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Bachelor of Science in Health Records and Informatics

The Bachelor of Science in Health Records and Informatics is a degree programme that combines health records management with information technology to produce professionals capable of managing electronic health information systems. The programme equips students with skills in health data management, medical informatics, electronic records systems and health information governance.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 275,400
Ksh 1,101,600 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 275,400 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,101,600 for the whole course.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 12 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 5 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Dental Ceramist, at 3 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

The curriculum covers health data classification, database management, electronic medical records, health system integration and data security. Students learn to design, implement and maintain health information systems that support clinical decision-making, patient care and health service planning in Kenyan healthcare facilities.

Throughout the programme, students develop competencies in health informatics standards, interoperability of health systems, data analytics and health information exchange. The course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical training in hospital IT departments and health records offices, ensuring graduates can bridge the gap between healthcare and technology.

The programme emphasises the role of information technology in improving healthcare delivery, patient safety and health outcomes. Students gain hands-on experience with health management information systems, learning to collect, process, store and retrieve health data efficiently and securely in compliance with Kenyan data protection regulations.

Graduates are prepared to support healthcare organisations in implementing and managing digital health systems, conducting health data analytics and ensuring compliance with health information standards. They play a critical role in the digital transformation of healthcare in Kenya.

Career opportunities exist in hospitals, health insurance companies, government health departments, research institutions and health technology companies. Graduates work as health informatics officers, health records managers, medical data analysts and health IT consultants across the healthcare sector.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Human Anatomy
  • Human Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pathology
  • Community Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Healthcare Ethics

Modules

8 in the programme

  • Communication Skills

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.

  • Foundations of the Discipline

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Information Technology Fundamentals

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.

  • Research Methods

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.

  • Statistics and Data Analysis

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.

  • Professional Ethics

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.

  • Project Management

    Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore

    Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.

Specialisations

  • General Practice

    Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Research and Analysis

    Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • General Practice

    Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Research and Analysis

    Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending medical lectures, conducting laboratory practicals, participating in clinical rotations at teaching hospitals, studying anatomy with cadavers, and preparing for ward rounds.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 349 health sciences courses
Public275k to 275k
275k at Kenyatta University275k at Kenyatta University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU Health Records & Info Mgt ~275K/yr (joweri). Private: unverified.

Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. Clinical medicine and nursing programmes at KMTC have separate bursary schemes.

Funding options

  • HELB Undergraduate Loan

    Loan

    Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes

  • Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

    Scholarship

    Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities

  • KMTC Bursary

    Bursary

    Students at Kenya Medical Training College campuses

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    Government fundingKenyan

    Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.

Scholarships you could apply for

11 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (Plus)minimum entry
Alternative entry

KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.

When it next starts

Taught at 5 institutions
January 20275 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

May 20275 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

September 20275 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

How you are assessed

2 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments

    Coursework30% of the mark

    Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Examination70% of the mark

    Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Health programmes are also regulated by KMPDC, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Nursing Council of Kenya, or Clinical Officers Council as applicable.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Graduate Trainee

    High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000

    Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.

  • Research Assistant

    Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000

    Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.

  • Project Officer

    High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000

    Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.

  • Analyst

    High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000

    Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as medical officers, nurses, clinical officers, pharmacists, public health officers, and medical laboratory scientists in Kenya's health sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Kenya Health Information System (KHIS)

    SoftwarePrimary

    National health management information system for health data reporting and analysis.

  • SQL

    SoftwarePrimary

    Database query language for health records and informatics systems.

  • Microsoft Excel

    Software

    Spreadsheet for health data analysis and reporting.

  • Python

    Software

    Programming language for health data processing and informatics applications.

  • ICD-10 Coding System

    Software

    International Classification of Diseases coding system for medical records.

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • All health science degrees lead to becoming a doctor.

    Health sciences include nursing, clinical medicine, pharmacy, public health, and medical laboratory sciences, each with distinct career paths.

  • Health science degrees take the same duration.

    Medicine takes 6 years, pharmacy 5 years, nursing 4 years, and clinical medicine 3-4 years depending on the programme.

  • Health graduates are guaranteed employment.

    While demand exists, employment depends on licensing, specialisation, and available positions in health facilities.

  • Private university health degrees are not recognised.

    CUE-accredited health programmes at private universities are fully recognised, provided they meet regulatory body standards.

Further reading

Read next