Kansas has a small but distinct set of health informatics options. The University of Kansas offers a CAHIIM-accredited online master’s in health informatics, plus a stackable graduate certificate and a bachelor’s in health information management. Fort Hays State University offers an online bachelor’s concentration in health informatics built around networking and security.
The programs lead to different careers. KU’s master’s prepares students for data, governance, and informatics leadership roles. KU’s bachelor’s prepares students for the RHIA credential in health information management. Fort Hays State prepares students for health care IT infrastructure work.
Kansas Health Informatics Programs
| School | Location | Program | Format | Estimated Tuition | Typical Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | Kansas City | MS in Health Informatics, 31 credits | Online, plus a half-day campus orientation | About $22,900, same for all residencies | About 2 years |
| University of Kansas | Kansas City | Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics, 16 credits | Online | About $11,800 | About 1 year |
| University of Kansas | Kansas City | BS in Health Information Management, 120 credits | Campus or online completion | About $28,000 in-state (campus, final two years) | 2 years after prerequisites |
| Fort Hays State University | Hays | BA/BS in Information Networking and Telecommunications: Health Informatics, 120 credits | Online or campus | About $33,100 online for all 120 credits | About 4 years |
KU figures use the 2025-26 School of Health Professions rates, the most recent KUMC publishes. Fort Hays State figures use 2026-27 rates. Confirm current costs and requirements with each school.
Which Kansas Program May Fit You Best?
For a Graduate Degree in Health Informatics
The University of Kansas MS in Health Informatics is a 31-credit online program from the Department of Health Information Management at KU Medical Center. It is accredited by CAHIIM and covers data modeling, information governance, analytics, quality measurement, and leadership. There is no practicum; students finish with a scholarly project and defense. Online students pay one rate whether or not they live in Kansas.
For a Shorter First Step
KU’s 16-credit online graduate certificate is made up entirely of MS core courses. Students who later apply to the MS can count all of it toward the degree, leaving 15 credits to finish.
For Health Information Management
KU’s BS in Health Information Management is a CAHIIM-accredited completion degree for students with about 60 credits of prerequisites. Graduates can sit for the RHIA exam. It runs on campus in Kansas City or online for RHIT holders and others with an associate degree.
For an associate-level start, Washburn University in Topeka offers a CAHIIM-accredited associate degree in Health Information Technology that prepares graduates for the RHIT exam. It admits students each fall.
For Health Care IT and Networking
Fort Hays State University offers a bachelor’s concentration in health informatics within its Information Networking and Telecommunications degree. The coursework centers on internetworking, database programming, and network security, with two nursing-school courses on informatics and health care law. It is available online at $275.65 per credit for students in any state.
How to Compare Kansas Health Informatics Degrees
Match the Degree to the Job
Health informatics, health information management, and health IT are related but separate career tracks. Informatics roles focus on data and systems design. HIM roles focus on records, coding, and compliance and often require the RHIA or RHIT credential. Health IT roles focus on networks, hardware, and security. Pick the program that matches the job you want.
Check Accreditation
RHIA and RHIT exam eligibility requires a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program. KU’s MS and BS and Washburn’s associate degree hold CAHIIM accreditation. Fort Hays State’s informatics concentration does not claim it.
Plan for Work Experience
None of the Kansas master’s or bachelor’s options in informatics requires a practicum. Students without health care or IT jobs should plan internships or part-time work, since employers and the AMIA Health Informatics Certification both expect experience.
Compare Online Pricing
Both KU’s online graduate programs and Fort Hays State’s online courses charge one rate regardless of residency, which makes them practical options for students outside Kansas. KU’s online graduate rate includes per-credit course and e-learning fees that add about half again to base tuition.
Explore More Health Informatics Programs
Compare Kansas with health informatics programs in other states, browse the health informatics school directory, or review online health informatics programs.
Kansas Schools on This Site
- Fort Hays State University - Hays
- University of Kansas - Kansas City