2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Health Informatics, BS
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Accurate, reliable patient data is critical to health professionals, and the health information management department is the key health center for medical staff, administrators, other health professionals, and the community. Due to the increased presence of technology as a key component of health care delivery and the need for quality health care data, more Health Informatics (HI) professionals are finding career opportunities in data analytics, business intelligence and in the information systems environment, where they analyze and use health care data, develop, market, and implement software; ensure that systems comply with standards and regulations, and work in support of quality, privacy, and security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites health information professionals as one of the 20 fastest-growing occupations in the US. On top of strong job prospects, competitive salaries also await HI graduates. More than half of our new HI graduates with a bachelor’s degree start with an average salary of $ 72,000 *. In addition to course work, the HI program includes clinical education experiences, which provide valuable hands-on learning for the HI student. Results from the 2019 outcomes assessment reported to CAHIIM in the 2020 Annual Program Report (APAR) indicate a 93% graduation rate, a 94% employment rate and a 100% retention rate.
*Data as per the Class of 2023
Contact Information:
Bambang Parmanto, PhD, Chair
Department of Health Information Management
6051 Forbes Tower
412-383-6650
Fax: 412-383-6655
E-mail: him@pitt.edu
http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/HIM/
Admission Requirements
Prerequisite Courses
Grade of C- (C for transfer), 3 credits minimum unless otherwise noted
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Computer Programming, 1 course
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Seminar in Composition*, 1 course
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Writing Intensive, 1 course.
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Oral Communication, 1 course. COMMRC 0520 preferred; 0500, 0510, 0530 acceptable.
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College Algebra, 1 course. MATH 0031 or higher math required. Exemption not accepted.
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Statistics, 1 course. STAT 0200 or STAT 1000 preferred.
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Diversity*, 1 course
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Literature*, The Arts*, Creative Work* or Philosophical Thinking and Ethics*, 1 course
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Social Science*, 1 course
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Biology, Chemistry or Physics, 1 course
Pitt Students (including regional campuses)
Complete the SHRS online application by clicking here. For more information on the undergraduate application process, please click here.
Transfer Students
For information on the HI undergraduate application process, please click here. To apply, please complete the following steps:
Step 2: Fill out the free SHRS online application. You will need the Student ID (PeopleSoft ID) you received when filling out the University of Pittsburgh Transfer Application (Step 1) in order to start the SHRS application (Step 2).
Application Requirements
- Complete the application by the March 1 deadline. Applications may be submitted while prerequisite coursework is in progress.
- Submit a personal essay-a brief statement discussing why you are interested in the Undergraduate Program in Health Informatics, your professional goals including how and when you became interested in this field of study. You may also include other areas of interest, extra-curricular activities and leadership experiences as well as anything you have done to learn about the field of health informatics in preparation for majoring in the program (max. word count 500 words).
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Additional Information
All students are required to bring a wireless laptop with Microsoft platform to class for courses that incorporate hands-on learning of computer applications and technology.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Part-Time Study
Students may pursue this program on a part-time basis. Please consult with the Center for Academic Advising and Student Success.
Clinical Internship
Health Information Management undergraduate students are required to complete a 3 credits internship (minimum of 120 hours) to facilitate a deeper understanding of the professional practice aspects of health information and health informatics. The overall goal of the internship is to provide students with practical experiences to apply their knowledge and skills that they develop as they progress through the HIM curriculum.
The HIM department has affiliation agreements with approximately 120+ clinical sites for student internships. The following list provides a sample of sites which recruit and/or host internships for HI students:
- 3M/M*Modal
- Adelphoi Village
- Allegheny Health Network
- Athena Health
- Central Ohio Trauma System
- CVS/Aetna
- Deloitte
- Geisinger Health System
- goShadow
- Grant Thornton Consulting
- Highmark
- HM Health Solutions
- Infinitus
- KPMG
- Mayo Clinic
- Merck
- Neighborhood Resilience Project
- Omnicell
- Pitt CTSI
- Southwest Veterans
- UPMC Health Plan
- UPMC Health System
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
- UPMC Physician Services Division
- Western PA Patient Registry
Prerequisites for Internship:
If a student chooses to complete their internship at a site that is under contract with the HIM department (or any other site where a contract is required), the items listed below are required. The clinical education coordinator will provide guidance to the student on completion of contract requirements.
- Physicial examination including proof or completion of specific immunizations
- TB test, 2 step or blood test
- Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
- Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse Training
- FBI Background Check (includes fingerprinting)
- HIPAA Training and Certification
- Bloodborne Pathogen Training and Certification
- Students must carry professional student liability insurance coverage while participating in an internship at a site where contracts are required. The University provides liability insurance for internships covered by clinical affiliation contracts.
- Some sites may have additional requirements (i.e. drug screen, Covid-19 vaccine, 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.
- Travel to the internship site is the responsibility of the student.
- All expenses for transportation, parking, meals, and costs of prerequisites associated with the internship are the responsibility of the student.
- The HIM Department utilizes an outside document management vendor, EXXAT, to collect and track student compliance with internship requirements. Cost for creating an Exxat account is $25/student. Approximate cost for clearances is $125 annually, and costs for physical exam and immunization status are dependent on health insurance coverage and provider costs.
- Approximate cost for drug screen is $60.
 For more information on the Internship, email Patti Anania-Firouzan, HIM Clinical Education Coordinator: patti@pitt.edu
The Pitt Freshman Guarantee
All incoming Pitt freshmen choosing the Pre-Health Informatics major will be granted guaranteed admission for the Master of Science in Health Informatics (at regional Pitt campuses, choose corresponding codes).
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