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Health Services

H668 Health Sciences

Health information management professionals serve the healthcare industry and the public by managing, analyzing, and utilizing data vital for patient care. From paper and electronic health records to health informatics, maintaining access, quality, and privacy of patients' test results, diagnoses, prescriptions, and treatments is core to this discipline. Health information management standards and policies also assure data is accessible for accurate patient billing and reimbursement, optimal health services utilization, public health reporting, and research.

Undergraduate Program

Adviser
1100 NE 45th Street, Suite 405, Box 354943
206-543-8810
hihim@u.washington.edu

The program in Health Informatics and Health Information Management (HIHIM) offers both a postbaccalaureate certificate and a Bachelor of Science degree (Evening Degree Program).

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, in cooperation with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Students acquire a sound background in health data systems, organizational theory, computer systems in health care, health information systems analysis, management theory and application, quality assurance theory and application, and finance and legal issues. Upon completion of this program, students are eligible to take the national certification examination for Registered Health Information Administrator.

Health Informatics and Health Information Management Postbaccalaureate Certificate

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.50. They must also have taken courses in, or have the requisite knowledge and skills pertaining to, the following: human anatomy and physiology (laboratory course); patho-physiology; introduction to basic computer applications such as spreadsheets, data bases, or word processing, or introductory programming; principles of management; statistics (any discipline); and medical terminology.

Certificate Requirements

55 credits as follows:

  1. HIHIM 409 (4, 4), HIHIM 410 (6), HIHIM 412 (5), HIHIM 420 (5), HIHIM 421 (5), HIHIM 450 (3), HIHIM 454 (4), HIHIM 455 (5), HIHIM 456 (5), HIHIM 460 (3), HIHIM 462 (3), HIHIM 470 (3), HIHIM 480 (4).
  2. The program may be completed in either one or two academic years.

For current information, please visit the Health Informatics and Health Information Management Web site.

Bachelor of Science

Health Informatics and Health Information Management Major

Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: Human anatomy and physiology (laboratory course); patho-physiology; introduction to basic computer applications such as spreadsheets, data bases, or word processing, or introductory programming; principles of management; statistics (any discipline); English composition; and medical terminology.

Department Admission Requirements

  1. Admission to UW Evening Degree Program for summer quarter of planned entry to Health Informatics and Health Information Management (HIHIM)
  2. Minimum 90 transferable credits.
  3. Completion of the following prerequisites (With the exception of medical terminology, prerequisite courses may be taken at the UW or elsewhere):
    1. Statistics (one of the following): STAT 220, STAT 311, QMETH 201, PSYCH 315, EDPSY 490, or equivalent. (4-5 credits)
    2. Anatomy and physiology with laboratory: BIOL 118 and BIOL 119, or equivalent (6 credits)
    3. Management: MGMT 300, or equivalent (4 credits)
    4. Computer applications and information technology: CSE 100, INFO 100, or equivalent (5 credits)
    5. Medical terminology: Not offered at UW. Available at various community colleges (3-5 credits)
  5. Grades: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in prerequisite coursework. Minimum 2.0 grade in each prerequisite course.
  6. Prerequisites must be completed prior to admission, with the following exception: A maximum of one (1) prerequisite course may be in progress during summer quarter. Applicant must include written petition with HIHIM application. Applicant may be considered for conditional admission. Offer of admission to HIHIM is withdrawn if prerequisite is not completed by the end of summer quarter or if prerequisite grade requirement is not met.
  7. Admission is once a year, for summer quarter. Admission is competitive; completion of admission requirements guarantees consideration but not acceptance. Application deadline for each year is April 15. The academic summer schedule begins with an introductory course and an optional independent study course.

