10 AI Healthcare Degrees & Certificates 2026

Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, from improving diagnostic accuracy to streamlining hospital workflows and advancing medical research. As healthcare organizations adopt more data-driven tools, professionals with training in clinical AI and health informatics are becoming increasingly valuable.

An AI in healthcare degree or AI in healthcare certificate can help you understand how these technologies work in real medical environments. Whether you’re a clinician, IT professional, or healthcare administrator, online programs make it possible to build specialized AI skills without stepping away from your career.

Are There Online AI in Healthcare Degrees and Certificates?

Yes, many universities and professional organizations now offer online AI in healthcare degrees and certificates. These programs focus on applying machine learning and data science within clinical, research, and administrative healthcare settings.

Most options are designed for working professionals and delivered fully online or in live virtual formats. Depending on the program, you may earn graduate credit, a professional certificate, or a non-credit credential focused on applied skills.

Best AI in Healthcare Degrees & Certificates

The following AI in healthcare programs stand out for their relevance, instructional quality, and practical focus. They cover clinical applications, medical data, ethics, and real-world healthcare implementation.

1. Stanford University (Coursera) – AI in Healthcare Specialization 

Stanford’s AI in Healthcare Specialization is one of the most popular online programs in this field. It brings together clinicians and technologists to explore how AI is used in diagnostics, workflow optimization, and patient care.

The program emphasizes real hospital scenarios and common pitfalls in healthcare machine learning. It works well if you want a shared technical and clinical foundation without committing to a full degree.

2. Harvard Medical School – AI in Health Care: Strategies and Implementation

This executive-style program focuses on evaluating and deploying AI solutions in healthcare organizations. You’ll learn how AI tools move from research to real-world clinical use through structured frameworks.

The curriculum includes a capstone-style project where you evaluate or propose an AI-driven healthcare solution. It’s best suited for healthcare leaders and decision-makers overseeing AI initiatives.

3. Johns Hopkins University – AI in Healthcare Professional Certificate

Johns Hopkins’ professional certificate explores predictive modeling, automation, and ethical considerations in healthcare AI. The program reflects the university’s strong background in medicine and engineering.

You’ll study applications such as patient outcome prediction and surgical automation. This option works well if you want a rigorous, healthcare-focused AI credential from a leading medical institution.

4. MIT xPRO – Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

MIT xPRO’s certificate offers a technical deep dive into AI applications like medical imaging and drug discovery. The program emphasizes engineering principles and applied problem-solving.

Its project-based structure challenges you to think creatively about healthcare innovation. This option is well suited for learners with a technical background who want to work on cutting-edge healthcare AI solutions.

5. University of Alabama at Birmingham – Graduate Certificate in AI in Medicine

University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) graduate certificate focuses on the responsible and ethical use of AI in clinical environments. The program is fully online and rooted in UAB’s extensive clinical research infrastructure.

You’ll gain exposure to health informatics and machine learning concepts tailored to medical settings. It’s a strong option if you want an academic credential without enrolling in a full degree program.

6. Duke University – Graduate Certificate in AI in Healthcare

Duke’s program emphasizes clinical decision support systems used in high-stakes medical environments. You’ll explore how AI models assist physicians in real-time decision-making.

The curriculum places a strong focus on transparency and explainability. This certificate works well if you’re interested in AI tools that directly impact patient care.

7. Drexel University – Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Informatics & AI

Drexel’s certificate is designed for IT professionals transitioning into healthcare roles. It focuses on healthcare data infrastructure, security, and regulatory compliance.

You’ll learn how AI systems interact with protected health information under HIPAA requirements. This program is well suited for backend and systems-focused professionals.

8. Harvard Medical School (Live Virtual) – AI in Clinical Medicine 

This short, live virtual program is designed specifically for physicians. It focuses on how large language models and AI tools are currently used in medical education and oncology.

The format allows for real-time interaction and discussion. It’s ideal if you want an up-to-date snapshot of clinical AI without a long-term commitment.

9. DeepLearning.AI (Coursera) – AI for Medical Diagnosis 

This course focuses on applying machine learning to medical imaging and diagnosis. You’ll work through real-world examples involving X-rays and diagnostic workflows.

The program emphasizes both performance and ethical considerations. It’s a practical option if you want hands-on exposure to medical AI models.

