Data drive the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health interventions. The field of Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) is focused on the business of collecting, storing, managing, analyzing, using, and sharing public health data in order to more efficiently and effectively impact population health. Experts in PHIT, often referred to as public health informatics specialists or public health informaticians, use data analytic and visualization skills, design information systems, use technology to innovatively solve public health problems, and much more.

The UMass Lowell Department of Public Health offers the only program in New England where students at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels can learn the PHIT knowledge and skills needed to advance health equity and drive population health.

The Department of Public Health offers several educational pathways in the PHIT field that are compatible to our current public health degree programs. Students can receive PHIT training in:

Regardless of the pathway you choose, PHIT focused courses at all levels are carefully designed to help you build a unique mix of public health knowledge and information technology skills.

Public Health Informatics and Technology programs also offer internships as a part of a student’s academic training. This unique and empowering opportunity provides students with generous stipends so that students can do their best during their internship placements. In addition to financial support, students 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 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

PHIT Internship Partners

  • Department of Veterans Affairs – VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure
  • UMass Medical School Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science
  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health
  • Lawrence Board of Health
  • Lawrence Family Health Center
  • Greater Lowell Health Alliance
  • Lowell Community Health Center
  • Lowell General Hospital
  • Lowell Health Department
  • LLX Solutions

…and more!

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.