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Online MHA - Informatics

In our Master of Health Administration - Informatics track, you’ll learn how to be a leader in health information technology and data management.

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10 Weeks

10-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year

39 Months

Earn your BSN in as few as 39 months at the Accelerated program pace

5 Locations

Miami, Texas, LA, Orange County, & Ontario

MHA – Informatics Highlights

<p>Specialized training in healthcare systems, database design, data management, and more</p>

Specialized training in healthcare systems, database design, data management, and more

<p>Comprehensive education preparing you for administrative roles within the healthcare field</p>

Comprehensive education preparing you for administrative roles within the healthcare field

<p>100% online coursework with extensive student resources, including advisors, no-cost tutoring, career services, and more</p>

100% online coursework with extensive student resources, including advisors, no-cost tutoring, career services, and more

<p>Complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning to help round out your professional knowledge and skills</p>

Complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning to help round out your professional knowledge and skills

Why Choose the MHA – Informatics Track?

Why Choose the MHA – Informatics Track?

Healthcare informatic specialists play a critical role in building and maintaining clinical databases, tracking patient outcomes for quality assessment, and keeping patient data private and secure.

 At WCU, the Master of Health Administration - Informatics track is designed for aspiring healthcare administrators and experienced nurses who want to make a positive impact on provider organizations and other healthcare enterprises through effective data governance.

 In this program, you will gain a comprehensive education in health administration with specialized courses focused on database design, healthcare systems, project management within healthcare informatics, and more. Enjoy the flexibility that comes with 100% online study and choose from three program paces for your MHA healthcare informatics degree: Accelerated Plus (8 months), Accelerated (12 months), or Working Professional (20 months).

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Start Your Journey

  • Flexible online and campus programs
  • 58,000 alumni across the globe
  • Experienced faculty and staff

Overview: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Program Details

At WCU, you can choose a program pace that works for your schedule. Whether you want to go full-speed in your studies or complete your program at a slower pace to balance school with your other responsibilities, we have an option for you.

Here are the available paces for the BSN program:

Accelerated Pace

  • On-Campus
  • 120 Credits
  • 39 Months
  • 8 Semesters

Evening & Weekend Pace*

  • On-Campus
  • 120 Credits
  • 44 Months
  • 9 Semesters

Working Professional Pace*

  • On-Campus
  • 120 Credits
  • 54 Months
  • 11 Semesters

*Only available at the Miami campus

Overview: Master of Health Administration – Informatics Track

The MHA – Informatics Track Experience

 Throughout this specialized track, you will:

  • Get a foundational education in the core disciplines of health administration while also gaining specialized knowledge of informatics in healthcare
  • Learn the qualities of management and leadership that are needed become a driver of change within a healthcare organization or firm
  • Gain additional professional knowledge and skills that build on your MHA education through no-cost access to LinkedIn Learning
  • Have close interaction with your dean and instructors, who have extensive experience in the industry
  • Get the help you need to properly strategize and execute your job search with the help of WCU Career Services

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Academic Calendar

 New academic terms begin, on average, every eight weeks. Review our Academic Calendar to see when each term starts and ends

How Much Does The MHA - Informatics Track Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MHA - Informatics track tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MHA - Informatics track costs at West Coast University.

We offer several MHA - Informatics track financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

Master of Health Administration - Informatics Track

Tuition and Fees

Accelerated Plus*

Degree Type Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 30  30 
Program Length(full time) 2 trimesters  2 trimesters 
Tuition Cost(per credit) $750  $772 
Total Tuition Cost $22,500  $23,160 
STRF1 $0  $0 
Technology Fee2 $1,000  $1,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $50  $50 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $23,550 $24,210
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $23,550  $24,210 

Accelerated*

Degree Type Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025)
Total Program Credits 30  30 
Program Length(full time) 3 trimesters  3 trimesters 
Tuition Cost(per credit) $750  $772 
Total Tuition Cost $22,500  $23,160 
STRF1 $0  $0 
Technology Fee2 $1,500  $1,500 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $50  $50 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $24,050  $24,710 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $24,050  $24,710 

Working Professional*

Degree Type Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 30  30 
Program Length(full time) 5 trimesters  5 trimesters
Tuition Cost(per credit) $750  $772 
Total Tuition Cost $22,500  $23,160 
STRF1 $0  $0
Technology Fee2 $2,500  $2,500 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $50  $50 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $25,050  $25,710 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $25,050  $25,710 

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year4
with parents off campus
Federal Student Loan Fee $220  $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936
Transportation $1,648 $1,648
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392
Total $9,644 $15,196

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.  

