MS in Health Informatics Alumni Spotlight: Latoya Deleston

Meet Latoya Deleston, MSHI Class of 2021

Current Position

Application Analyst II – Epic Inpatient ClinDoc

Why did you decide to earn your MSHI?

I decided to earn my MSHI because I was ready to gain new skills by tackling coursework related to health care technology. I knew there were ample opportunities for advancement in the field, and after earning my degree, I would be equipped to transition into an informatics career or leverage the power of health care data in administrative and managerial roles.

How has earning your MSHI helped you in your current position?

In my current position, I help develop, implement, and support clinical information systems impacting clinical activity. The hands-on projects I’ve worked on through the MSHI program have helped me gain further knowledge in system analysis and design. It has given me the tools and skills needed to be successful in my role.

What was the most valuable part of the MSHI program?

The most valuable part was the convenience of the online program, which allowed me to maintain a work-life balance. The class sizes were small to create a more intimate learning environment. I was also able to gain exposure to real-life issues and situations from faculty working in the field of health informatics.

What advice would you give to someone considering the MUSC MSHI program?

Health informatics is a broad field, and there are a lot of career options. Before applying for the program, it’s okay if you don’t know what sector of informatics interests you and what careers you want to pursue upon graduation. I was the same way before starting the program. This program offers a lot of courses that will help guide you in the direction of interest. Whether that’s data analytics, research, project management, etc., by the end of the program, you will know which best suits your interest.