Health informatics can be a great fit for information technology professionals. With the right education, IT specialists can transfer their existing skill set to take advantage of the job growth and career opportunities within the healthcare industry.
For example, career opportunities for medical records and health information technicians are expected to increase by 13% from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Health informatics positions may involve duties similar to those of database administrators and network security specialists, but are geared towards a medical setting. Should you choose this path, you may also see opportunities for management positions and career advancement.
Health Informatics Education Can Lead to a New Career
For IT professionals interested in transitioning into the healthcare industry, a good first step is to explore health informatics education options. Researching health IT careers can help narrow down which programs work best.
Check out the job requirements for different positions in health informatics. Not all of the positions require a degree, and those that do may be fine with a degree in a computer science-related field. Sometimes certificate programs or relevant experience are enough to be hired.
However, a graduate education may be needed for higher positions within a healthcare facility, so it’s something to keep in mind for a long-term career path. Some certificate programs can be used for college credit if the student chooses to go on and get a degree.
How a Health Informatics Education Can Benefit IT Professionals
Employers are seeking specific skills and knowledge when hiring for health informatics positions. Here are three reasons why IT professionals should consider health informatics education:
- Learning Medical Terminology
A quality health informatics program includes coursework in medical terminology, which is central to the field. Medical professionals use a lot of terms and acronyms that people outside of the industry are probably unfamiliar with. A working knowledge of the healthcare vocabulary is essential for health IT careers. Understanding medical terms may be a job requirement for some positions. Even if being fluent in medical terminology isn’t required, learning it before being hired can make the transition easier. - Get Familiar with Electronic Health Records
The majority of healthcare providers have switched from paper to electronic health records (EHRs), and many are facing barriers in implementing the changeover. Knowing the different types and benefits of available EHR software will help the IT department to find the best solution for a healthcare facility’s needs. The software behind EHR implementation may be nothing new to an IT professional, but that’s only part of larger picture. Learning about privacy concerns and legislation compliance that are unique to EHRs are just as important as understanding the software. - Staying Competitive
If a healthcare facility is considering two prospective IT employees with similar skill sets, education may provide the additional knowledge necessary to impress an employer. For people who have never worked in healthcare, having a health informatics education will show that the candidate has working knowledge of the industry. As health informatics evolves and legislation changes, that education can help IT professionals understand the industry’s current needs and solve potential problems.
Salary and Education
The BLS does not track specific health informatics titles. However, it does differentiate between a relatively entry level position in health information technician and a management level position in medical and health services manager. In terms of potential salary growth for those who move up toward managerial titles, BLS data from May 2017 shows health information technicians average an annual wage of $42,820 while medical and health services managers average $111,680. Prospective students are encouraged to conduct independent research to determine actual earning potential as salaries may vary depending on location.
A graduate education can help you develop the skills needed to achieve success in health informatics fields. Educational programs have been designed to prepare IT professionals for work in the health sector. Certificate courses, such as the Graduate Certificate Health Informatics provided by USF’s Morsani College of Medicine, provide a faster way to explore the field and typically include classes focused on medical records and information technology.
*National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of hiring companies or job titles, and program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.
