA concentration leading to a Master of Science degree in Health Informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Results from the 2018 outcomes assessment reported to CAHIIM in the 2019 Annual Program Report (APAR) indicate:
- A 100% employer satisfaction rate
- A 100% graduate satisfaction rate
- A 100% pass rate National Certification Exam
There are online and on-campus versions of this track. The curriculum and course contents are identical in these two versions. Domestic students can choose either of them according to their situation or preference before the enrollment. International students are required to attend the on-campus version of the track.
Program Requirements - RHIA
All students enrolled in the RHIA track are required to complete 36 credits (students enrolled full-time normally complete the program in 3-4 consecutive semesters). Courses are chosen with the advisor and a Plan of Study will be developed to enable each student to design an in-depth study of Health Informatics taking into account student’s previous academic preparation and experience.
Around half of our courses are only offered once per academic year. In this case, if a student fails to successfully complete a course, the student must retake the course the next academic year. Furthermore, this may also prevent the student from registering for the advanced-level courses and delay the date of graduation.
Required Courses for All Students
HI-2250 - Foundations of Health Informatics
HI-2450 - Security, Privacy, Legal & Ethical Issues in Health IT
HI-2210 - Health Information and the Health Care System
HI-2410 - Health Vocabulary, Terminology & Classification Systems
HI-2451 - Database Design and Big Data Analytics
HI-2231 - Talent Management and Human Resources
HI-2452 - Digital Health
HI-2632 - Leadership and Project Management
HI-2230 - Financial Management and Health Care Reimbursement
HI-2610 - Health Information Management Internship
HI-2470 - Implementation Science of Health IT
HI-2650 - Practical Research & Evaluation Methods
Please note, before graduation, students are required to demonstrate a body of knowledge in statistics computer programming, anatomy and physiology (HIM-1405), medical terminology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. (HRS-1020)
Program Requirements - RHIA, RHIA Option
Internship
Students in the RHIA track are required to complete an internship as part of their curriculum requirements. The overall goal of the internship is to provide students with practical experiences to apply their knowledge and skills that they learn in their respective graduate programs.
The HIM department has affiliation agreements with approximately 200+ clinical sites for student internships. The following list provides a sample of these sites:
Center for Connected Medicine
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh - IS Department
Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh
Excela Health
Highmark
M*Modal
McKesson
Oman HIM Institute
United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh
University of Pennsylvania Health System
UPMC CTSI (Clinical and Translational Science Institute)
UPMC Department of Radiology
UPMC eRecord
UPMC Health Track
UPMC Interface Development
UPMC Physician Services Division
UPMC Radiology Division
UPMC Technology Development Center
Prerequisites for Graduate Internships
The following are required in order for students to be eligible to participate in an internship. The student’s advisor will provide detailed information and time guidelines for completion of the requirements once the student matriculates into the graduate program.
Physical examination including proof or completion of specific immunizations
TB test, 2-step
Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check
Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
FBI Background Check (includes fingerprinting)
HIPAA Training and Certification
Students must carry personal health insurance while participating in an internship
Students must carry professional student liability insurance coverage while participating in an internship. This coverage is provided by the SHRS group insurance plan and will appear as a charge on the students’ tuition bill.
Some sites may have additional requirements (i.e. drug screen, influenza vaccine, or orientation programs specific to their organization).
Internship sites may not allow a student to participate in an internship at their site if the background check reports that they have been convicted of a misdemeanor; a felony; or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.
Additional Information:
Travel to internship sites is the responsibility of the student. Students are expected to have a car or to provide their own transportation to all remote sites; no exceptions will be made. Not all sites are accessible by public transportation.
All expenses for transportation, parking, meals, and costs of prerequisites associated with clinical education are the responsibility of the student.
Approximate cost for clearances is $100, and costs for physical exam and immunization status are dependent on health insurance coverage and provider costs.
Approximate cost for drug screen is $40.
The internship is 3 credits, and requires a minimum of 180 hours of student participation.
For more information on internships students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor.
Healthcare Supervision and Management Track
Health Care Supervision and Management (HSM), a track in the Master of Science in Health Informatics program, is housed in the Department of Health Information Management, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS).
The Health Care Supervision and Management (HSM) track provides students an opportunity for knowledge, skills, and career advancement. Qualified students with interests in administration and supervisory management in health care, long-term care, and rehabilitation may pursue this 36 credit track in Health Care Supervision and Management. Students enrolled full-time normally complete the program in 3-4 consecutive semesters.
This program is designed for students who wish to attain knowledge and skills at the graduate level to prepare for a supervisory management position or to upgrade competencies developed earlier in his/her career.
There are online and on-campus versions of this track. The curriculum and course contents are identical in these two versions. Domestic students can choose either of them according to their situation or preference before the enrollment. International students are required to attend the on-campus version of the track.
Program Requirements
All students enrolled in the Health Care Supervision and Management track are required to complete 36 credits. Courses are chosen with the advisor and a Plan of Study will be developed to enable each student to design an in-depth study of Health Care Supervision and Management taking into account student’s previous academic preparation and experience.
Around half of our courses are only offered once per academic year. In this case, if a student fails to successfully complete a course, the student must retake the course the next academic year. Furthermore, this may also prevent the student from registering for the advanced-level courses and delay the date of graduation.
HSM Curriculum
The Health Care Supervision and Management curriculum allows students to choose from required courses and elective courses. Elective courses can be chosen from other health informatics tracks in the department, other departments in the SHRS or other academic programs within the University.
Required Health Informatics Courses (33 credits)
HI-2250 - Foundations of Health Informatics
HI-2450 - Security, Privacy, Legal & Ethical Issues in Health IT
HI-2210 - Health Information and the Health Care System
HI-2410 - Health Vocabulary, Terminology & Classification Systems
HI-2231 - Talent Management and Human Resources
HI-2452 - Digital Health
HI-2632 - Leadership and Project Management
HI-2230 - Financial Management and Health Care Reimbursement
HI-2630 - Administrative Capstone
HI-2470 - Implementation Science of Health IT
HI-2650 - Practical Research & Evaluation Methods
Electives (select 3 credits - selected with advisor from SHRS and other departments within the University)
HI-2451 - Database Design and Big Data Analytics
HI-2454 - Data Science in Health Informatics
HI-2453 - Data Analytics and Machine Learning in Health Science
HRS 2901 - INTRO TO RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
HRS 2910 - STATSTCL APPLCS/HEALTH & REHAB OR (BIOST 2011, 2041, 2042,; PSYED 2018)
HRS 2905 - ETHICAL ISSUES IN HEALTH CARE
HRS 2482 - LEGAL ASPECTS OF HEALTH CARE
HRS 2480 - DIMENSIONS OF AGING: CULT & HLTH
HRS 2708 - INDIVIDUAL, SOCIAL, AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE OF DISABILITY
LAW 5339 - LAW OF DISABLTY DISCRIMINATION
Please note: All students are required to finish one Administrative capstone project.
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