Health informatics (HI) is the acquisition, storage, retrieval and use of healthcare information to improve the safety and quality of healthcare to patients. Although it’s a combination of information technology (IT), communications and healthcare, healthcare informatics is different than information technology. While IT refers to the use of information or information technology within a healthcare system, HI deals with the how and why of information technology. Here is an overview of informatics as a career.
Healthcare Informatics vs. Health Information
Healthcare informatics and health information are very similar yet completely different fields. Health information deals with the collecting and maintaining records and managing day-to-day activities. Patient history files and electronic health records would be considered health information.
Healthcare informatics specialists look beyond just the collection and maintenance of data and focus on analyzing it with the purpose of making health care more efficient. Their work can deal with patient information, insurance data or working with a hospital’s budget. Health information or information technology careers can often be found with associate’s degrees, whereas healthcare informatics typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
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Degrees in Healthcare Informatics
Individuals pursuing careers in HI typically complete bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in health informatics, health management, health administration or health information technology. Although the bachelor’s degree is ideal for aspiring health informatics specialists, master’s degrees are chosen more by individuals interested in management or leadership positions, Students in HI program may complete the following courses.
- Databases
- Medical terminology
- Healthcare data
- Health information law and regulations
- Electronic health records
- Health information technology
- Computer networks
- Healthcare compliance and classification
Healthcare programs also usually require internships or externships so the student can obtain hands-on training working in a real healthcare facility. In fact, hands-on experience is often a major part of this curriculum, according to U.S. News & World Report. Many colleges and university’s offer these programs online. Some of USNWR’s highest ranked healthcare informatics programs are online programs.
Career Opportunities for Healthcare Informatics Graduates
Any place that provides healthcare has the need for qualified healthcare informatics specialists. With the huge emphasis today on providing the best possible healthcare at the lowest possible cost, HI specialists are always in demand. After completing degree programs, graduates can pursue careers in the following positions.
- Medical and health service managers
- Medical records and health information technicians
- Systems data analysts
- Health information administrators
- Informatics analysts
- Informatics nurse specialists
- Healthcare software engineer
They may find jobs in clinics, hospitals, health insurance companies, government agencies, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, health maintenance organizations and similar settings.
Career Outlook and Wage Potential
Medical and health service managers are generally the workers who have studied healthcare informatics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that medical and health service managers could experience a 20 percent increase in jobs from 2016-2026. As of May 2017, these medical professionals earned wages from $58,000 to more than $176,000 with the average annual wage at $111,680.
Because healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries, many individuals want to make their careers in this field. Despite wanting to make their mark in healthcare, many prefer to have their patient contact limited, which makes healthcare informatics the perfect career choice.
