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Unlocking Your Future: Benedictine University’s MS Health Informatics + Day 1 CPT

  • Writer: Tyler Howell
    Tyler Howell
  • Oct 6
  • 3 min read

If you're an international student or professional looking to combine advanced education with real-world experience in the U.S., Benedictine University’s Master of Science in Health Informatics, paired with Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training), may be exactly what you need. This powerful combination lets you begin working in the field virtually immediately, all while pursuing a high-value graduate degree.

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What Is Day 1 CPT? Why It Matters

Day 1 CPT refers to permission granted to eligible F-1 visa holders to begin Curricular Practical Training from the start of their academic program. Instead of waiting until after the first year, students in Day 1 CPT programs can undertake practical, hands-on training—internships, work experience, etc.—that are part of the academic curriculum, right from day one. This provides:

  • Early exposure to professional environments

  • Resume-building experiences while studying

  • Networking opportunities in your field of Health Informatics

  • Better chances for securing post-graduation employment and leveraging STEM OPT (if the program is STEM-designated)


Benedictine University + Health Informatics: What We Know

Here are the key features of the Health Informatics program:

Feature

Details*

Credit Load

~36 credits over 2 years in a low-residency / hybrid format. HMS

On-Campus Requirement

One immersive weekend (Friday–Sunday) per semester on campus; the rest of the coursework is done online. HMS

Day 1 CPT Eligibility

Students may begin CPT as early as the first semester; the practicum/ internship is integral to the curriculum.

Tuition & Cost

$4,800 per semester.

Program Format

Hybrid/low residency. One weekend on campus per semester plus online work.

STEM Designation

The program is STEM-designated, which can allow for extended OPT after graduation (typically up to 24–36 months depending on the rules).


How MS Health Informatics + Day 1 CPT Can Boost Your Career

Health Informatics is a rapidly growing field where professionals blend healthcare, IT, data analytics, and system management to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. With trends like electronic health records, telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and big data in healthcare, the need for skilled informatics professionals is expanding fast.

With Day 1 CPT, you get to:

  • Apply what you learn in real settings from the start

  • Build experience and networks before graduating

  • Improve chances for future employment and visa transitions (OPT, H-1B etc.)

  • Demonstrate work experience on your resume as you complete your degree


Why Benedictine Is an Attractive Choice for International Students

  • Reputable University & Accreditation: Established in 1887, Benedictine University is regionally accredited.

  • Flexibility: One weekend on campus per semester—helpful for balancing obligations.

  • Multiple Start Dates: Health Informatics offers 6 start dates per year with 2 campus locations - Lisle, IL, and Mesa, AZ.

  • Affordable Compared to Peer STEM Programs: With tuition around US$4,800 per semester, the overall cost is competitive.

  • Proximity to Major Job Markets: Benedictine’s location in Lisle, IL (near Chicago) puts students near hospitals, health systems, tech firms, data centers, and other employers in health & IT.


Final Thoughts

If you want a graduate degree that gets you into the healthcare-technology field and allows you to begin practical training from day one, Benedictine University’s MS Health Informatics + Day 1 CPT setup is a strong contender—provided the program has the right structure and support. It mixes academic rigor, real-world experience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, all of which are especially beneficial for international students.


 
 
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