California Consortium for Public Health Informatics and Technology
What is CCPHIT?
The California Consortium for Public Health Informatics and Technology (CCPHIT) a collaborative project funded by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). , working to effectively address the demand for diverse skilled workers in Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) jobs throughout California. CCPHIT addresses these demands by providing training and coursework via partner institutions, including Bakersfield College, CSU Long Beach, and UC Berkeley, and matching eligible students to paid internships in Public Health Informatics.
What is Public Health Informatics?
The Public Health Informatics professional works as part of a team in the health care system to provide the best health care possible to the public. They do this by providing information and data which allows for informed and equitable public health decisions.
Public Health Informatics Professionals may use:
- Public Health Data
- Software
- Information Systems
- Public Health Content
- Data Analysis findings
To identify and describe public health problems, health disparities, and trends in disease rates. This information can then be used for disease prevention, preparedness, and improving the general population’s health. Informatics can also be based on internal data use at public health agencies but can also include visualizations of data for public consumption.
Why Public Health Informatics?
Public Health Informatics was invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the field is rapidly growing due to the increasing demand for healthcare data management and analysis. Salaries are typically very competitive due to high demand. According to the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS), the median salary for public health informatics professionals is $97,000 per year.
What career opportunities exist in the field?
Careers in Public Health Informatics range from the private and public sectors but can include roles at health departments, public health-focused non-profits, community-based organizations, industry leaders, and clinical provider locations.
However, essential skills across roles include:
- Data analytic skills
- Understanding of public health
- Analytical thinking
- Knowledge of programming
- Spatial skills
- Problem-solving including the application of technology
CCPHIT Courses and Certificate at Bakersfield College
The Public Health Informatics I certificate is a four-course (13 credits) Job Skills Certificate. There are no prerequisites needed before enrollment. The public health field of informatics is very competitive and requires participants who can demonstrate a knowledge of Public Health and Informatics. Public health professionals use informatics in disease prevention and health promotion by applying information technology solutions, which allows for more equitable and effective solutions to public health problems. Positions include but are not limited to public health data science analyst, data specialist, data analyst, health informatics specialist, and medical records coordinator. To achieve the Job Skills Certificate, upon completion of the following courses with at least a ‘C’ grade in each course, the student will be awarded a Job Skills Certificate.
Public Health Informatics I Job Skills Certificate
Please contact Dr. Charles Daramola for more information on courses at charles.daramola@bakersfieldcollege.edu
Or contact Angelica Caudillo at angelica.caudillo@bakersfieldcollege.edu for more information on registration and the process to receive your certificate.
CCPHIT Internship Program
Coursework in Public Health Informatics potentially qualifies students for paid internships in Public Health Informatics. Internship stipends come in the amount of $1500 for a minimum of 80 internship hours.
Past Host Sites Include:
- Blue Zones Project, Bakersfield
- Valley Fever Americas
- Public Health Departments
- Internal Opportunities at Bakersfield College
- and MORE!
If you would like more information on CCPHIT internships, please email ccphit@bakersfieldcollege.edu or complete our RSVP form to attend an upcoming CCPHIT Information Session.
CCPHIT Employers and Host Sites
If you are a potential employer interested in hosting interns, please fill out the CCPHIT New Partner Interest Form, and we will get back to you shortly.
We also encourage you to visit our FAQ Sheet and to share our employer flier with anyone you think may be interested in hosting interns.
If you have any questions, please email ccphit@bakersfieldcollege.edu
CCPHIT Student Office Hours
CCPHIT office hours are every Thursday from 2:30PM to 4:00PM and are dedicated to assist students with any questions they have regarding the CCPHIT Internships, the Job Skills certificate, Course registration, etc. These sessions aim to provide guidance, answer your questions and ensure that you are well prepared for your courses and internships.
If you have questions and can’t make it to the office hours, please write to ccphit@bakersfieldcollege.edu with your questions or to schedule an appointment.
