Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

The standards and benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year.

Program Title: 	Healthcare Informatics Specialist 
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

College Credit Certificate	
CIP Number	0351070712	
Program Type	College Credit Certificate (CCC)	
Program Length	24 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This certificate program is part of the Health Information Technology AS degree program (1351070700).  

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as entry-level Healthcare Informatics Specialists or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in related health record or information technology occupations.

The content includes but is not limited to biomedical sciences, medical terminology, healthcare delivery systems, basic principles of healthcare informatics, electronic health/medical record systems, data and workflow management concepts, and project management skills specific to healthcare informatics, ethical and legal concepts, health data content, and employability skills. 

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure    

When developing the course sequence for the local implementation of this program, select courses that:
•	Meet the skill development requirements of the standards and benchmarks of this program.
•	Where reasonable and practicable, align with programs offered by your institution or other postsecondary institutions in Florida, including: 
o	Related AS and AAS degrees.
o	Baccalaureate degrees within the same career pathway and/or Federal CIP code.

Visit FloridaShines’ Discover Programs website to identify other institutions that offer similar programs to review their course sequencing. Where appropriate, course alignment between institutions offering related programs can facilitate interagency student articulation.

Visit FloridaShines’ Common Prerequisites Manual to identify courses that are prerequisites for admission into an upper division program.  When sub-baccalaureate courses are aligned to the course admissions requirements of baccalaureate programs with the same career pathway, students can enter upper division coursework seamlessly.   

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of healthcare organizations and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Explore health informatics as a health professional.
04.0	Apply knowledge of health data concepts.
05.0	Manage the adoption of multiple formats of health records and the function of digital applications.
06.0	Apply Health Information Technology principles.
07.0	Apply classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and terminologies.
08.0	Evaluate ethical issues in Health Information professions.
09.0	Demonstrate compliance with laws, regulations, and standards that impact healthcare.
10.0	Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information associated with treatment, payment, and operations (TPO). 
11.0	Demonstrate computer knowledge and skills.
12.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
13.0	Examine the various informatics and data analytics-related disciplines.
14.0	Demonstrate ethical and legal principles with regard to the role of the informatics and data analytics specialist.  
15.0	Apply appropriate resources in healthcare informatics and data analytics to retrieve and analyze relevant information. 
16.0	Manage health data processes and systems. 
17.0	Analyze healthcare data to support research and performance improvement initiatives. 
18.0	Perform appropriate information technology system functions. 
19.0	Perform project management principles and best practices. 
20.0	Collaborate in the planning, design, selection, implementation, integration, testing, and support of health information systems. 
21.0	Integrate healthcare informatics and data analytics skills through practical lab experiences. 

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Healthcare Informatics Specialist
CIP Number: 		0351070712
Program Length: 	24 credit hours	

