(September 6, 2016) KANSAS CITY, MO – To meet the need for health care data scientists, Avila University has introduced a new health care major: health care informatics. The undergraduate program was launched during the fall 2016 semester.
While health care informatics is offered at some universities on the graduate level, Avila is unique in being one of the first in the country to offer it at the undergraduate degree level. Aruna Rao is Avila’s new assistant professor in the computer science and software engineering department and will oversee the health care informatics program.
Job forecasts show that health care companies are in need of professionals skilled in patient surveying, data collection and improving hospital processes. Starting salaries are expected to begin near $85,000.
“This program is poised to launch students into the world of data analytics and data science,” said Rao. “According to the latest McKinsey report, more than 190,000 jobs will need to be filled in this health care market by the year 2018. Hence, Avila will be foremost in preparing students for the niche market within the health care field.”
Health care informatics at Avila University is an interdisciplinary Bachelor’s of Science degree designed for students interested in science, mathematics, computer programming and biological sciences, with an interest in databases, data science, data analysis, process improvement and information technology.
Before joining Avila, professor Rao completed her Master of Science in management information systems from Northern Illinois University, pre-medicine course work at Rockhurst University, and continues her doctoral studies in health policy and management at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Professor Rao also serves as the architect for Truvant’s health care vertical, including data science, information security and information technology transformation services. Her work history includes a wide range of information technology management roles with the University of Kansas Medical Center and Truman Medical Center.
Avila University, a Catholic University sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a values-based community of learning providing liberal arts, professional, undergraduate and graduate education to prepare students for responsible, lifelong contributions to the global community. Our approach to education brings out the best in our students, so they can bring out the best in others.