HOW IS THE JOB OUTLOOK FOR HEALTH INFORMATICS GRADUATES?

If you would like to work in the healthcare field where you work closely with information technology and health records, the job outlook for health informatics graduates is positive. Many people think of the healthcare field and picture patient-facing positions in nursing and healthcare assisting. If you would rather do your duties behind the scenes while still benefiting from the projected growth that comes with fields in health care, consider the benefits of graduating with a health informatics degree.

How Much Will the Field of Health Informatics Grow By?

Employment opportunities in all fields are projected to grow by 7 percent as a whole. Any career with a higher growth projection is considered to have an excellent job outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, who assessed the need for more professionals based on employment trends, employment is expected to grow by 15 percent for health information managers. Since this growth is much faster than average, job outlook through 2024 is positive.

Why is The Job Outlook So Positive in Health Informatics?

Patient records were once stored in paper files. Now, with new laws making electronic storage of records mandatory, there is a huge need for health informatics specialists who are highly trained in the practice of acquiring, maintaining, and protecting of digital data.

Since new health information management programs are being developed on a regular basis, it is imperative that doctor offices, clinics, medical schools, and hospitals all have their own informatics specialists who can keep information systems up and run efficiently. It is the health information manager who helps keep clinical, operational and administrative departments connected.

Where Do Health Information Technicians Work?

Once you are qualified to hold a position in health information, you can work in a variety of settings. Since you work with electronic data and information systems, you will typically work in an office setting. If the facility allows, you may even be able to work from home with the right setup. The typical health informatics specialist will work 40-hour work weeks with insurance companies, consulting firms, computer design firms, public health facilities, and physician practices.

What Type of Degree Should You Study For?

There is not just one type of college degree that you can study for to enjoy the advantages that a positive job outlook will bring you. Whenever you are comparing degree programs, it is essential that you only enroll in programs that have been granted accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Some degree options to consider include:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics
• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Master of Science in Health Informatics
• Master of Information Systems
• Master of Nursing Informatics

One of the best things that any prospective student can do is research job outlook before choosing any major. One of the better major options is one with a multidisciplinary focus. Since health informatics is a multidisciplinary profession in one of the most stable fields in the nation, it is a great option for students looking for in-demand jobs. Read more about the responsibilities of health informatics graduates and various areas of the field and decide if this is the lifetime career for you.

Related resource:

Top 15 Cheap Online Health Informatics Degree Programs