Our 18-credit program quickly builds competencies through hands-on application of artificial intelligence techniques and tools. Such skills are becoming increasingly necessary in both clinical decision-making as well as health care information management and data analytics.
Because AI is still in its infancy, we face the unique challenge of providing a curriculum that stays up-to-date with new developments and applications in the field.
“Aside from regular literature reviews, we get the most feedback from the recent graduates in our field,” said Shankar Srinivasan, department chair in health informatics. “We find out from them what sorts of skills they’re being asked about in interviews and what job requirements are being listed.”
Srinivasan has already seen a shift in the industry from data management to more insight-driven data analytics. Machine learning and generative AI skills can be especially beneficial in this regard, extracting patterns and knowledge to assist in patient management, patient recruitment, and in solving problems related to health care delivery.
While our certificate program currently focuses on hands-on skill development that will allow graduates to hit the ground running in the workforce, opportunities such as an optional capstone project allow students to explore new applications and ideas for AI.
Srinivasan sees this playing a larger role in the program as access to software and tools improves.
In addition to serving as an introduction to the application of AI concepts, the certificate is an on-ramp for health professionals looking for a new career path. Many applicants come from a clinical or biotechnology background and are looking to gain proficiency and exposure to a new field.
“Nearly everyone who has entered the certificate program has ultimately moved on to the master’s program,” said Srinivasan. “It’s a phenomenal way to get a grounding the in certificate and when they see that they can still manage their work/life balance and studies, they switch to a Master’s in Health Informatics.”
This mirrors the long-term vision of the role AI competencies will play in the department. Srinivasan hopes to hire additional teaching faculty with an eye towards implementing a full AI in Health Care track for the master’s program.
“We’re still a few years away from an industry standpoint,” he said. “Not only with the availability of the software and tools, but for appropriate governance, standardization, and ethics rules to be put in place.”
With the groundwork set from the certificate program, SHP is positioned to be ahead of the curve in preparing the next generation of health care professionals with the skills and capabilities needed to succeed.
