Best institutions to study Medical Informatics
A program that focuses on the application of computer science and software engineering to medical research and clinical information technology support, and the development of advanced imaging, database, and decision systems.
157 U.S. institutions graduated 3,664 Medical Informatics students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.2706, a specialization of Medical Illustration and Informatics (CIP 51.27), and leads most directly to the Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars occupation (BLS SOC 29-9021).
About Medical Informatics programs
A program that focuses on the application of computer science and software engineering to medical research and clinical information technology support, and the development of advanced imaging, database, and decision systems. Includes instruction in computer science, health information systems architecture, medical knowledge structures, medical language and image processing, quantitative medical decision modeling, imaging techniques, electronic medical records, medical research systems, clinical decision support, and informatics aspects of specific research and practice problems.
See also: 26.1103 - Bioinformatics., 11.0104 - Informatics.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Medical Informatics program, part of the Medical Illustration and Informatics field, focuses on the integration of computer science and software engineering within medical research and clinical information technology. This program is designed for individuals interested in advancing healthcare through technology, improving patient care, and enhancing medical data management. Students in this program will explore various aspects of health information systems, including database design, medical language processing, and clinical decision support. This interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates to address complex challenges in healthcare using innovative technological solutions.
Core coursework in Medical Informatics includes instruction in health information systems architecture, electronic medical records, imaging techniques, and quantitative medical decision modeling. Students will also develop skills in database design and the evaluation of healthcare applications.
Credentials awarded
What Medical Informatics graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree3,007 graduates / yr · 116 institutions82%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate321 graduates / yr · 45 institutions8.8%
- Bachelor's degree120 graduates / yr · 18 institutions3.3%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship99 graduates / yr · 18 institutions2.7%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year52 graduates / yr · 9 institutions1.4%
- Associate's degree38 graduates / yr · 7 institutions1.0%
- Post-master's certificate25 graduates / yr · 8 institutions0.7%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Medical Informatics completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 514 |
| 2013 | 724 |
| 2014 | 812 |
| 2015 | 894 |
| 2016 | 1,122 |
| 2017 | 1,302 |
| 2018 | 1,479 |
| 2019 | 1,497 |
| 2020 | 1,793 |
| 2021 | 2,002 |
| 2022 | 2,061 |
| 2023 | 2,601 |
| 2024 | 3,042 |
| 2025 | 3,664 |
Top 50 institutions for Medical Informatics, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capella University Minneapolis, MNPrivate for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 217 | 20% | $19,369 | — |
| 2 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPublicMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 179 | 54% | — | — |
| 3 | Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 158 | 73% | $42,705 | — |
| 4 | University of Denver Denver, COPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 116 | 76% | $29,726 | — |
| 5 | George Mason University Fairfax, VAPublicMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 101 | 68% | — | — |
| 6 | Michigan Technological University Houghton, MIPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 97 | 68% | — | — |
| 7 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Houston, TXPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 93 | — | — | — |
| 8 | New England College Henniker, NHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 90 | 35% | $30,086 | — |
| 9 | University of South Florida Tampa, FLPublicMaster's | 87 | 77% | — | — |
| 10 | The University of Findlay Findlay, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 87 | 58% | $23,128 | — |
| 11 | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WIPublicMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 80 | 49% | — | $45,144 |
| 12 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 72 | 93% | — | — |
| 13 | Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 70 | 80% | $24,886 | — |
| 14 | Northeastern University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 61 | 91% | $18,925 | — |
| 15 | Governors State University University Park, ILPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 60 | 22% | — | — |
| 16 | University of San Diego San Diego, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 58 | 84% | $26,035 | — |
| 17 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 57 | 68% | $28,141 | — |
| 18 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NCPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 51 | 69% | — | — |
| 19 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 50 | 84% | — | — |
| 20 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NCPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 49 | 91% | — | — |
| 21 | The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler, TXPublicMaster's | 48 | 54% | — | — |
| 22 | The University of Arizona Global Campus Chandler, AZPublicMaster's | 44 | 11% | $26,445 | — |
| 23 | Stanford University Stanford, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 44 | 92% | $12,032 | — |
| 24 | State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, NYPublicMaster's | 43 | 60% | — | — |
| 25 | Harvard University Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 42 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 26 | University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, ILPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 41 | 62% | — | — |
| 27 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 40 | 89% | $21,956 | — |
| 28 | Duke University Durham, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 40 | 97% | $16,260 | — |
| 29 | Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NYPublicMaster's | 37 | 76% | — | — |