This certificate program is part of the Health Information Technology AS degree program (1351070700).  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations. The student will be able to:	
01.01	Identify the basic components of the healthcare delivery system, including public, private, government, and non-profit.	
01.02	Identify types of healthcare settings.	
01.03	Identify the consumer perspective regarding healthcare.	
01.04	Describe the composition and functions of a systemic healthcare team, including those not based in the healthcare facility (e.g., medical device representative and insurance claims adjuster).	
01.05	Explain challenges impacting emerging issues, including technology, bioethics, and socioeconomics, on healthcare delivery systems.	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively. The student will be able to:	
02.01	Apply basic speaking and active listening skills with meaningful feedback. 	
02.02	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication, including barriers. 	
02.03	Demonstrate emotional intelligence (e.g., recognize verbal and non-verbal cues). 	
02.04	Demonstrate effective professional communication using correct spelling, grammar, formatting, and confidentiality. 	
02.05	Use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.06	Promote health information training and awareness to internal/external stakeholders.	
02.07	Model communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation, including generational differences, cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious groups. 	
02.08	Distinguish between subjective and objective information. 	
03.0	Explore health informatics as a health professional. The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the past, present, and future of health information.	
03.02	Examine professional opportunities related to health information.	
03.03	Demonstrate knowledge of industry-recognized credentials and professional associations applicable to the field of health information.	
04.0	Apply knowledge of health data concepts. The student will be able to:	
04.01	Examine various health data uses and data sets. 	
04.02	Identify various characteristics of health data quality and emerging standards.	
05.0	Manage the adoption of multiple formats of health records and the function of digital applications. The student will be able to:	
05.01	Apply regulations and requirements of health information to the continuum of care.	
05.02	Analyze health information related to treatment, payment, and operations (TPO). 	
06.0	Apply Health Information Technology principles. The student will be able to:	
06.01	Explain how changing regulations and technology impact the health information field.	
06.02	Validate the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of information from health information systems and applications in healthcare.	
06.03	Demonstrate proficiency and understanding of creation, use, storage, retrieval, and exchange of health data.	
07.0	Apply classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and terminologies. The student will be able to:	
07.01	Demonstrate the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, terminologies, and nomenclatures. 	
08.0	Evaluate ethical issues in Health Information professions. The student will be able to:	
08.01	Interpret the industry-recognized code of ethics for healthcare information practices.	
08.02	Analyze ethical issues related to health information.	
08.03	Manage ethical issues related to treatment, payment, and operations.	
09.0	Demonstrate compliance with laws, regulations, and standards that impact healthcare. The student will be able to:	
09.01	Advocate the importance of maintaining ethical and legal standards in gathering, securing, managing, and analyzing health information. 	
09.02	Identify all regulations, laws, and standards that impact health information, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA	
09.03	Explain the composition of the legal health record.	
09.04	Apply health information policies and procedures for privacy, confidentiality, and security. 	
09.05	Articulate legal terms and processes that impact healthcare. 	
10.0	Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information associated with treatment, payment, and operations (TPO).  The student will be able to:	
10.01	Describe how regulatory change impacts workflow. 	
10.02	Demonstrate knowledge of policies and procedures for access and disclosure of protected health information to authorized users.	
10.03	Adhere to appropriate and applicable healthcare regulatory and accrediting agency guidelines.	
11.0	Demonstrate computer knowledge and skills. The student will be able to:	
11.01	Demonstrate the ability to create, manage, organize, attach, and retrieve files.	
11.02	Demonstrate the ability to connect to and perform research using search engines and by identifying reputable websites.	
11.03	Demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.	
11.04	Demonstrate the ability to manage software programs. 	
11.05	Demonstrate knowledge of safe computer practices and security procedures such as encryption, passwords, and biometrics.	
12.0	Demonstrate employability skills. The student will be able to:	
12.01	Identify and exemplify professional traits desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
12.02	Demonstrate professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, and behavior (e.g., telephone and email etiquette, social media, courtesy, and self-introductions).	
12.03	Identify necessary documentation that may be required when applying for a healthcare position. 	
12.04	Model the process to obtain employment, including but not limited to job search, cover letter, resume, application, interview, and thank you letter. 	
13.0	Examine the various informatics and data analytics-related disciplines. The student will be able to:	
13.01	Analyze the evolution, current state, and future trends of informatics and data analytics-related disciplines.	
13.02	Apply comprehensive knowledge of health data standards for the implementation of health information systems. 	
14.0	Demonstrate ethical and legal principles with regard to the role of the informatics and data analytics specialist. The student will be able to:	
