Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) Program

Through funding provided by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, we developed a new undergraduate public health pathway in health informatics and technology, as well as a new graduate program and graduate certificates for working professionals.

The goal is to work strategically and cooperatively with partners to increase the number of professional employees in the public health workplace, including from underserved communities, who have expertise in information, computer science, and technology.

This training will prepare students to be part of the public health workforce for in-demand careers in a wide variety of industries and organizations such as with hospitals, private health care practices, or pharmaceutical companies.

The UMass Lowell Department of Public Health offers the only ONC-funded program in New England where undergraduate, graduate, and professional students can learn the PHIT knowledge and skills needed to advance health equity and drive population health. We received $3,3197,974.00 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 via the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for this program.

Our partners and consortia members span various industries, governmental agencies, and community health organizations throughout the Merrimack Valley. The PHIT program is working with its community partners throughout the Merrimack Valley to make sure the new programs meet local job needs – and to place students in internships. 

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health,
• Lawrence Board of Health
• Lowell Health Department
• Greater Lowell Health Alliance
• Lawrence Family Health Center
• Lowell Community Health Center
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Lowell General Hospital
• LLX Solution

UMass Lowell is partnering with Middlesex, Northern Essex, and Nahsua community colleges as it develops the new undergraduate major to make sure their curriculums align so that students who graduate from the two-year schools can transfer smoothly to UMass Lowell. Two of the three schools are designated as “minority-serving institutions” by the U.S. Department of Education.

This project is supported by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number 90PH0001/01-00, title “Enhancing the Public Health IT Workforce in the Merrimack Valley,” total award amount of $3,319,974. This information or content and conclusion are those of the author and should be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsement be inferred by ONC, HSS, or the U.S. Government.

Paid internships are available to both undergraduate and graduate-level students participating in the PHIT curriculum.

In addition to applying for generous stipends, you will work with Internship Specialists to plan, select and be placed in an internship at one of the program’s community health or industrial partners, or at the organization of your choice.

Following the PHIT coursework and hands-on learning experiences, you’ll be prepared to enter this emerging field of public health and make a difference through work in health departments, nonprofits, community health centers and other health care settings, and more.

Read about the $3 million grant earned by Public Health Chair Dan Berlowitz and his team to develop more PHIT tracks.

Please contact us:

Email: PHIT@uml.edu
Phone: 978-934-6443

What is the PHIT minor?

The Population Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) minor is an interdisciplinary minor offered by UMass Lowell’s Department of Public Health. PHIT uses information systems, computer science and technology to advance public health practice and research.

Can I minor in PHIT if I am not a Public Health Major?

Yes! The PHIT minor is open to all students. Students in public health, Computer Science and Business might find it easier to add the PHIT courses to their schedule, but anyone in any major can minor in PHIT. 

How many credits does the minor require?

The PHIT minor is an 18-credit minor (6 classes). Of those credits, 12 are for 4 required courses and 6 credits are for 2 electives. 

Who can I contact if I am interested in PHIT?

Email phit@uml.edu and a PHIT staff will assist you. 

I’m a public health bachelor' s-to-master’s (B2M) student. Can I be a PHIT student in both my undergraduate and graduate degree programs?

For students enrolled in the B2M program, you can take PHIT courses in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Note that Public Health students have access to only one opportunity for a paid internship.

Where can I find the PHIT course list?

Visit the PHIT course list.

What job can I get with a PHIT minor?

Your PHIT education would be a valuable addition to any job in public health or health care. Some entry-level job titles directly related to PHIT include Health Information Specialist, Clinical Informaticist, Population Health Analyst, HER Data Manager and more.