Exploring Career Paths with a Health Informatics Degree

A Unique Path in Health Informatics

Rachel Kranick, a recent graduate of The University of Scranton’s MS in Health Informatics program, began her academic journey with a background in biology. She initially pursued pre-veterinary and environmental studies but sought a graduate degree that would differentiate her career path.  

Encouraged by a professor, she discovered how a health informatics degree could bridge the gap between data-driven decision making and healthcare -- extending beyond traditional medical roles.

Exploring the Versatility of a Health Informatics Degree

Kranick’s goal was to integrate health informatics with veterinary medicine. While many associate health informatics with human healthcare, she recognized its potential in animal care. 

"There are animal patients just like human patients," Kranick explains. Leveraging her background and a preceptorship at a major healthcare system, she designed a capstone project that aligned with her career aspirations.

Real-World Applications: Health Informatics in Veterinary Science

During her capstone project, Kranick interned at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Pennsylvania, where she worked full time as a conservation educator and ambassador animal keeper. This experience sparked her curiosity about how a health informatics degree could be applied in the animal care field. 

Her research focused on zoonotic diseases -- illnesses that transfer between animals and humans. Specifically, she studied Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a bacterium responsible for severe intestinal infections in both species. Working alongside the Lehigh Valley Health Network, she explored how electronic health records (EHRs) could track disease transmission more effectively. 

Using Health Informatics to Track Disease Transmission

C. diff infections can have severe consequences, especially for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Despite its impact, healthcare providers rarely track its transmission between animals and humans. Kranick’s project sought to answer the following critical question: How can health informatics improve tracking and prevent cross-species transmission of C. Diff?

Data-Driven Solutions in Health Informatics

To analyze transmission patterns, Kranick developed a survey targeting individuals whose pets were diagnosed with C. diff. The questionnaire gathered household data, allowing her to identify risk factors and potential transmission routes. 

Her findings underscored how integrating health informatics into veterinary practice could enhance disease surveillance and public health safety. This led to the conclusion that if healthcare professionals and veterinarians incorporated standardized EHR triggers, they could better track and mitigate zoonotic disease spread. 

Bridging Gaps Between Animal and Human Healthcare

Reflecting on her experience, Kranick values the flexibility of Scranton’s Health Informatics program. "I was able to tailor my research to my interests and gain hands-on experience that applied directly to my field," she says. The program’s emphasis on real-world applications helped her see the broader impact of health informatics beyond human medicine. 

Data-Driven Solutions in Health Informatics 

To analyze transmission patterns, Kranick developed a survey targeting individuals whose pets were diagnosed with C. diff. The questionnaire gathered household data, allowing her to identify risk factors and potential transmission routes. 

Her findings underscored how integrating health informatics into veterinary practice could enhance disease surveillance and public health safety. This led to the conclusion that if healthcare professionals and veterinarians incorporated standardized EHR triggers, they could better track and mitigate zoonotic disease spread. 

The Value of a Health Informatics Degree

Scranton’s MS in Health Informatics curriculum equips students with the skills to implement data-driven healthcare solutions. Professionals in the field use big data analytics and electronic health records to improve clinical decision-making. The program’s curriculum includes practical training, such as an EHR simulator, ensuring graduates are industry ready. 

Kranick’s success demonstrates how a health informatics degree can lead to innovative career paths. She is currently exploring opportunities to publish her research, further contributing to the field.

Start Your Journey in Health Informatics

Health informatics is an evolving field that continues to shape modern healthcare. Whether your interests lie in hospital systems, veterinary medicine, or public health, a health informatics degree provides the knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change. 

Explore how The University of Scranton’s MS in Health Informatics can help you reach your career goals. 

Learn more about the program today!