Informatics courses can help you learn data analysis, information management, user interface design, and programming fundamentals. You can build skills in data visualization, database management, and developing algorithms for problem-solving. Many courses introduce tools like SQL for database queries, Python for data manipulation, and software like Tableau for creating interactive dashboards, all essential for analyzing and presenting information effectively.

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Health Informatics, Clinical Informatics, Healthcare Project Management, Health Technology, Change Control, Health Systems, Health Policy, Informatics, Health Care, Medical Records, Health Care Administration, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Health Information Management, Clinical Leadership, Decision Support Systems, Solution Design, Health Information Management and Medical Records, IT Management, Electronic Medical Record System, Data Science
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Minnesota
Skills you'll gain: Team Building, Clinical Leadership, Nursing Administration, Nursing Management, Team Leadership, Health Informatics, Education and Training, Clinical Informatics, Leadership, Professional Development, Nursing, Nurse Education, Health Care Administration, Learning Management Systems, Informatics, Health Policy, Innovation, Health Care, Interpersonal Communications, Conflict Management
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Tidyverse (R Package), Clinical Data Management, Extract, Transform, Load, Data Modeling, Clinical Research, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance, Medical Privacy, Data Manipulation, Predictive Modeling, Database Design, Google Cloud Platform, Intensive Care Unit, Data Ethics, Data Quality, Natural Language Processing, Bioinformatics, Informatics, Text Mining, Clinical Informatics, R Programming
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Health Informatics, Informatics, Health Care, Healthcare Project Management, Systems Analysis, Business Systems Analysis, Technical Communication, Requirements Analysis, Data Access, User Centered Design
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of California San Diego
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Diagnostic Tests, Model Evaluation, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, Informatics, Network Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Computational Thinking, Biochemistry, Data Mining, Scientific Visualization, Life Sciences, Tree Maps, Microbiology, Biology, Data Analysis Software, Pharmacology, Science and Research
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Maryland, College Park
Skills you'll gain: Health Informatics, Public Health, Health Policy, Professional Development, Cultural Diversity, Health Care Administration, Clinical Leadership, Crisis Intervention, Informatics, Health Care, Leadership, Health Systems, Health Disparities, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Data Integration, Community Health, Emergency Response, Health Technology, Adaptability, Data Analysis
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Processing, Data Analysis, Data Literacy, Exploratory Data Analysis, Laboratory Research, Metadata Management, Science and Research, R Programming, Spatial Data Analysis, Scientific Methods, Data Collection, Data Quality, Research, Quantitative Research, Informatics, Biology, Laboratory Techniques, Analysis
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Health Informatics, Health Technology, Health Systems, Health Policy, Health Care, Informatics, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Clinical Informatics, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Health Information Management, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, System Requirements, Interoperability, Electronic Medical Record, Data Literacy, Technology Strategies, Medical Imaging, Emerging Technologies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Peking University
Skills you'll gain: Nursing, Nurse Education, Nursing Care, Clinical Informatics, Health Informatics, Nursing Practices, Informatics, Telehealth, Patient-centered Care, Computer Displays, Decision Support Systems, Information Technology, Electronic Medical Record, Patient Safety
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Georgia Institute of Technology
Skills you'll gain: Materials science, Informatics, Data Science, Data Mining, Data Integration, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Processing, Systems Design, Big Data, Structural Analysis, Statistics
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Computer Systems, Informatics, Data Processing, Data Sharing, Computing Platforms, Bioinformatics, Data Storage, Computer Literacy, Computer Hardware, Big Data, Capacity Management, Data Centers, Computer Security Awareness Training, Cloud Computing, Oncology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Minnesota
Skills you'll gain: Nursing Administration, Health Informatics, Education and Training, Clinical Informatics, Clinical Leadership, Nurse Education, Learning Management Systems, Informatics, Innovation, Culture
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Informatics is the science of processing data for storage and retrieval. It plays a crucial role in various fields, including healthcare, education, and business, by transforming raw data into meaningful information. This transformation is essential for making informed decisions, improving efficiency, and enhancing the quality of services. As data continues to grow exponentially, the importance of informatics in managing and analyzing this data becomes increasingly vital.
Careers in informatics are diverse and can be found across multiple sectors. Common job titles include health informatics specialist, data analyst, clinical informatics coordinator, and information systems manager. These roles often involve working with data to improve processes, enhance patient care, or streamline operations. With the growing reliance on data-driven decision-making, opportunities in informatics are expanding, making it a promising field for job seekers.
To succeed in informatics, you should develop a mix of technical and analytical skills. Key skills include data analysis, programming (often in languages like Python or R), database management, and an understanding of information systems. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking are essential, as they enable you to effectively collaborate with teams and convey complex information to stakeholders.
There are many online courses available for those interested in informatics. Some notable options include the Health Informatics Specialization and the Nursing Informatics Leadership Specialization. These courses cover foundational concepts and practical applications, making them suitable for both beginners and those looking to enhance their skills.
Yes. You can start learning informatics on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in informatics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning informatics can be approached through various methods. Start by enrolling in online courses that match your interests and career goals. Engage with interactive content, participate in discussions, and complete hands-on projects to reinforce your understanding. Additionally, consider joining online communities or forums related to informatics to connect with others and share insights.
Informatics courses typically cover a range of topics, including data management, health information systems, data analytics, and user experience design. You may also explore specialized areas such as health informatics, public health informatics, and clinical informatics. These topics provide a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage data effectively in various contexts.
For training and upskilling employees in informatics, courses like the Applied Public Health Informatics for Leaders and the Health Informatics for Healthcare Professionals are excellent choices. These programs focus on practical applications and leadership skills, making them ideal for professionals looking to enhance their capabilities in the workforce.