Program Requirements

  1. General Education Requirements
    1. English Composition and Additional Writing (15 credits): English composition (5 credits); additional writing (W courses) (10 credits)
    2. Quantitative & Symbolic Reasoning (4-5 credits): Depending on course taken, may be satisfied by the statistics prerequisite requirement.
    3. Areas of Knowledge (60 credits): Minimum 20 credits each in Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts (VLPA), Individuals & Societies (I&S), and Natural World (NW). (BIOL 118 and BIOL 119 may count toward both the prerequisite and NW requirements.)
  2. Program Requirements (57 credits)
    1. Disease concepts (4 credits): HIHIM 409
    2. Information systems (16 credits): HIHIM 410, HIHIM 420, HIHIM 421
    3. Coding and vocabulary (5 credits): HIHIM 412
    4. Management (25 credits): HIHIM 450, HIHIM 454, HIHIM 455, HIHIM 456, HIHIM 470, HIHIM 480
    5. Internships and projects (7 credits): HIHIM 460, HIHIM 462, HIHIM 499
  3. Additional electives to complete minimum of 180 credits required for a degree.

For current information, visit the Health Informatics and Health Information Management Web site.

Individualized Studies Major

An undergraduate major in public health is housed administratively within individualized studies. This major introduces undergraduates to public health issues such as emerging infectious diseases, chronic diseases, access to healthcare and modes of healthcare delivery, the geography of health, and the effects of environment on health and disease. Students also learn about the tools medical researchers use to understand the biological mechanism of disease and the modes of disease spread, prevention, and cure. The major was designed by, and is supported by, faculty from the School of Public Health. A complete description of the individualized studies major can be found in the Arts and Sciences section of this catalog.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

  • Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The bachelor's degree program is designed to prepare individuals for careers in the management and use of health care information, and prepares students for the Registered Health Information Administrator (R.H.I.A.) national certifying examination of the American Health Information Management Association. The program gives students the tools to work in a wide variety of health care positions upon graduation, including health information management, health informatics with emphasis on electronic health records, health care quality improvement, decision support analysis, research, health insurance, and consulting. Graduates pass a national credential examination, with a majority working within the health information management field.
  • Instructional and Research Facilities: None.
  • Honors Options Available: None.
  • Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Students complete two internships, one of which is the capstone project.
  • Department Scholarships: None.
  • Student Organizations/Associations: Students are invited to join the health information management professional association at reduced rates.

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
H673 Health Sciences, Box 357660
206-616-2926
hservmph@u.washington.edu

The Department of Health Services offers a two-year graduate program in health services leading to the Master of Public Health or Master of Science degree. The M.P.H. degree prepares future health practitioners, managers, and researchers to conduct the unfinished work of improving the well-being of communities in the United States and throughout the world. Graduates take jobs in health system management, health program design and evaluation, health promotion, public health practice, and policy analysis. Among other options, the department offers an M.P.H. in community-oriented public health practice (C-O.P.H.P.) This program uses problem-based learning methods, and integrates classroom instruction and experiential fieldwork to prepare students to work in community and public health practice settings. Students may also pursue any of the M.P.H. specialty options. The department also offers a three-year extended degree program in community-health management, leading to the M.P.H. degree for employed professionals working full-time.

The department also maintains primary responsibility for the graduate program in Health Services Administration (an interdisciplinary degree-granting program of the Graduate School described in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Degree Programs section of this catalog). In addition, an executive version of the traditional M.H.A. degree, designed for mid-career health care professionals, is offered. The M.H.A. degree provides full academic preparation for careers in management and policy positions in health systems, hospitals, medical groups, health plans and other types of health care organizations.

The department offers a Ph.D. in health services and participates in the training of doctoral fellows.

Master of Public Health

For current listings of M.P.H. options and their requirements, please visit the program Web site.

Admission Requirements

  1. One set of official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended
  2. Official scores from the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (required for applicants who have not already earned a doctoral-level degree (e.g., M.D., Ph.D., J.D.) from a U.S. institution of higher learning)
  3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, if applicable.
  4. Admission application
  5. Applicant's statement, including a description of the applicant's professional background, career goals, and the educational objectives which the applicant expects to meet while completing the program
  6. Three recent letters of recommendation, preferably from former supervisors and teachers.
  7. An in-person or telephone interview with a Health Services faculty person is highly recommended, but not required

Degree Requirements

Community-Oriented Public Health Practice Track

63 credits for each track/option listed below. For detailed requirements, see program Web site at: depts.washington.edu/hserv/curriculum/

63 credits, to include:

