WGU Launches Health Informatics Degree Program

A message From Ruki Jayaraman, Director of the College of Information Technology: 

Friends,

It gives me great pleasure to announce the BS Health Informatics degree program.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics (BSHI) is an integrated degree program that combines core competencies in the areas of healthcare management with information technology and systems.  The degree is intended for individuals in the IT field that may not have any training or experience in the field of healthcare, and/or for those in health care professions that are seeking to develop specific health informatics and technology skills.  Ironically, in the industry today, health information systems are designed and developed by IT staff that may not be knowledgeable of clinical and biological systems, healthcare regulatory requirements, and interoperability standards.  Similarly, health care professionals tasked with managing these systems may not necessarily be competent at using technology appropriately.  The BSHI is designed to bridge the gaps between the domains of healthcare and information technology by building competencies in both areas, and providing a common frame of reference for practitioners in both fields.  I personally believe that we have a program that is of high quality, and the students and the market place will be well served by it.

A lot of people have put in enormous effort and worked long hours to make this happen, and I am extremely grateful for their contributions.  

For more information regarding the WGU Health Informatics curriculum, please contact your Mentor or visit the WGU web site.



WGU IT Student Makes Headlines
From the Salt Lake Tribune

Midvalley: Teen can 'check' college soon
After graduating from high school at 14, Dallan Jones was disappointed to learn that neither the University of Utah nor BYU was interested in admitting a 14-year-old freshman. Thanks to a letter of recommendation from Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., the South Jordan teen was admitted into Western Governors University, an online college, three years ago. Now 17, Jones is a WGU junior who hopes to earn his bachelor's degree in information technology by his 18th birthday. He plans to pursue more...



Student Profile: Benjamin Power
Student, College of Information Technology

Benjamin Power is an IT professional who provides desktop support for KCI, a durable medical equipment provider.  Located in semi-rural Montana, Benjamin doesn’t have regular access to a traditional university.  With a wife, small child, and a second job providing independent technology consulting services, WGU’s year-round, self-paced learning make for an ideal environment with which Benjamin can earn his degree.  “Frankly,” he says, “the price tag was inviting as well – I wanted to avoid going into debt for school, and WGU’s low cost is giving me the chance to fulfill that commitment.”

Obstacles as a student.  “The biggest obstacle I face is my propensity to procrastinate, especially in non-technical courses.  I struggle to make time for studies and push myself to fulfill my potential.”

The WGU model.  Benjamin loves the WGU mentor/student model and has developed a great working rapport with his mentor, Rob Kinder.  “Rob is an excellent motivator,” he tells us, “our personalities mesh well, and I have enjoyed getting to know him in addition to working together.  When you combine the mentor relationship with year-round 'summer-less' learning, WGU creates potential for a very efficient and opportunity-rich educational environment.  I have the option to truly achieve as much as I am willing to.” 

When the degree is finished.  The field of Information Technology offers an almost endless range of applied science, something Benjamin has already experienced.  “I actually haven’t narrowed it down all that much – I’m interested in too many things!  However, I hope to go in the direction of software development, because it appeals to my logical/analytical side.  Of the various fields of IT, it seems most likely to offer ongoing opportunities for intellectual challenge.”

Outside work and WGU.  In addition to spending time with his family, Benjamin has a wide range of interests, including music.  “Music has long been a part of my life, and I have recently started a home recording studio.”  He adds, “I like playing golf, volleyball and video games, helping and participating at church, as well as staying in touch with friends via Facebook.”

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