Pitt’s four Health Informatics (HI) certificates may be earned by students who are enrolled in the HI master’s program or for those looking to expand their data skills through a stand-alone certificate program. The certificates are 12 credits each. They can be completed in the on-campus format and the online format.
Health Data Analytics
The Health Data Analytics certificate teaches students practical skills central to the intersection of health and technology. Students master Python, a versatile programming language tailored for the health informatics sector. They also gain expertise in database design, big data analytics and machine learning. Students who earn this certificate can pursue jobs in areas such as data science, clinical informatics and medical information management.
Courses:
- Introduction to Python for Health Informatics (3 credits)
- Database Design and Big Data Analytics (3 credits)
- Data Analytics and Machine Learning in Health Science (3 credits)
- Data Science in Health Informatics (3 credits)
Health Information Cybersecurity
A certificate in Health Information Cybersecurity provides an opportunity to explore the intricate dynamics of security, privacy and legal concerns specific to health care IT. It also covers emerging health technologies and their transformative impact on patient care. Practical statistics and programming coursework empowers students to harness data and analyze the latest trends. With this certificate, graduates can pursue professions in health data security, health care system management and health data analysis.
Courses:
- Security, Privacy, Legal & Ethical Issues in Health IT (3 credits)
- Health Information and the Health Care System (3 credits)
- Digital Health (3 credits)
- Practical Statistics and Programming Using R (3 credits)
Leadership in Health Informatics
The Leadership in Health Informatics certificate provides students with a foundation in health care administration and management principles. Students gain insight into the structure and function of health care delivery, preparing them to navigate the complex health care ecosystem.
Coursework touches on project management, financial management and human resources. When students finish their certificate requirements, they can pursue careers as health care administrators, project managers and human resource specialists.
Courses:
- Health Information and the Health Care System (3 credits)
- Leadership and Project Management (3 credits)
- Talent Management and Human Resources (3 credits)
- Financial Management and Health Care Reimbursement (3 credits)
Revenue Cycle Management
The Revenue Cycle Management certificate program examines the intersection of health care, information management and finance. Students gain skills in categorizing and interpreting medical data with detailed accuracy, a foundational skill in the era of electronic health records and interoperable systems. Students also learn how to analyze and optimize the financial processes in health care delivery from patient registration to final billing. Career paths include medical coding, health care financial management and revenue cycle analysis.
Courses:
- Health Information and the Health Care System (3 credits)
- Health Vocabulary, Terminology & Classification Systems (3 credits)
- Financial Management and Health Care Reimbursement (3 credits)
- Revenue Cycle Analytics (3 credits)
All students enrolled in these certificate programs are required to complete 12 credits (four 3-credit courses). Students already in the MSHI program are eligible to apply for the certificates. A certificate program can be finished in two terms. There are online and on-campus versions of these certificates. The curriculum and course contents are identical for both formats.
Additional Enrollment Information
Information for Current MSHI Students
Students in the MS in Health Informatics program may earn one of the four certificates while completing the HI program by taking courses listed in the certificate program. If all courses in the requested certificate are covered by the track, the student needs to take at least two additional MSHI courses to fulfill the requirement of each requested certificate. These students are required to fill out a certificate program declaration form to officially enroll in the certificate program of their choice. The latest time to officially declare a certificate is before submitting a graduation application.
Information for Non-MSHI Students
Applicants who are not enrolled in the HI master’s program, including students in undergraduate and other graduate programs at Pitt, need to go through the GradCAS application system. If accepted, they can join the certificate program after completing their current program. Learn more about the MSHI application process on our Admissions page.
