The health care industry needs qualified, trained professionals across all positions, including health information technology. The industry is growing exponentially.
In health care informatics, skilled managers and operators use digital data management and various software to operate a different health care settings efficiently. Managers in health care informatics are responsible for overseeing planning, implementation, and general management of everything from staff to programs to systems. These ensure quality patient care and the operation of a number of different health care settings.
MBA Programs in Health Care Informatics
One of the benefits of completing an MBA in health care informatics is gaining experience and skill in various information technology areas that are unique to this health care industry. These courses enable graduates to successfully manage teams and projects in various health care tasks and projects.
There are a number of possibilities that a graduate program in health care informatics might include. This varies by institution and, in some cases, specialization. Common courses, though, include:
- clinical project management
- health informatics applications
- health care data structure
- health care database management
- epidemiology and analytics
- biostatistics
- health care information technology
- issues in health care management
Graduate programs also include the opportunity for students to gain experience in the practical application of theory and skill. Most programs include either a capstone project or an internship or externship.
Health Care Informatics Management Opportunities
Health care informatics management professionals are needed in every type of health care workplace setting. Professionals in this field have opportunities to work in:
- hospitals
- medical clinics
- nursing homes
- hospice organizations
- physician offices
- insurance companies
- medical supply companies
- government and non-profit agencies, and more
In some degree programs, specializations in the MBA in health care informatics can be beneficial in gaining the skill and knowledge necessary for one of these particular settings.
There is a diversity of workplace environments to consider when looking for a position in health care informatics. Professionals in this field have a number of options when considering what career positions to pursue. Some of the executive level positions include:
- associate chief information officer
- chief medical information officer
- chief information officer
- director of business informatics
- director of clinical informatics
- vice president of information technology operations
Additional possibilities for career positions include:
- systems architect
- senior system administrator
- program manager
- program analyst
- portfolio manager
- task force manager
- medical officer
- data architect manager
For professionals who also have a nursing background, positions could include:
- nurse informatics management
- chief nursing informatics officer
More information on possible health care informatics positions can be found at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
Health Informatics Management Professional Tasks
Health care management professionals must be skilled in both management and information technology. Professionals in this field combine administrative and management knowledge with the ability to operate, implement, and construct information technology systems.
Through work experience and education, health informatics management professionals gain a number of skills. These help medical and health care settings to operate effectively. As the demand in the health care industry and reliance on information technology continue to grow, qualified professionals to manage informatics will also increase.