14.01	Apply the Code of Ethics to informatics and data analytics as it relates to professional organizations.	
14.02	Identify the scope of work of the healthcare informatics and data analytics specialist, including ethical and legal responsibilities.	
15.0	Apply appropriate resources in healthcare informatics and data analytics to retrieve and analyze relevant information. The student will be able to:	
15.01	Identify credible informatics and data analytics resources for retrieving and analyzing relevant information.	
15.02	Utilize case studies and best practices to analyze informatics and data analytics concepts.	
16.0	Manage health data processes and systems. The student will be able to: 	
16.01	Oversee the collection and maintenance of health data, data sets, quality indicators, and databases. 	
16.02	Apply policies and procedures to health informatics and data analytics processes.	
16.03	Verify data quality, standards, and data sources for all health information systems across the continuum of care.	
16.04	Participate in database management such as data entry, data display design, and database language.	
16.05	Identify standards for the exchange of health information. 	
17.0	Analyze healthcare data to support research and performance improvement initiatives. The student will be able to: 	
17.01	Analyze data for clinical indices/databases/registries.	
17.02	Model data as representative visual information to achieve desired outcomes.	
17.03	Calculate basic descriptive, institutional, and healthcare statistics.	
17.04	Examine common research methods in accordance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes and policies.	
17.05	Utilize technologies for trend analysis, end-user support, decision making, and strategic planning. 	
17.06	Report data for facility-wide quality management and performance improvement programs.	
18.0	Perform appropriate information technology system functions. The student will be able to: 	
18.01	Perform graphical representations from healthcare data reports that have been accurately calculated, interpreted, and summarized using statistical software. 	
18.02	Utilize specialized technologies and AI applications affiliated with treatment, payment, and operations (TPO). 	
18.03	Apply policies and procedures to streamline the use of electronic health records (EHR), personal health records (PHRs), public health systems, and related applications and networks.  	
18.04	Utilize knowledge of database modeling to address departmental needs.	
18.05	Facilitate the implementation, maintenance, and decommissioning of an information system or application.	
18.06	Perform database queries, analyses, and presentations of data to facilitate decision-making.	
18.07	Utilize tools and techniques for information retention, archiving, and destruction of information per state and federal regulations. 	
18.08	Protect data integrity by preventing unauthorized access using software and hardware technologies.	
19.0	Perform project management principles and best practices. The student will be able to:	
19.01	Demonstrate an understanding of the general principles and tools of informatics and data analytics project management.	
19.02	Demonstrate teamwork, resource allocation, and problem-solving skills in healthcare informatics and data analytics projects.	
20.0	Collaborate in the planning, design, selection, implementation, integration, testing, and support of health information systems. The student will be able to: 	
20.01	Apply appropriate data collection methods considering end user perspectives and needs. 	
20.02	Demonstrate interoperability standards to ensure data sharing across systems.	
20.03	Identify technological and changing management issues and problem resolution associated with health information systems.	
20.04	Apply S.M.A.R.T. goals for projects using evidence-based information and research to inform decisions and justify actions.	
20.05	Analyze workflow within an electronic health record. 	
20.06	Summarize the various types of information systems and their applications.	
20.07	Analyze problems, promote solutions, and encourage decision-making in implementing health information systems. 	
20.08	Identify cybersecurity risks across physical, virtual, and network areas. 	
20.09	Develop training materials for various individuals, groups, and populations. 	
20.10	Identify health information system practices globally. 	
20.11	Examine data generated from advanced digital applications to review the security, authenticity, or reliability of the data generated. 	
21.0	Integrate healthcare informatics and data analytics skills through practical lab experiences. The student will be able to:	
21.01	Demonstrate a health informatics and data analytics specialist role as a team leader or project manager.	
21.02	Apply knowledge and skills related to project management. 	
21.03	Apply healthcare informatics, data analytics principles, and best practices in real-world scenarios.	
Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

The cooperative method of instruction or clinical rotation is appropriate for this program.  Whenever these methods are offered, the following is required for each student:  a training plan, signed by the student, teacher, and employer, which includes instructional objectives and a list of on-the-job and in-school learning experiences; and a work station which reflects equipment, skills, and tasks which are relevant to the occupation which the student has chosen as a career goal.  The student may receive compensation for work performed. 

Faculty teaching this program must have a minimum of an AS degree in Healthcare Informatics, Nursing, Health Information Management.

Students should be encouraged to become members and participate in the activities of the professional organizations:  American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), and other discipline-specific professional informatics organizations.

Outcomes 01-12 are referred to as the Health Information Technology core and do not have to be completed if the students has previously completed the core in another program at any level.  The Core should be taken first in the program.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.