Eligibility and Requirements
KU selects applicants who demonstrate the academic achievement, integrity and motivation necessary for successful leadership in interprofessional health informatics. Previous health care experience is beneficial but not required.
We do not require applicants complete the Graduate Record Examination, and GRE scores will not help an applicant.
International students: due to the number of required online courses for this degree, KU's health informatics program does not meet the U.S. student visa requirements at this time. Therefore, we are unable to accept individuals who are present in the United State on a student visa. If you are in the U.S. on another type of visa, please contact him@kumc.edu for additional application requirements.
Application and admission requirements are subject to change at any time without notice.
Bachelor's Degree
Student must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, documented by submission of official transcript(s) indicating the degree has been conferred, before starting the program. Students with degrees from outside the U.S. will be subject to transcript evaluation indicating the degree is equivalent to a U.S. degree and meets the minimum cumulative GPA requirements.
Grade Point Average
- To be eligible, students must possess a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all undergraduate coursework, with every individual class having a grade of "C" or better.
Essential Health and Physical Requirements
Because KU graduates are expected to function in a variety of clinical, research and educational situations, students must be able to meet the program's technical standards.
Students that require accommodations can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Equal Employment Opportunity Office at KU Medical Center.
All students are required to carry current health insurance coverage. KU Medical Center offers a health insurance policy for eligible students. Selected for the Kansas Board of Regents institutions by the State of Kansas, this plan is offered through Student Health Services at KU Medical Center and is underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources. For additional health enrollment requirements, visit the KU Medical Center Student Health website.
Vaccine and Clinical Site Requirements
Matriculated students will need to provide an immunization profile prior to participating in curricular and/or clinical experiences required by the program. Please read the information found at the bottom of the program's curriculum page and be sure that you understand these requirements.
Background Check and Drug Screening
The Joint Commission requires all incoming students to submit a background check and provide the report to the university. This one-time fee must be paid directly to the company performing the background investigation. This requirement only applies to students officially admitted into the program. A drug screen may also be required by each clinical residency site the student utilizes during the program. More information: School of Health Professions background check and drug screening.
Computer Competency and Standards
Students are required to have a computer that meets the minimum software and hardware requirements for this program. In addition, students entering all programs of study at the University of Kansas Medical Center are expected to have basic skills in using a computer. You will be expected to have access to Microsoft Office, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Visio and other software applications that are course specific in order to complete assignments.
International Students
An applicant is considered an international student if the individual requires a visa, currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. Please review the information for international students before applying.
English Language Requirement
All applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.
For more on English language requirements, including minimum test scores, please see the KU Medical Center Office of International Programs. Test scores must be original forms sent directly from the administering agency to KU Medical Center. Photocopies will not be accepted. Use ETS school code: 6895.
Student Spotlight
Madison Boshers, Master of Science in Health Informatics Student
In December 2020, Madison Boshers finished her first semester in her Master of Science program, studying health informatics with a clinical focus. Boshers said, "I always knew I wanted to continue my education and stay in healthcare. I decided health care informatics would be the perfect way to incorporate my bachelor's degree in nursing, into a career transition."
Bosher works as a registered nurse at The University of Kansas Health System. Pursuing a degree that allows flexibility with her job was a priority when Boshers considered a graduate program. Ultimately, Boshers chose KU for the program's online format. Boshers said she enjoys her coursework and feels connected to online peers and faculty through discussion boards.
Boshers offers advice to future students: "Do your research and see what jobs are out there and consider if you would enjoy them. Know that you can come from any background and pursue this degree. Don't limit yourself."
Upon graduation, Bosher hopes to work at Cerner Corporation as a consultant or in The University of Kansas Health System's Health Information Technology Department as a clinical specialist.