Back to BlogIs Health Informatics Right for You? Positions, Salaries & Career OutlookBlog Share Share on FacebookFollow us on LinkedInShare on PinterestShare via Email It seems that no matter the state of the economy, there’s always a need for qualified healthcare professionals in a range of positions — whether it’s as a nurse in a big bustling hospital, an administrator at a small local clinic or as a researcher for a university. And with the adoption of big data and digital-based operations increasing the demand for professionals with both health and technology experience, there’s never been a better time to pursue a Master’s degree in Health Informatics.Since the field is fairly new, there’s a lot to be learned about the job responsibilities, salary ranges and career opportunities that are available to those with the necessary education. Read on to learn more about the field and find out if health informatics is the right path for you.Who Should Enter the Field of Health Informatics?If you’re looking for a role where you can help patients without having to provide direct care, then health informatics could be the perfect industry for you.Health informatics is a great career path for healthcare professionals who are interested in a role that also incorporates data and IT. If you have experience in any of the following areas, you can benefit from pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health informatics:Clinical healthDentistryMedical researchNursingOccupational therapyMedical lab servicesBut health informatics isn’t just for people who are already in the healthcare industry. If you’re an IT or business professional with experience in any of the positions below, you can also transition into an informatics role:Systems analystsData quality managersProject managersIT coordinatorsDatabase managers/administratorsApplication specialistsHealth Informatics PositionsSince there are a range of positions in the health informatics field, requirements and salaries will vary. To give you a general idea of role requirements, salary ranges and main responsibilities, below is a look at five of the most in-demand positions:Health Informatics Nurse As a health informatics nurse, you’d work as a liaison between the clinical side of a practice and the IT side.Job responsibilities include:Evaluating healthcare facility operationsOverseeing data integrationIdentifying clinical applications that can help increase efficiencyTraining staff on new technology systemsThis role requires at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing, but many roles will require a master’s degree.Average Annual Salary Range: $58,049 – $98,831Health Informatics SpecialistThis position is similar to that of a health informatics nurse, but focuses more on the actual implementation of technology in a healthcare setting.Primary job responsibilities include:Training staff on all systems and proceduresTroubleshooting and assisting staffStaying up to date on compliance and regulatory standardsRequirements for this role are broad; you’ll need at least a high school diploma and technology experience, but a master’s degree in health informatics will open up more opportunities for you.Average Annual Salary Range: $40,760 – $91,021Clinical Informatics SpecialistThese specialists create processes in electronic systems in order to digitize medical records.Responsibilities include:Overseeing the transition of paper medical records to digitalCreating processes for seamless transitioningContinuously improving procedures while keeping detailed documentation for the staffFor this position, you’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing, licensure as a registered nurse and experience in a clinical setting.Average Annual Salary Range: $49,888 – $103,820Clinical AnalystAnalysts evaluate data generated from digitized medical records with the goal of improving a facility’s information systems.This position is primarily responsible for:Creating healthcare database systemsEvaluating data to enhance workflowsBalancing efficiency with regulatory standardsA bachelor’s degree in life science, social science or a related focus is required. For higher-level positions, you’ll need a master’s degree.Average Annual Salary Range: $47,207 – $91,961Clinical Informatics ManagerManagers oversee the daily operations of clinical information.Train and manage staff membersManage and monitor budgetsEnsure systems are compliant with all state, federal and professional regulationsYou’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s degree and experience in health informatics or nurse informatics.Average Annual Salary Range: $61,742 – $125,830Is Health Informatics a Good Career Choice?Bottom line: Yes! There’s a bright outlook for careers in health informatics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an aging population that requires more medical care combined with the widespread adoption of electronic health records puts the job outlook for health informatics higher than the average for all occupations.Over the next few years, it’s projected that the demand for various job roles in this field will grow by 13%. Health informatics professionals are particularly in high demand in industries like:Healthcare facilities and hospitalsGovernment agenciesComputer sciencesData analyticsSoftware developmentOrganizational leadershipHow to Get a Job in Health InformaticsMost careers in the health informatics field require postsecondary education. You’ll have more career opportunities and receive a higher salary with a Master degree in Health Informatics.Wondering if a master’s in health informatics is worth it? A study from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) found that professionals with a master’s degree in health informatics make an average of 30% more per year.University of Cincinnati Online offers a Master of Science in Health Informatics that combines healthcare and IT training to prepare you for this fast-growing field. You can learn more about the program and request more information from an enrollment advisor.
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