Health Sciences

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.

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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 275,400
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 12 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Bachelor

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 favour

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
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.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
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.

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

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.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

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.