Health Data 101 Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course provides a foundational understanding of health data and its critical role in modern healthcare. Designed for beginners, it spans approximately 5 hours of on-demand content, offering a structured journey through health data types, systems, standards, and real-world applications. You'll explore how data drives clinical care, policy, and innovation while gaining awareness of privacy, compliance, and career pathways in health informatics.
Module 1: Introduction to Health Data
Estimated time: 0.5 hours
- What is health data and why it matters in healthcare
- Categories of health data: clinical, administrative, consumer-generated
- The role of data in improving patient outcomes
Module 2: Key Health Data Sources
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and their data components
- Claims databases and administrative data
- Patient registries and wearable device data
- Lab, imaging, and pharmacy system contributions
Module 3: Electronic Health Records & Health IT Systems
Estimated time: 1 hour
- EHR structure, core functionalities, and clinical workflows
- Health information exchanges (HIEs) and data sharing
- Challenges in interoperability and system integration
Module 4: Data Standards & Interoperability
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Introduction to HL7 and FHIR standards
- ICD, SNOMED, and LOINC coding systems
- How standardization enables better analytics and care coordination
Module 5: Privacy, Security & Compliance
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Overview of HIPAA and HITECH regulations
- Data protection principles and best practices
- Role-based access, patient consent, and data rights
Module 6: Health Data Use Cases
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Data in public health surveillance and reporting
- Applications in clinical research and policy-making
- Case studies in predictive analytics and population health
- Supporting value-based care and quality improvement
Module 7: Careers & Next Steps in Health Data
Estimated time: 0.5 hours
- Career paths in health informatics, analytics, and compliance
- Key roles: Health Data Analyst, IT Specialist, Informatics Manager
- Recommended tools and certifications for advancement
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with basic healthcare concepts
- No technical background required
- Interest in health data, technology, or policy
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Identify major types and sources of health data
- Explain how EHRs and health IT systems operate
- Understand key data standards and interoperability frameworks
- Apply knowledge of HIPAA, HITECH, and data privacy principles
- Pursue further education or roles in health data fields