| 30 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicMaster's | 37 | 52% | — | — |
| 31 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 35 | 75% | — | $52,611 |
| 32 | Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 34 | 63% | $31,672 | — |
| 33 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert.Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 34 | 75% | — | — |
| 34 | Franklin University Columbus, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 34 | 11% | $22,280 | — |
| 35 | Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Harrisburg, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 34 | 34% | $14,140 | — |
| 36 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 33 | 75% | — | — |
| 37 | Norfolk State University Norfolk, VAPublicMaster's | 32 | 38% | — | — |
| 38 | Oregon Health & Science University Portland, ORPublicPost-degree cert.Master'sDoctoral | 31 | — | — | — |
| 39 | University of Massachusetts - Lowell Lowell, MAPublicMaster's | 30 | 65% | — | — |
| 40 | Marshall University Huntington, WVPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 30 | 51% | — | — |
| 41 | Florida International University Miami, FLPublicMaster's | 29 | 74% | — | — |
| 42 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 29 | 65% | — | — |
| 43 | Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KYPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert.Bachelor's | 28 | 52% | — | — |
| 44 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicPost-degree cert. | 27 | 65% | — | — |
| 45 | University of South Alabama Mobile, ALPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 26 | 53% | — | — |
| 46 | Hofstra University Hempstead, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 25 | 69% | $34,539 | — |
| 47 | University of Illinois Springfield Springfield, ILPublicMaster's | 23 | 53% | — | — |
| 48 | Weill Medical College of Cornell University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 23 | — | — | — |
| 49 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SCPublicMaster's | 23 | 79% | — | — |
| 50 | SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Brooklyn, NYPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 22 | — | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Medical Illustration and Informatics field (CIP 51.27) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 41 states
Where Medical Informatics graduates come from. Each state links to all Medical Illustration and Informatics programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-9021, Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Medical Informatics program can pursue careers as Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars, among other roles. The job outlook for this field is promising, with a projected growth rate of 14.7% and approximately 3,200 annual openings. The median wage for related positions is $67,310, typically requiring at least an Associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.2706
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrarsprimary SOC 29-9021 | $68,020 | +14.7% Much faster than average | ~3,200 | Associate's degree |
Computer Occupations, All Other SOC 15-1299 | $116,580 | +8.2% Much faster than average | ~31,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other SOC 25-1199 | $77,640 | +1.8% Little or no change | ~13,500 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Computer and Information Research Scientists SOC 15-1221 | $140,300 | +19.7% Much faster than average | ~3,200 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Medical Informatics programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
What graduates do on the job
- Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
- Compile medical care and census data for statistical reports on diseases treated, surgery performed, or use of hospital beds.
- Design databases to support healthcare applications, ensuring security, performance and reliability.
- Develop in-service educational materials.
- Evaluate and recommend upgrades or improvements to existing computerized healthcare systems.
- Facilitate and promote activities, such as lunches, seminars, or tours, to foster healthcare information privacy or security awareness within the organization.
Tools and technology used
Other Medical Illustration and Informatics specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Medical Illustration and Informatics (CIP 51.27).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Medical Informatics?+
You can earn a Master's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Bachelor's degree, or a Doctor's degree in this field.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will learn to design databases, evaluate healthcare systems, and compile medical data for reporting.
What is the job outlook for Medical Informatics graduates?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 14.7%.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 157 colleges offering the Medical Informatics program across the United States.
What is the CIP code for Medical Informatics?+
Medical Informatics is CIP 51.2706 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Medical Illustration and Informatics (CIP 51.27). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the application of computer science and software engineering to medical research and clinical information technology support, and the development of advanced imaging, database, and decision systems. Includes instruction in computer science, health information systems architecture, medical knowledge structures, medical language and image processing, quantitative medical decision modeling, imaging techniques, electronic medical records, medical research systems, clinical decision support, and informatics aspects of specific research and practice problems.
How many institutions offer Medical Informatics programs?+
157 U.S. institutions reported Medical Informatics graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 41 states, awarding 3,664 credentials in the year. That is 97.7% of all Medical Illustration and Informatics graduates.
How much do Medical Informatics graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars occupation, which Medical Informatics most directly leads to, pays a median of $68,020 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Medical Illustration and Informatics field report median earnings of $45,144 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Medical Illustration and Informatics graduates, so its figures match the Medical Illustration and Informatics program page.
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