Degree-Granting Programs
Students seeking doctoral level training in Nursing may specialize in health informatics. While the foci of the DNP and PhD degrees differ, students pursuing either degree may elect health informatics as the topic of their doctoral research.
The Master in Interdisciplinary Data Science—concentration in Biomedical Informatics is a full-time two-year education program for students who want to work in biomedical informatics where strong data science skills are needed to address future biomedical informatics challenges. Students will be exposed to the interdisciplinary application of data science while developing skills applied to real-world problems in healthcare. The publication by MA Meyer titled, “Healthcare Data Scientist Qualifications, Skills, and Job Focus: A Content Analysis of Job Postings” focuses on the competitive market for data scientists in the healthcare field. MIDS connects technical learning and expertise with the many domains in need of data insights. The true power of data in the twenty-first century lies in that connection and this program is developed around the belief that harnessing this power requires both interdisciplinary training and experience.
As information technology (IT) becomes increasingly important to the delivery of quality health care and research, so does the expertise required to manage the numerous IT challenges facing health care organizations worldwide. To meet the demand for informaticians and IT-conversant health professionals, Duke University’s School of Medicine is offering the Master of Management in Clinical Informatics (MMCi) program.
The MMCi program leverages Duke’s world-renowned expertise in medicine, business, and health informatics. It seeks to prepare graduates for managerial and executive positions in health care such as: chief medical information officer, chief information officer, implementation manager, analyst, or management consultant. Graduates in these leadership roles operationalize, manage, and evaluate health IT in a variety of settings, including academia, government, and industry. Through access to the finest faculty and resources across health care, IT, and management education, students will acquire the knowledge and skills to merge technology with research and patient care and help improve human health.
The Duke University School of Nursing offers a complete suite of courses at the Master’s level. The Nursing Informatics program is built on the philosophy that expert nurses, with solid clinical experience, are best able to analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate information systems to improve both nursing practice and patient care. Emphasis is on clinical informatics, leadership, and real-world application with diverse and applied learning activities throughout the curriculum. A Practicum experience facilitates opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in the nurse informatician role. Two doctoral-level courses, Leadership and Quality Improvement, serve as a bridge to the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Graduates from the MSN program who meet the clinical eligibility requirements may opt to sit for the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center Generalist Exam for Nursing Informatics.
Additional Informatics Programs
The health informatics major in the MSN Program prepares students to develop knowledge and skills in clinical information systems, analytics, project management, and a variety of technologies. Knowledge builds on concepts of data-information-knowledge meta-structures and incorporates systems lifecycle planning and expert clinical domain modeling. The rigorous program combines online instruction with one campus session each semester. There are two enrollment options, linked below.
Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) Post-Bachelor's Certificate (HIC)
This program is designed for those with an undergraduate or graduate degree with a desire to learn about Clinical Informatics principles, solutions, and applications. This one-year program provides an overview of how data, information, and knowledge are represented and used. Students work on teams with professionals from various backgrounds to enhance the quality of their experience. A real-world practicum at the end provides students with hands-on experience.
The Clinical Informatic Fellowship (CIF) is a two-year program designed to train U.S. Board Certified physicians. It was developed specifically for physicians who are seeking in-depth expertise in clinical informatics and leadership experience. Prior to enrolling into the CIF program, students will have completed training in a primary specialty and will be board-eligible or certified. This program meets the educational criteria required for physicians necessary for Board Certification in Clinical Informatics through the American Board of Preventive Medicine.
MD Program, 4th Year Elective
Introduction to Informatics (COMMFAM448C): This elective provides students with an opportunity to explore the integration of medicine and information technologies in an experiential manner by working on an ongoing or self-initiated medical IT project. In doing so, students will gain an understanding of the field of clinical informatics and the role it plays in the national effort to improve quality of care and eliminate medical errors. Additionally, topics students will explore include: Electronic medical systems (e.g. EHR, PHR, CPOE, CDS); Role of health IT in patient safety; Health information standardization (e.g. HL7); and Medical Information Terminologies/Taxonomies (e.g. SNOMED). For more information about the course, students should contact the Duke Center for Health Informatics, William "Ed" Hammond, PhD via email below or by phone, 919-668-2408. Offered during spring section 42 only. Permission is required. Credit: 4, Non-Direct Patient Care credit. Enrollment: max: 8.