4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

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Hands-On Support for Your Career

At WCU, we don’t just teach you what you need to pursue a rewarding career—we also support you every step of the way through your job search! Our Career Services team can provide you with:

  • Workshops that teach you about resume writing, interview etiquette, and other professional development tips
  • Help accessing potential job opportunities through career fairs and recruiter meetings
  • Assistance tracking down relevant job leads and facilitating interviews
  • Personalized guidance to help you plan the path to your future career2

WCU alumni have access to these services indefinitely, so you get the assistance you need starting on day one of your program and lasting throughout your entire career!

Career Opportunities

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health information technologists and medical registrars can work in various types of roles and settings, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Physician offices
  • Professional, scientific, and technical services
  • Management of companies and enterprises
  • Administrative and support services3

The WCU Career Services team can help you find and pursue opportunities within the field of healthcare informatics.

Complimentary LinkedIn Learning for MHA Students

As an MHA student at WCU, you will have no-cost access to a valuable educational tool—LinkedIn Learning. For every one of your core courses, you will select a topic you want to learn about from a comprehensive library of educational video content, and then you’ll complete that learning module by the end of your academic term. This material will align with what you’re learning in your MHA courses.

Once you’ve finished your module, you will receive a certificate of completion, which will serve as an eye-catching addition to your profile. We provide our students with these LinkedIn Learning resources to help them bolster their skill sets so they are better prepared to pursue their goals.

Featured Faculty


Ron J. Macias, EdD, MHA, BS/HCM, CHEP

Assistant Professor, Health Administration & Business Administration

Dr.

Dr. Ron J. Macias is an Assistant Professor and lead faculty member for West Coast University’s Health Administration and Business Administration programs. He has been teaching at WCU since 2011 and has over 25 years of experience working in senior management positions in Fortune 100 health service organizations, as well as 23 years of experience in corporate information services.

A seasoned veteran in health and business administration, Dr. Macias has served as a senior manager at Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealth Group, PacifiCare Health Systems, Prescription Solutions (now OptumRx), First American Corporation, and Ingram Micro. He has also managed corporate departments in healthcare research, IT security, IT service management, service quality metrics, project management, instructional technology methodology, corporate communication, and personnel development and training.

Dr. Macias is a Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP) under Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU), and he is also ITIL Foundations Certified. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Project Management Institute (PMI), and Project Management Institute - Orange County Chapter

Pursue your BSN at one of the following campuses
Technologically Advanced Sim Labs

At WCU, our goal is to build both the skills and confidence required in the nursing field. Practice using high-fidelity manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients. Coupled with hands-on clinical experiences, our simulations give students the opportunity to master foundational skills and graduate with confidence.

Our BSN students experience a range of patient care situations from routine to emergency. During simulation sessions, each student independently practices the functions of a registered nurse. The simulation labs at West Coast University use a full range of scenarios at all levels of the core nursing program:

Experience WCU for Yourself!

Attend an info session to learn what all the buzz is about.

Get Started

We’re here to help you, from the moment you apply to beyond graduation. It all starts here.

Clinical Placements

WCU is dedicated to building long-term clinical relationships and hospital affiliations that offer students a world of options and meaningful clinical experiences.

We have coordinators of clinical relations who support students by facilitating clinical site and preceptor selection, helping streamline approvals, and assisting with compliance tracking. Our Clinical Placements team also provides coaching calls for students who need guidance on how to make their clinicals a success.

NCLEX Support

NCLEX Support

Helping BSN Students Prepare for Licensure

Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a critical milestone for all nurses. That’s why WCU helps prepare you every step of the way.

As a BSN student, you have access to:

  • One-on-one support from NCLEX advisors
  • NCLEX bootcamps
  • No-cost tutoring
  • A virtual library of educational books and videos

“WCU helped prepare us for the NCLEX by providing an adequate test environment, providing us with opportunities to take proctored tests that simulate the NCLEX and to test our nursing knowledge in those tests.”

