Courses
Overview
When considering course options there are a lot of criteria to consider, including:
Qualifications – do you want or need them?
Qualifications prove you've acquired knowledge or developed skills. Some jobs, especially more technical ones, cannot be applied for without the right qualifications, whilst others, such as management positions, put applicants with appropriate qualifications in the box seat. Professional bodies grant certain levels of membership based on qualifications and provide a yardstick for employers to assess your suitability for interview. It is not always essential to have a qualification; in some instances working knowledge can be just as important. Decide where you are heading before investing your time and money.
Why do you want to do a course?
Whether you want to change career, get promotion or simply stimulate your mind, your motives will help you choose the best course for your aims and goals. For promotion you'll need a course relevant to your profession, such as a diploma or degree in Health Informatics, or technical certification in specific areas such as programme management or computer networking.
What type of course suits you?
This will be driven by your work circumstances, learning preferences and finances. If you are looking to study whilst remaining in work, speak to your employer about support options and explore part-time and distance learning courses. And don't be afraid to speak to education providers about your learning preferences; they can be very flexible and will explain the options available to you.
How do you know if the course is any good?
Read about the course that interests you and, wherever possible, speak with others that are already studying (or have completed) the course. Check to see if the course is accredited or validated by a recognised body, such as an awarding body of professional body (note that the Health Informatics Quality Scheme (HIQS) will provide this service for HI courses).
How do you know you are making the right choice?
You can never be sure, but you can reduce your chances of taking the wrong turn by being realistic about your chances of success. Be clear about the hours involved and ask yourself whether you have the time and inclination to do the studying. Speak to others about what is involved and make absolutely sure that, at the end of the course, the fruits of your labour will facilitate access into the right jobs market place.
A Health Learning and Skills Advice Line is freely available for independent advice on courses and careers in healthcare.
The rest of this section highlights academic courses relevant to Health Informatics, with links to explanations about the types of courses and information on technical short courses.
Foundation degrees in Health Informatics
Foundation degrees are one level below an Honours degree and attract a minimum of 240 academic credits. A further 120 credits are needed to gain a full BSc (Hons) degree, so a Foundation Degree could be enhanced to a full honours degree through an additional year's study.
What Foundation degrees are on offer?
Honours degrees and postgraduate qualifications
Higher level qualifications, such as honours degrees and postgraduate qualifications, are often useful next steps in an informatics career pathway.
What honours degrees and postgraduate qualifications are on offer?
Resources
- Health Informatics Qualifications Finder - where you can search for a course on offer in your region
- eSkills UK Foundation degree overview
- NHS Careers in Health Informatics
- Health Informatics Quality Scheme - courses recognised by the scheme