As information technology becomes more integrated in the health care industry, there are emerging jobs in health informatics now available, according to the National Institute for Health. Below introduces four of these newly created positions that are ideal for health care professionals who have strong backgrounds in data analysis and IT management.
Health Care Data Analyst
One of the most common jobs in health informatics is a health care data analyst who performs various quality and performance improvement tasks. Health care data analysts spend their time gathering and analyzing data that is transformed into qualitative reports for management. They work closely with the IT department to develop, implement, document and evaluate quality metrics and initiatives. They must have advanced working knowledge of databases and spreadsheets because the majority of their time is spent importing and exporting data in order to create customized reports. Health care data analysts must know how to effectively present complex statistical information to non-technical individuals.
Health Informatics Analyst
A health informatics analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing and preparing clinical, financial and demographic reports, budgets and forecasts. They are also responsible to create and develop basic department reports that ensure timely distribution of accurate and actionable information. Health informatics analysts are expected to assist management and other health informatics professionals with projects related to data extraction, interpretation and presentation. They are often called upon to track and trend certain areas, such as clinical services or revenue cycles. Health informatics analysts are usually required to have a bachelor’s degree in IT, biostatistics or business. Advanced or management positions will require a master’s degree in math, finance or health care economics or management.
Clinical Informatics Specialist
A clinical informatics specialist position is highly technical and highly challenging. This job revolves around the creation, implementation and ongoing analysis of complex clinical data. A clinical informatics specialist will be responsible to design and manage health care data analysis programs that support strategic objectives and policies. These professionals will continually analyze reports in order to make actionable recommendations to improve quality, revenue and medical policy management. A clinical informatics specialist will most likely have a master’s degree in nursing or health care informatics, or an IT related degree specializing in health care data analysis or information system development. Most employers require at least six years of hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
Operations Informatics Analyst
An operations informatics analyst is responsible to coordinate and facilitate the organizational usage of data reports and analytics tools. They are responsible to implement and evaluate effective data management systems and processes. Their ultimate goals are quality and performance improvements that will increase institutional efficiency. They provide continual analytical support so that the health care organization can deliver cost effective patient care and services while also maintaining compliance with regulatory agencies. They are often called upon to provide specific data analysis services to departments through reporting systems, measurement tools and benchmarking databases. Employers will expect an operations informatics analyst to have a bachelor’s degree in health information management or health care administration.
Related Resource: Business Intelligence Analyst
These are just a few of the careers available in health informatics. This industry is continually growing and with the proper training, a career in health informatics can be very rewarding.
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