Certificates

Clinical Participation Requirements

We offer four Health Informatics certificate programs:

• Health Data Analytics
• Health Information Cybersecurity
• Leadership in Health Informatics
• Revenue Cycle Management

All students enrolled in these certificate programs are required to complete 12 credits (four 3-credit courses). 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 in these two versions. 

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.

Other prospective students, including students in undergraduate and other graduate programs at Pitt, need to go through the typical application procedure. If accepted, they can join the certificate program after completing their current program. Here's how to apply.

The required courses for each of the four certificate programs are listed below.

Certificate in Health Data Analytics Curriculum (12 credits)

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. 

Certificate in Health Information Cybersecurity (12 credits)

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. 

Certificate in Leadership in Health Informatics (12 credits)

The Leadership in Health Informatics certificate provides students 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. 

Certificate in Revenue Cycle Management (12 credits)

A Revenue Cycle Management certification 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. 

Many HI 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. This may prevent the student from registering for the advanced-level courses and delay the date of graduation.