  1. Problem-based learning (PBL) core curriculum - 36 credits
  2. Integrated fieldwork - 6 credits (first year)
  3. Seminars - 6 credits
  4. Capstone project - 9 credits (second year)
  5. Electives - 6 credits from School of Public Health and Community Medicine and other schools/colleges at the UW, as appropriate
Health Care and Population Research Option

63 credits, to include:

  1. At least 30 credits from graduate-level-in-classroom courses, of which at least 18 credits must be from Health Services courses.
  2. 3 credits: practicum
  3. 9 credits: thesis
Maternal and Child Health Option

63 credits, to include:

  1. At least 30 credits from graduate-level-in-classroom courses, of which at least 18 credits must be from Health Services courses.
  2. 3 credits: practicum
  3. 9 credits: thesis
Social and Behavioral Sciences Option

63 credits, to include:

  1. At least 30 credits from graduate-level-in-classroom courses of which at least 18 credits must be from Health Services courses.
  2. 3 credits: practicum
  3. 9 credits: capstone project or thesis

Master of Health Administration

For current information, please visit the M.H.A. program Web site.

Admission Requirements

  1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university
  2. Minimum GPA of 3.00 in the last 90 graded credits
  3. GRE scores

Degree Requirements

79 credits, as follows:

  1. Year One Required Courses: ACCTG 503 (4); HSERV 511 (4); either HSERV 587 (3) or HSMGMT 514 (4), HSMGMT 501 (3); HSMGMT 513 (4); HSMGMT 523 (3); HSMGMT 560 (3); HSMGMT 571 (4); 12 credits of HSMGMT 590 (1-6, max. 12); 4 credits of HSMGMT 592 (2, 2)
  2. Year Two Required Courses:Either HSERV 551 (3), HSERV 552 (3), or HSERV 553 (2-3); HSMGMT 500 (3), HSMGMT 502 (3), HSMGMT 545 (4), HSMGMT 562 (4), and MHE 523 (3).

Master of Science, Health Care and Population Health

Admission Requirements

For current information, please visit the M.S. program Web site.

  1. One set of official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning
  2. Official scores from the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (required for applicants who have not already earned a doctoral-level degree from a U.S. institution of higher learning)
  3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, if applicable.
  4. Admission application
  5. Applicant's statement, including a description of the applicant's professional background, career goals, and the educational objectives which the applicant expects to meet while completing the program
  6. Three recent letters of recommendation, preferably from former supervisors and teachers.
  7. An in-person or telephone interview with a Health Services faculty person is highly recommended

Degree Requirements

Minimum 63 credits, to include:

  1. Either HSERV 511 (3/4) or HSERV 512 (3)
  2. Either HSERV 587 (3), HSMGMT 513 (4), or HSMGMT 514 (3)
  3. EPI 512 (4), EPI 513 (4)
  4. Either BIOST 511, BIOST 512, BIOST 513 (4, 4, 4), or BIOST 517, BIOST 518 (4, 4)
  5. Two of the following: HSERV 522 (4), HSERV 523 (4), HSERV 524 (4), HSERV 525 (4), HSERV 526 (4), HSERV 527 (4), HSERV 539 (3/4), HSERV 583 (3), HSERV 584 (3), or HSERV 586 (3)
  6. Three quarters of HSERV 592 (1-6, max. 6)
  7. 9 credits of HSERV 700

Doctor of Philosophy

For the most current information, please visit the Ph.D. program Web site.

Admission Requirements

Admission priority is given to applicants who have graduated from a master's program with high academic standing. Students with only a bachelor's degree with health services research experience are occasionally admitted. Generally these students are admitted to the master of science program and then may be admitted to the doctoral program.

Applicants who have a bachelor's, master's, or professional degree in a field related to health services are given preference over applicants who do not have such experience.

Applicants with research experience and publications are typically rated more highly.

Students admitted to the program generally have GRE scores in or above the 80th percentile.

International applicants must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless they are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, or have earned a bachelor's or higher degree from the United States or one of the countries listed above. A minimum score of 580 (paper based) or 237 (computer based) on the TOEFL is required to be considered for admission to the UW.

