University of Washington

Overview

Health informatics and health information management are integral to modern healthcare, facilitating clinical decision-making, enhancing quality improvement, and ensuring compliance. The Bachelor of Science program at the University of Washington is designed to equip students with the skills needed to manage health data, navigate information systems, and apply best practices in health information management.

This degree is offered in an in-person format, incorporating hybrid components, with classes held on the Seattle campus during the early evening for two days each week.

• Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Field: Health Informatics and Health Information Management
• Delivery: In-person with hybrid components; early-evening classes on the Seattle campus, two days per week
• Credits: Typically completed as a full undergraduate degree (confirm exact credit total with the university)
• Language of instruction: English
• English proficiency tests accepted: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test (minimum scores apply)
• Application notes: UW essay questions must be answered within the UW application
• Start dates: Check the university’s current admissions calendar for the next intake

What you'll study

The curriculum seamlessly integrates core health information management courses with essential topics in technology, healthcare policy, and professional development. Course offerings may vary by term—refer to the official UW degree plan for the most current sequence.

• Core foundations (examples):
  • Health Care Language
  • Health Information Management
  • Health Care Delivery & Policy
  • Professional and Leadership Development
• Applied learning focus: Gain a practical understanding of the usage of health information across various healthcare settings, emphasizing the significance of data and documentation in quality assurance and compliance.
• Professional readiness: Coursework is designed to enhance communication, teamwork, and leadership skills essential for roles in healthcare information.

Note: For detailed module-by-module plans, including electives, term-by-term sequencing, and any capstone or thesis requirements, please refer to the UW program’s official degree requirements.

Entry requirements

• Academic preparation: Freshman applicants must self-report their coursework and meet a minimum level of preparation across six subject areas.
• Application writing: Completion of UW essay questions is mandatory within the UW application. For those using the Common App, the Common App essay is not considered.
• English language proficiency:
  • Duolingo English Test: minimum 110
  • TOEFL iBT: minimum 76
  • IELTS: minimum 6.0
• Standardised tests: UW has removed the requirement for SAT/ACT scores for most applicants. However, these scores may be needed for homeschooled applicants and those from schools with non-standard grading practices.
• Transcripts: High school or college transcripts should not be submitted unless specifically requested by the Office of Admissions.
• Documents to prepare: Gather application details for your academic coursework, required essays, and English test results (if applicable).

Important: Minimum scores and specific document requirements may change—always verify the latest information on the UW admissions page.

Career prospects

Upon graduation, the ability to work in the country of study is contingent on immigration laws and individual eligibility. Graduates of the program can pursue various career paths in healthcare settings, leveraging their expertise in health informatics and health information management to improve patient care and organizational efficiency.