Health Information Security

The University of Cincinnati Health Information Security certificate allows you to gain a unique specialization in an area with increasing importance due to electronic health records and federal guidelines that demand greater efficiency in healthcare organizations.

The healthcare industry accounts for a significant proportion of major data breaches. With increased electronic health records, a growing presence online, networked medical devices, and the mobility of health care data it has become essential for healthcare organizations to strengthen its information security and cybersecurity practices. Graduates of the Health Information Security certificate from the University of Cincinnati will be well positioned to impact healthcare information security. 

Upon completing the health information security certificate, you will be able to:

• Detect threats and vulnerabilities to health information in order to develop mitigation strategy 

• Apply critical thinking to evaluate practices, policy and legislation related to health information in order to advocate for change or adoption 

• Apply technical and administrative skills and knowledge in order to practice how to secure health information 

• Discuss the impact of health information breaches on public trust and healthcare practice in order to advocate for stronger protections and effective health information security strategy 

• Develop a plan for disaster recovery and healthcare business continuity in order to identify best practices and practice how to strategize for health information disaster recovery planning 

Students who do not have a healthcare background will complete 18 total credits. Students with a healthcare background will be exempt from taking HI 7001 and will only be required to complete 15 total credits. The minimum number of credit hours can vary based on previously earned credits, and/or the level of placement into required coursework.  

Students enrolled in the Master of Health Informatics program will be able to add this specialization by using electives to earn the graduate certificate.  MHI students will take three of the required courses (HI 7001, HI 7010, HI 7030) as part of the master's program, the three additional courses (IT 7020C) and two elective courses (not counted towards your master's degree) to earn the graduate certificate.  Electives can be substituted if approved by the Program Director. 

Course availability is determined by the respective college offering the course.

Admission Requirements