erikmla

Hi Melbanurse, as you said this field seemed to be a new area to some us; the titles are very confusing and even the college programs. And I would only like to do a program which would be an advancement in my career; I don't want to be thrown out of the nursing stream, loose my ranking and get less pay after spending all the time and money. That is why I will like to know who is the authority in this new specialty. Because when you contact the colleges, their answers are very confusing. I will really be thankful if some one can come very clear on this. By the way, my state is California. Thanks. Erikmla

Hi, Thanks for your quick response, but your reply calls for some further clarifications; 1.What is the difference between health informatics,nursing informatics,medical informatics, & RHIA (registered health information administrator)? 2.Are health/medical/nursing informatics ONLY offered at masters level, and that one must have B.Sc in health information administration before reading health informatics? 3.Or is Medical/health informatics a general program under which specialties like nursing/pharmacy/dental informatics come? 4.Who is/are the authority(ies) in health informatics/nursing informatics as far as program accreditation,licensing and professional examinations are concerned? Because when I checked about a health informatics program at Western Governors Univ., I learned that their program was not accredited. 5.Who are AHIMA, CAHIIM, AACN, AMIA etc? Who is in charge of this field/program? If each of them play a role, can you please educate me as far as who is who and who I will be dealing with if I take up health/nursing informatics? I apologize for my naivety. Thanks. Erikmla.

Hi, I'm an RN, Ass. degree, with 8years working experience and considering going back to college to specialize in nursing informatics. This area seems very new to me and will be grateful if you could give me more light with regard to the below; 1.I 've decided to do this program online as I will still have to work. First I've reviewed the course contents of most colleges and they seemed to be having some variations. With your experience, which college(s) do you recommend as having the best program? Among those I have reviewed are University of Phoenix , University of Maryland, Walden university...... 2. What basic IT requirements do you recommend I have before going into this program? 3.Having been there for years, what are the challenges out there? Any good motivation/compensations? And have you ever regretted going into that specialty? 4.Where do I get info on financial support/scholarships for this program? Thanks. Erikmla

Yeah, a little bit nerve racking when moving to practice in US. Are you being employed by a travel agency? Some of the agencies have meet-and-greets, or relocation managers who are very helpful. Wish you well.