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Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping public health and health care in real time, promising smarter treatments, earlier diagnoses, and more efficient systems. The question is: who will lead this integration? George Mason University’s College of Public Health is answering that call with its new Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Health.
Addressing the growing demand for data-driven solutions, the 15-credit program is designed for professionals and students who want to work at the intersection of technology and health. “We’re preparing leaders who can responsibly harness AI to improve health care quality, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance both patient and population health,” says Y. Alicia Hong, professor of health administration and policy, who helped design the program.
The flexible interdisciplinary certificate gives students practical skills to apply AI to real-world health challenges, including analyzing complex data, training in machine learning and health applications, and developing AI-driven solutions.
“Our certificate offers a valuable credential at a critical moment. Employers across the health sector are searching for professionals who can translate advanced technologies into practical solutions. This program provides that expertise and competitive edge,” says Panagiota Kitsantas, chair of the Health Administration and Policy department, where the certificate is housed.
Professionals in fields such as public health, nursing, psychology, social work, health administration, or communications will develop skills they can apply immediately in their work. Technologists from engineering, information systems, or informatics will gain knowledge of health systems to heighten their impact. Graduates will also be better prepared for roles like health informatics specialist, data analyst, clinical decision support specialist, public health scientist, health policy analyst, health care data scientist, and AI engineer. As the use of AI expands, opportunities are also emerging for health care informatics associates, analysts, and AI DevOps engineers.
Built from AI-focused courses within George Mason’s established Health Informatics program, the curriculum is designed to evolve alongside emerging technologies and health challenges. Current courses include Computational Tools in Health Informatics, Consumer Health Informatics, Artificial Intelligence in Health, Data Mining in Health Care, and AI: Ethics, Policy, and Society.
“As AI evolves, so will the program,” said Hong. “We are committed to continuously updating the curriculum and developing additional courses to reflect the rapid advancements in AI technology and its application to emerging health challenges.”
Thumbnail image by Vitaly Gariev via unsplash.