Health Care Informatics Frequently Asked Questions

What will I be able to do with a Health Care Informatics Certificate?

•  Analyze, design, and implement technology systems within the health care organization
• Gain an understanding of the new regulations in regard to the new emphasis on EMRs 
• Maintain integrity of system security and privacy in compliance with HIPAA regulations
• Increase your career knowledge base to include electronic health records, clinical decision-making support, scientific research, system privacy and security, and telehealth
• Advance your career and position yourself for future professional training, such as a master's degree in health care informatics.

How long can I take to complete the Certificate?
The Certificate is designed to be completed in as little as two semesters in a part-time format.  

When can I start?
You can start at any time.  Classes are offered at the beginning and middle of each semester.

What kind of computer skills and access do I need?

Please visit MU online requirements to view the general MU online learning requirements.  Below is an extended list specific to the Health Care Informatics program.

• You should have a Pentium V system.
• You should have at a minimum 1GB RAM with 3GB preferred.
• Your Internet connection should be reliable. Broadband or cable modem needed.
• Microsoft Office is the supported productivity software at Misericordia. Files created in Works, Word Perfect, or another word processor program are not accepted.
• You should have Adobe Acrobat Reader loaded on your computer.
• Firefox 3.0 or 3.6 are the supported web browsers with which your online courses will work well. Keep your web browser updated.
• You should scan your computer for viruses on a weekly basis.
• Students should check their Blackboard compatibility prior to enrolling in online classes. To do so, go to the “My Courses” tab in e-MU and click on the Blackboard link.
  

 Can I take individual classes or must I complete the entire certificate?

Classes are open to anyone; however, strong preference is given to those who register early and commit to the full certificate.

What type of credits am I earning?
All courses are undergraduate MIS, HCI, and BUS courses.

What can I expect in class size?
Class size is expected to be between 12-15 students.

What types of Financial Aid are available to me?
In order to be considered for financial assistance, a student must be enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credits per semester. Students with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for federal or state grant money. However, federal loan money is available.

How does employer reimbursement or payment work?
A tuition reimbursement letter stating the terms of the benefit from the employer must be on file prior to registration. This payment plan permits tuition and fees to be paid up to thirty (30) days after the issuance of grades instead of at the time of registration. It is the responsibility of the
student, not the employer, to ensure that payment is made. Students receiving only partial tuition benefits must make arrangements to pay the costs that are not covered by the employer at the time of registration.

 

Who can help me if I have questions?
For information on the Health Care Informatics Certificate program, please contact Maki McCann, Assistant Director of Admissions, Expressway, at 570-674-1226, or mmccann@misericordia.edu.