Five Growing Health Information and Technology Jobs

As health information and technology continues to be of critical focus across the global continuum of care, a variety of new and revamped roles in healthcare are continuously emerging and evolving in scope. Most of these roles are generally focused on securing, organizing, planning and overseeing the proper application of technology in administering and exchanging of health information to improve outcomes and workflows.

As an early careerist in the field or even as a veteran industry professional, keeping up to date on current roles within the health IT workforce will serve you well not only in the workplace, but in the boardroom, the classroom, in continuing your professional education and beyond.

No matter where you are in your career journey, here are five growing health information and technology jobs you should be aware of; maybe you’ll even strive to become one of them yourself.

Job #1: Analytics Consultant

What they do: Analytics consultants lead the development and implementation of data analytics solutions. They focus on compiling as much information as possible through data mining projects and creating reports for business users in order to assess performance on a regular basis. By examining systems and executing auditing plans, they develop methodologies that inform stakeholders of the best strategies that will get them the most out of their data. They work both individually and collaboratively with teams to determine the proper business process changes for integral, time sensitive business projects—while keeping leadership figures like analytics supervisors and administrators apprised of progress.

Key skills: Programming, data processing, problem solving, time management

General requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, accounting, or a related field
• Previous analytics reporting experience
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Experience in industry standard software

Income range: $60,000–$114,000

Job #2: Chief Security Officer

What they do: Chief security officer (CSO), also known as chief information security officer (CISO), is an executive role responsible for leading all information security efforts occurring within their organizations. This security extends beyond digital in some organizations where the executive role also oversees the physical safety of employees such as the facilities they work in. CSOs work with IT and engineering departments to implement strategies that drive compliance and internal governance—in support of information security best practices that inform new initiatives and standards developed. Individuals in this role typically report to the CEO and are members of executive leadership teams. This position increases in demand as more technologies evolve or become outdated, while the need to stay ahead of new cyber threats grows.

Key skills: Written and oral communications, business management comprehension and/or experience, problem-solving, research

General requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems, master’s degree preferred
• Knowledge of industry standard privacy and security guidelines and best practices, especially related to healthcare (i.e., HIPAA, SOX, and PCI)
• Current IT certifications strongly preferred
• Experience executing security management solutions and other industry-relevant software

Income range: $93,000–$259,000

Job #3: Clinical Informaticist

What they do: Clinical informaticists work with clinical data and technology to streamline workflows and improve the patient experience. Their work is integral in managing health information and technology from all aspects of the care continuum—specifically in support of improved patient experiences. Clinical informaticists work to ensure the health data collected is used in a way that supports existing standards and best practices within the healthcare organization. A major part of their role is supporting the implementation of information systems such as EHRs. They often have previous experience working in clinical environments.

Key skills: Data analysis, data mining, software programming, communications, project management

General requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree preferred
• Certifications which generally require one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree and two years health informatics experience
• Master’s degree and at least one year of health informatics experience
• Master’s degree or higher in healthcare informatics discipline from regionally accredited institution

• Experience in a healthcare role preferred

Income range: $52,000–$107,000

Job #4: Health Information Technician

What they do: Health information technicians manage and organize health information and data, ensuring it meets all standards related to quality, security, accessibility and more. They categorize patient information accordingly so it is structured accurately for purposes like insurance reimbursement and updating databases, registries and patient records. They also track patient outcomes for quality assessment while working directly with registered nurses and other patient-facing roles which leverage health information and technology tools and resources.

Key skills: Software, data analysis, coding, customer service

General requirements:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree with certifications OR participation in accredited program prior to graduation
• Knowledge of release of information laws, HIPAA guidelines and Joint Commission standards
• Previous experience using EHRs
• Previous experience managing health information or working in credentialing department of healthcare facility

Income range: $24,000–$41,000

Job #5: Medical and Health Services Manager

What they do: A medical and health services manager, also known as healthcare executive or administrator, plan and direct healthcare services. They often specialize in a specific discipline within a healthcare organization. This role also oversees the compliance of healthcare laws and regulations, confirming that standards are adhered to. They also direct accompanying changes to health services influencing organizational processes, policies and procedures.

Key skills: Financial, analytical, technical, problem-solving, change management

General requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in health administration, master’s degree preferred
• Successful completion of educational courses in hospital organization and management, health economics, healthcare laws and ethics
• Successful completion of a licensing exam and state-approved training program
• Experience in a clinical environment or highest level of healthcare administration education

Income range: $43,000–$97,000

Through leveraging health information and technology’s power to improve outcomes, workflows and more, these roles are playing a major part in shaping the industry’s next chapter. Those exploring new opportunities in the health IT workforce would be remiss not to consider related roles, especially those with clinical experience who are eager to embrace the advent of innovation in healthcare.

Income range source: Payscale.com