Department of Health Informatics

Biomedical Informatics Program

Introduction

The course work includes the theoretical foundations and the current range of applications of biomedical informatics within contemporary health sciences, and health care delivery systems. The curriculum contents focus on biomedical information in relation to structures, algorithms and design of efficient logic necessary to organize, store, retrieve and analyze data to produce new body of knowledge, techniques, and computational solutions. Such techniques, computational solutions, and discoveries in understanding biomedical information are vital for management of health care/hospital systems, clinical decision making, research in biomedical and pharmaceutical systems, and design and development of new drugs. Besides core courses, electives and directed research projects, students can pursue an in-depth study in one of the following areas of specialization:
• Bioinformatics/Biotechnology Systems
• BioMedical Imaging and Image Analysis
• Clinical Decision Support Systems
• e-Healthcare Systems
• Hospital/Healthcare Management Systems

Career Prospects

As the health care systems continue to become technology based, the demand for graduates of Biomedical Informatics (professionals who understand both the health care environment and computing systems and technologies) will only continue to grow at a significant rate. The curriculum provides in-depth training in biomedical informatics, computer science, health care management systems, and research methods. Students have opportunities to customize their plan of study, by selecting from a wider choice of courses and projects, for an in-depth study in their choice of specialization. Graduates of this program will have knowledge, skills and credentials needed for a rapidly growing market. Program completion will provide for a wide range of career opportunities as managers, specialists, scientists, researchers and educators in various health care settings including: hospitals and health care facilities, laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, insurance and private and governmental agencies, and colleges of medical, dental, nursing and health professions in the nation - which must utilize modern information technologies. With the necessary academic preparations and informatics experiences, these careers can lead to positions as chief information officers (CIOs), scientists and directors of research, managers of hospital and laboratory information systems, and faculty members in various health sciences educational institutions. Nearly all of the students get employed immediately after their graduation.

Admission Requirements

Applicant for admission to the Graduate Programs in Biomedical Informatics must hold a bachelors degree from an accredited institution in the US or its equivalent with a major in any field of health sciences (including medicine, dentistry, allied health, nursing, public health, pharmacy), or biological sciences, computer science, engineering or an equivalent field of study.

APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION
Students are admitted to both the fall and the spring semesters. Application packets including program related information may be obtained by writing or calling:

Office of Enrollment Services
UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions
65 Bergen Street
Newark, NJ 07107-3001
Tel: 973-972-5454
E-mail: shrpadm@umdnj.edu

Applications for Fall admission must be received by June 1. Supporting documents must be filed by July 1. Application for Spring admission must be received by October 1. Supporting documents must be filed by November 1. Non-degree status application form may be obtained by writing or calling:
SHRP - Center for Advanced Continuing Education
Scotch Plains Campus
1776 Raritan Road
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 or contact
(908) 889-2560 telephone / (908) 889-2570 fax

For further information please contact:
Syed S. Haque, Ph.D., Chairman
Department of Health Informatics
Director, Graduate Programs in Biomedical Informatics
UMDNJ-SHRP
65 Bergen Street
Newark, NJ 07107-3001
TEL: (973) 972-6871 / FAX: (973) 972-8540
E-mail: haque@umdnj.edu