Master of Health Informatics (speciality) CF21

Program Overview

This program recognises the new discipline of health informatics which includes the management, nursing and electronic health as areas of practice where information science, information and telecommunication technologies are adopted. There is an urgent need for more clinicians, administrators and policy makers to know about these technologies to facilitate the development, acquisition and use of innovative applications to improve overall healthcare performance for the benefit of all Australians.

Entry

A pass or honours degree in:

• One of the health sciences; or
• Another field plus relevant experience in healthcare.

Preference will be given to applicants with at least one year professional work experience in addition to the above.

Consideration will be given on an individual basis to applicants with:

• Basic health professional preparation (non-degree) and who have had at least 2 years work experience at a middle or higher management level; or
• A similar background in business administration with at least 2 years relevant work experience in the healthcare sector.

Places for special entry are limited .

Program Objectives

To provide advanced preparation for health professionals currently in the workforce who have (or wish to prepare for) positions in health service management, nursing or e-health where the use of informatics is a requirement. Graduates of these programs are prepared for work in a variety of positions in the healthcare field.

The major emphasis in these programs is to prepare individuals working anywhere in the health industry to make optimal use of health information, information and telecommunication technologies to support their practice including health information support and development within healthcare organisations.

Graduates of this program are expected to:

• Have a basic understanding of the organization of the Australian health system and its information needs.
• Be knowledgeable about common management or nursing or e-health issues and strategies.
• Be knowledgeable about ways in which information, computing and telecommunication technologies can assist health professionals.

Program Structure

Students are required to complete a total of 12 courses.

Master of Health Informatics (speciality stream)

The Master of Health Informatics is split into 2 streams after completion of the 6 courses required for the Graduate Diploma.

Stream A is entirely coursework based, and includes a balance of both Information Systems and the chosen speciality courses.

Stream B is a research based option, and includes a dissertation, which is the equivalent of 4 courses.

Students interested in this stream will need to demonstrate an average level of academic performance at credit level or above and will need the prior approval of the Program Coordinator. This approval will also depend on the availability of a suitable supervisor.

After completion of the Graduate Diploma requirements, students will be able to exit with the Graduate Diploma.

Computer Equipment Requirements

Students are required to have access to a personal computer with software enabling the student to run word processing, a database application, spreadsheet and communications software. An Internet Service Provider is also required so students are able to gain experience with using this technology, and to communicate with their lecturer and other students.

Transitional Arrangements for Continuing Students

The changes are such that continuing students will be able to continue to undertake their studies as originally planned or make some modifications to suit the new structure without penalty.