10. edX (Harvard and Partners) – AI for Healthcare Programs 

edX offers multiple AI for healthcare certificates developed by leading universities and research institutions. These programs explore clinical data, predictive modeling, and healthcare system design.

The flexible online format allows you to choose an introductory or more advanced track. This option works well if you want a university-backed certificate with scheduling flexibility.

How We Rank Courses

We rank AI in healthcare degrees and certificates based on relevance, accessibility, and real-world applicability. Our goal is to highlight programs that prepare learners for practical healthcare AI challenges.

• Affordability: Programs are evaluated based on cost, availability of lower-cost options, and overall value.
• Online availability: We prioritize programs that are fully online or live virtual and accessible to working professionals.
• Course provider reputation: Institutions are assessed based on credibility, healthcare expertise, and industry recognition.

What You’ll Learn in an Online AI in Healthcare Program

AI in healthcare programs focus on applying machine learning within clinical and medical environments. You’ll learn how AI tools interact with real patient data and healthcare systems.

Common skills and topics include:

• clinical data analysis and modeling
• medical imaging and diagnostics
• healthcare informatics and EHR systems
• ethical and responsible AI use
• regulatory and compliance considerations

How Much Do AI in Healthcare Degrees and Certificates Cost?

Costs vary based on credential type and institution. Short courses may cost a few hundred dollars, while graduate certificates often range from $3,000 to $12,000.

Executive and live programs may cost more but typically require less time. Many learners start with a certificate before pursuing advanced credentials.

Who Should Consider AI in Healthcare Degrees and Certificates?

These programs are ideal for clinicians, healthcare administrators, data professionals, and IT specialists. They’re especially useful if you work with patient data or AI-driven medical tools.

If you’re interested in improving healthcare outcomes through technology, an AI in healthcare certificate can help you develop specialized knowledge. These programs also support career transitions into health informatics and clinical AI roles.

Career Outlook With an AI in Healthcare Degree or Certificate

AI in healthcare skills overlap with data science and health informatics careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data scientists earn a median annual salary of $112,590, reflecting strong demand for advanced data skills.

The BLS projects 34% job growth for data scientists, which is much faster than average. AI healthcare credentials can help position you for roles supporting clinical analytics, decision support, and medical innovation.

How to Choose the Right AI in Healthcare Program Online

Start by identifying whether your focus is clinical, technical, or administrative. Your background and career goals should guide whether you choose a certificate or graduate-level program.

You should also consider cost, time commitment, and whether the curriculum includes real-world healthcare applications. Choosing a program aligned with your professional role can maximize long-term value.

FAQs About AI in Healthcare Degrees and Certificate Programs

The following FAQs address common considerations when exploring AI in healthcare education. These answers focus on value, preparation, and professional relevance.

Is an AI in Healthcare Degree or Certificate Worth It?

An AI in healthcare credential can be worthwhile if your role intersects with data, technology, or clinical decision-making. These programs help you understand how AI tools are applied responsibly in medical settings. They are most effective when paired with healthcare experience.

Can an AI in Healthcare Certificate Help With Career Advancement?

AI in healthcare certificates can support advancement in health informatics, analytics, and clinical technology roles. They demonstrate specialized knowledge in a growing field. Many professionals use them to complement existing healthcare credentials.

Do I Need a Medical Background for AI in Healthcare Programs?

Some programs are designed for clinicians, while others are accessible to non-clinical professionals. Many certificates focus on application and ethics rather than medical training. Reviewing prerequisites can help you find the right fit.

How Long Do AI in Healthcare Programs Take to Complete?

Program length ranges from a few days to several months. Self-paced options offer flexibility, while live or graduate certificates follow structured schedules. Time commitment varies by depth and format.

Are Online AI in Healthcare Credentials Recognized by Employers?

Credentials from reputable universities and healthcare institutions are widely recognized. While they do not replace medical or technical degrees, they signal specialized expertise. Employer recognition continues to grow as AI adoption expands in healthcare.

Discover AI in Healthcare Degrees and Certificate Programs

Learn.org helps you explore AI in healthcare degrees and certificate programs from trusted schools and providers. You can compare options, request information, and connect with programs aligned with your professional goals.