– Stephanie P., BSN ’21*

“West Coast prepares you unlike any other school I have seen for the NCLEX.”

– Leslie G., BSN ’18*

Career Services

Providing Hands-On Career Support

WCU graduates get to enjoy support from our Career Services team.2 Starting when you’re a student, through graduation, and beyond, you’ll have access to individualized career advice, professional development workshops on topics like resume writing and interview preparation, help finding job leads, assistance connecting with industry recruiters, and more.

Potential Job Opportunities

Once you receive your licensure as a registered nurse, you will have various options to choose from for your career path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a registered nurse usually works with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Additionally, they may be charged with overseeing licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.

The largest employers of registered nurses (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) are:

The Career Services team can help you find job opportunities that meet your goals!

Featured Faculty

Chiarina P. Piazza, PhD, MEd, RN Dean, College of Nursing | California Program Director

Dr. Piazza has been working in the university since 2009. Her past roles included Faculty; Campus Associate Dean of Nursing, Academics; Campus Dean of Nursing; and Associate Dean, College of Nursing. Most recently, she has been appointed to the position of Dean, College of Nursing.

She has a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of San Diego, a Master of Education from Cambridge College, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of California, Los Angeles.

With a commitment to community service, Dr. Piazza is a Commissioner for the Sister Cities Commission of Anaheim. And has previously served as Commissioner, Orange County Human Relations, and Board Member for the School Nurses of California Foundation.

FAQs

What is healthcare informatics?

The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) defines informatics as “the science of how to use data, information and knowledge to improve human health and the delivery of health care services.” 3 Healthcare informatics administrators (who may also be called health information technologists and medical registrars, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) play an important role in setting up and managing health information systems, as well as in ensuring that patient and clinical data are being properly and safely collected, stored, analyzed, and made available to providers for the effective delivery of care.4

Who should pursue a master’s in informatics?

Our MHA – Informatics track is designed for aspiring health administrators and nurses who have a passion for analysis, procedural problem solving, and information systems. If you’re interested in helping organizations design, set up, and manage effective databases and healthcare systems for improved patient care, then you may be a good fit for our MHA informatics degree program.

How long does it take to complete the MHA - Informatics track?

If your personal schedule allows, you can complete your MHA - Informatics degree in less than a year! We offer this track at three paces: as little as 8 months at the Accelerated Plus pace, 12 months at the Accelerated pace, or 20 months at the Working Professional pace. You can choose the timeline that best aligns with your circumstances and goals.

Will I be able to transfer my previous coursework into the program? What about past work experience?

Our team at WCU will evaluate your previous coursework for transfer credit. You may also be able to use previous work experience, professional trainings, licenses, and/or certifications toward credit in your program, if they are deemed eligible. Your admissions advisor can help you explore your options.

Can I still earn my degree if I’m a working student?

Yes. We created our online programs so that working students can have greater flexibility in achieving their goals. With a fully online curriculum and no need to sign in at specific times for class, you can build your study schedule around your work schedule each week.

As an online student, you will have access to a wealth of resources that are designed to aid in your success. These include our online library, our 24/7 tech support team, complimentary virtual tutoring, and the ability to message your dean and instructors directly through the Remind app. You’ll also be assigned a Student Success advisor who can help guide you throughout your educational journey.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid and scholarships are available for students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Students who are enrolled in online programs at WCU may be able to take advantage of scholarships and grants such as the Alumni Pathway Grant (covering up to 20% of tuition), the WCU Performance Scholarship (covering up to 15% of tuition), and the WCU Health Services Grant (covering up to 10% of tuition).

 For an overview of all types of financial aid that you may want to consider, visit our Tuition & Financial aid page.

Follow the BSN Student Experience at #WestCoastUniversity

Experience WCU for Yourself!

Attend an info session to learn what all the buzz is about.

Get Started

We’re here to help you, from the moment you apply to beyond graduation. It all starts here.

1 American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses,” October 2022

2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “What Registered Nurses Do,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022

4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “Work Environment,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022

*The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Additional Resources:

1 Challenge Credit

2 Transfer Credit Policy

2a Military Training or Experience

2b Credit for Previous Education or Training for Veterans

3 Military Educational Benefits