Student Spotlight: How Brittaney Fu’s Master of Health Informatics Prepared Her for Professional Success

For Brittaney Fu, UC’s Master of Health Informatics program has opened the door to professional opportunities she never imagined. While she always envisioned a career in health care for herself, her experience at UC has further sharpened and defined that dream. A bright student, Brittaney was awarded a chapter scholarship at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Central and Southern Ohio IT Symposium.

She graduated with her MHI degree in Spring 2025 and now works as an LIMS Administrator at Q Laboratories in Cincinnati. We got the chance to speak with Brittaney about her UC Online experience, her goals in health informatics, and more.

Why MHI and Why UC?

One of Brittaney’s major interests has always been the intersection of health care and technology. When considering a potential career and master’s program, this interest led her to the field of health informatics.

“After doing extensive research, I decided that health informatics was the right path for me,” Brittaney says. “It allows me to support improvements in patient care and operational efficiency through data and systems.”

As for why Brittaney chose the MHI program at UC, UC’s strong reputation and online flexibility were the program’s biggest advantages. “The curriculum aligned well with my professional goals, and I appreciated the ability to complete the degree part-time while continuing to work.” Like many UC students, Brittaney found that her degree’s online format provided ample flexibility to balance work and school.

Coursework Leads to Real-World Impact

In terms of rigor and applicability to “real-world health care settings,” UC’s MHI curriculum has easily met Brittaney’s expectations. She found that the courses she took in project management and data analytics particularly prepared her for her future career. The skills she developed in information systems implementation, for example, have been key to her current role at Q Laboratories.

The online MHI degree program is interdisciplinary and multi-faceted by nature. The curriculum blends health care, information technology, data analytics, and leadership development, ensuring that students graduate with a competitive skill set. Some required MHI courses include:

• The Healthcare and Public Health Landscape
• Health Informatics, Information Systems and Technology
• Workflow Process Analysis, System Development, Human Factors and Usability
• Leadership and Strategic Management in Health Settings
• Database Modeling and Design

Brittaney’s coursework provided her with a strong foundation in health informatics, as well as practical tools that she now uses in her professional life. “I hope to take them with me throughout my career,” she says.

Overcoming Challenges and Thriving in an Online Program

From the beginning of the admissions progress, Brittaney found her online degree experience “easy to navigate and straightforward.” UC’s online staff was easy to contact with questions, and the MHI faculty was “knowledgeable, supportive, and responsive.” Beyond these interactions, Brittaney also thought her master’s program itself was well-structured and engaging. She didn’t feel a lack of connection despite not being in a traditional, on-campus environment.

“I still felt connected through collaborative group projects, active discussion boards, and accessible faculty support,” Brittaney says. She admits that her online degree experience wasn’t always a breeze, adding, “There were definitely moments when juggling everything felt overwhelming.” However, she overcame these challenges due to the program’s flexibility, as well as faculty and staff support. Brittaney’s story highlights several of the ways that UC supports its online students—through both the highs and lows.

Faculty and Practicum Pave the Way toward Success

Among Brittaney’s favorite aspects of the MHI program, nothing stands out more than her positive experiences with the program faculty. “They brought real-world experience into the classroom, which made the learning experience even more valuable. I especially appreciated how faculty encouraged participation in industry events.”

One such event was a local HIMSS conference, through which Brittaney was able to meet Dr. Wangia-Anderson, MHI Program Director. “She became a valuable resource and served as a consistent point of reference and guidance throughout the program,” Brittany reflects.

During her practicum, or internship, experience, Brittaney realized she’d made the right choice by attending UC. The practicum course is the culmination of the MHI program and employs the principles, techniques, and tools of health informatics. It challenges students to complete a health informatics project that is beneficial to the healthcare industry, generates meaningful tangible deliverables, and advances their leadership skills. Brittaney’s practicum, where she directly applied what she’d learned to a real project, made it clear “just how relevant and valuable this education truly was.”

UC and Beyond

When asked if she would recommend UC’s online MHI program to other students, Brittaney’s answer was an emphatic yes! She says:

“If you’re looking for a flexible, high-quality program that you can balance with a busy schedule, UC Online is a great option,” Brittaney says. “The curriculum is practical, and the support is excellent. The online programs are well-structured, the faculty are invested in your success, and the flexibility makes it accessible for working professionals.”

Through earning her master’s degree online, Brittaney has embraced new professional opportunities and reached several milestones in her career. She’s also maintained her passion for improving patient care and the systems that make it possible. “I’m grateful for the experience and the knowledge I’ve gained. It was a challenging but worthwhile journey that has already made a difference in my career.”

Interested in Earning Your MHI through UC Online? Learn More Today!

Did Brittaney’s story resonate with you? Do you see yourself making an impact in the world of health informatics? And does a flexible, online master’s program sound like the perfect option for your busy life and goals? If so, UC’s online Master of Health Informatics program may be the perfect fit for you.

More than promising an online education at your own pace, at UC we’re committed to providing a smooth online experience—from application to graduation. The first step of this process is contacting your Enrollment Services Advisor. This is just one of many personalized supports that UC offers to online students.

Don’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity and many others in the world of health informatics!