Medical Librarianship
Kent State University’s Medical Librarianship Graduate Certificate program offers specialized training for information professionals who want to work in health sciences libraries. This online program covers topics like health information resources, research techniques, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to support the information needs of healthcare providers and researchers. The certificate is ideal for those looking to serve in medical and academic library settings or healthcare organizations.
Medical Librarianship Graduate Certificate Program Overview
The Medical Librarianship graduate certificate prepares students to work in medical and health sciences libraries; in the community; and as part of a health system, hospital, clinician office, academic center, government research agency or medical specialty organization. Students in the certificate have the option to intern at a medical library, which will allow them to apply their skills and knowledge, as well as to observe the typical daily activities and requirements of medical librarians.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Articulate and apply the principles of resource description, subject analysis, medical descriptors and qualifiers and cataloging management principles with medical resources in the medical library.
- Describe and perform a medical reference interview and conduct information searching with evidence-based medicine principles and resources.
- Describe information seeking behavior patterns and identify information needs for various user groups in medical libraries.
- Apply knowledge of management, budgeting and advocacy in medical libraries.
- Identify the ethical and legal considerations for health information professionals as it relates to HIPAA and the role of the health information professional.
- Outline how health information literacy, patient-centered health and wellness information sources and practices can affect health care consumers in the community.
Medical Librarianship Graduate Certificate Program Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
- Master’s degree in library and information science or equivalent American Library Association-accredited master’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale 1
- Official transcript(s)
- Résumé
- Goal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
- Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 DET score
1In calculating the total GPA, all grades from all courses taken at relevant level (baccalaureate or master’s) from all institutions are required. Applicants who do not meet the minimum 3.000 GPA requirement must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study. Applicants should include recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program.
2International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.
Important Dates
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Requirements | ||
| HI 60419 | CONSUMER HEALTH INFORMATICS | 3 |
| LIS 60620 | HEALTH INFORMATION RESOURCES | 3 |
| LIS 60671 | INTRODUCTION TO CATALOGING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES IN MEDICAL LIBRARIES | 1 |
| LIS 60672 | REFERENCE SOURCES AND SERVICES IN MEDICAL LIBRARIES | 1 |
| LIS 60673 | MEDICAL LIBRARY MANAGEMENT AND CULTURE | 1 |
| Certificate Elective, choose from the following: | 3 | |
| HI 60401 | HEALTH INFORMATICS MANAGEMENT | |
| HI 60411 | CLINICAL ANALYTICS | |
| HI 60636 | STANDARDIZED TERMINOLOGIES IN HEALTHCARE | |
| LIS 60401 | LEADERSHIP IN LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTERS | |
| LIS 60602 | RESOURCE DESCRIPTION AND ACCESS | |
| LIS 60603 | SUBJECT ANALYSIS, REPRESENTATION AND ACCESS | |
| LIS 60613 | INFORMATION NEEDS, SEEKING AND USE | |
| LIS 60614 | COLLECTION MANAGEMENT IN LIBRARIES | |
| LIS 60616 | THE SPECIAL LIBRARY | |
| LIS 60649 | INDEXING AND ABSTRACTING | |
| LIS 60655 | COPYRIGHT: UNDERSTANDING USER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES | |
| LIS 60666 | ETHICAL CONCERNS OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS | |
| LIS 60669 | INFORMATION SERVICES FOR DIVERSE POPULATIONS | |
| LIS 60692 | INTERNSHIP IN INFORMATION AND CULTURAL HERITAGE INSTITUTIONS | |
| LIS 61096 | INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 12 | |
Medical Librarianship Graduate Certificate Program Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $594.78 | $1,784.34 | $7,100 part-time1 $6,500 full-time2 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $604.78 | $1,814.34 | $7,300 part-time3 $6,600 full-time4 |
1The $594.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester. The amount is calculated at students completing the certificate in one semester.
3The $604.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.
4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180).
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
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