If you are technically savvy, interested in the health professions, and want to pursue a career that offers a lot of potential for variety, growth, and security, then you can’t go wrong by exploring your job opportunities in Health Information Technology (IT). Health Information Technology involves the use of computers and computer systems to increase the functionality and efficiency of all aspects of healthcare, from patient records to billing and coding. What jobs are out there that you may want to consider? Read on to learn more about what’s available to you in the exciting field of Health IT:
Software application. Just about any segment of the medical industry relies on specialized software for the execution of a wide array of tasks, and new software is being developed all the time to aid healthcare entities in improving efficiency and productivity. If you are especially knowledgeable in a specific healthcare software application, then you can use your knowledge and skill to train others to use it, provide support for systems already in place, or you can even hire on as a software administrator.
Software development. If you are a skilled programmer, then you can put your knowledge to use by developing specialized software programs for medical facilities, private practices, and even government entities that collect, test, store, and analyze medical records.
Consulting. As an expert in either the healthcare or IT field, you have valuable knowledge and experience that others in the medical industry will gladly pay to benefit from. Consulting is a job that you can virtually create yourself. Just assess your area of expertise and how it may be of benefit to other healthcare professionals, and you can get paid to share what you know.
Data analyst. Hospitals and medical professionals must collect a lot of information regarding patient histories, examinations, insurance, treatments, staffing, and more. One way of determining whether or not the systems they have in place are working to their full potential is by analyzing all of the data they collect. Information technologists often use complex computer programs to perform data analysis in a variety of scenarios, and their expertise is widely sought after in the medical community as well.
There are two points of entry available to you when it comes to entering into Health IT – either from the clinical side or the technical side. If you fall into either of these two categories, or even if you are just willing and eager to learn something new, then you may be able to secure a position in Health IT sooner than you thought possible.
About the Author: Ali Sabbatini is an IT specialist with several healthcare certifications. If you’re intersted in working in this field, visit a healthcare IT staffing agency for help finding placement with reputable companies. You won’t regret this career path!