Degree Requirements

100 credits minimum, as follows:

  1. Required core competencies (35 credits): HSERV 512 (3), HSERV 513 (3), HSERV 514 (3); HSERV 523 (4), HSERV 524 (4), HSERV 525 (4); one of the following: HSMGMT 514 (3), HSERV 587 (3), or ECON 500 (3); HSERV 522 (3); BIOST 517 (4), BIOST 518 (4) (or BIOST 511, BIOST 512, BIOST 513 (4, 4, 4) or BIOST 514, BIOST 515 (4, 4); EPI 512 (4), EPI 513 (4)
  2. Area of emphasis: Five courses or 15 credits in an area of emphasis. Suggested areas of emphasis are as follows:
    1. Economics or Finance
    2. Health Behavior and Health Promotion
    3. Occupational Health
    4. Cancer Prevention and Control
    5. Evaluation Sciences
    6. Population Health and Social Determinants
    7. Global Health
    8. Maternal and Child Health
    9. Sociology/Demography
    10. Bioinformatics
    11. Customized area of emphasis: The specific courses to be taken are selected by the student and the adviser based on the student's past coursework, experience, proposed dissertation topic, and future career goals.
  3. Doctoral courses in advanced theory and methods in health services (50 credits including a minimum of 30 dissertation credits)
  4. Written preliminary examination
  5. Written and oral general examinations
  6. Dissertation
  7. Dissertation defense (final examination)

Financial Aid

Every attempt is made to ensure that students admitted are not prevented from pursuing graduate studies due to inadequate finances. Some fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and loans are available each year.

Research Facilities

In addition to using University facilities, the program has extensive links with community health-care delivery systems and agencies for research and training.

Extended M.P.H.

Graduate Program Coordinator
H674 Health Sciences, Box 357660
206-685-7580

For current information, visit the Extended M.P.H. program Web site.

The Extended M.P.H. degree program is a part-time, partial distance learning program delivered through a combination of intensive four-week summer sessions on the University campus, directed independent study, and four intensive weekend seminars during the academic year. The program is designed for mid-career public and community health professionals with three or more years of experience related to public health. The program provides knowledge and skills required at mid- and upper-level practice and management positions for health professionals. In addition to the core courses in health services, epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health, the prescribed coursework includes a broad exposure to the health-care system plus specific management training in budgets, finance, personnel management, economics, organization theory, and program planning and evaluation. Pathways are available in health education, maternal and child health, public health practice, and oral health.

The Extended M.P.H. degree program provides training in developing skills in the scientific base of public health, analytic methods, management and communication, and policy and advocacy, as well as training in cross-cutting issues. Graduates apply their skills directly to their careers.

Admission Requirements

  1. Current employment in a public health related agency preferred
  2. Minimum three years experience in community, public, or environmental health-related field
  3. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
  4. Minimum 3.00 GPA in the last graded 90 quarter/60 semester hours
  5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, taken within 6 years. (Applicants with M.D., D.O., or Ph.D. degrees from an accredited U.S. college or university may waive the GRE requirement.)

Degree Requirements

63 credits minimum, as follows:

  1. Year 1 Required Courses: BIOST 502 (4), EPI 511 (3/4), HSERV 501 (3), HSERV 516 (4), HSERV 520 (1-3, max. 3), HSMGMT 560 (1-4, max. 4)
  2. Year 2 Required Courses: BIOST 503 (4), ENV H 511 (1-3, max. 3), HSERV 504 (1-3, max. 3), HSERV 522 (1-4, max. 4), HSMGMT 514 (3/4), HSMGMT 563 (3)
  3. Year 3 Required Courses: HSMGMT 566 (3), HSMGMT 572 (3)
  4. Thesis or Project Option: HSERV 700 (master's thesis) or HSERV 598 (project); EPI 600/ENV H 600
  5. Practicum (required): focus based on pathway choice
  6. Elective or Pathway Credits (required): pathway courses may be spread out over two years. Electives may be taken at any time.

Helpful links

Undergraduate Program

Minor

Graduate Program

Time Schedule

Academic Planning Worksheet

Departmental Web Page

Departmental Faculty

Course Descriptions