OVERVIEW
What Is a Clinical Informatics Specialist?
Clinical informatics specialists work with data within clinics. They often have backgrounds in both healthcare and clinical informatics.
They work closely with data entries and visual image storage systems to collect information on existing practices. They also train staff on how to use data systems, build interfaces, and troubleshoot software.
In many cases, they begin as nurses within a healthcare system. By watching and understanding clinical workflow, terminology, and medical practices, nurses can put their knowledge towards becoming clinical informatics specialists.
Not all of them begin as healthcare workers. Some professionals transition to this position from a background in information systems (IT) because the position requires a vast knowledge of data and coding practices. Those with knowledge of business and tech can also become clinical informatics specialists after pursuing additional education.
They’ll need a background in healthcare and data and a master’s in clinical informatics. It is not an entry position and requires work experience in a variety of fields.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Clinical Informatics Specialist Do?
Clinical informatics specialists manage IT in healthcare. They are the bridge between clinicians and data. The typical day of a clinical informatics specialist might include:
- Consulting with managers to determine the role IT plays in healthcare
- Modifying and designing systems to improve workflow
- Overseeing the installation of new systems that are customized for the organization
- Troubleshooting system malfunctions
- Educating staff on correct procedures and the use of new systems
- Analyzing and leveraging collected data
- Acting as a mediator between clinical staff and informatics staff
- Integrating systems across different units
A large part of their job is communication. They work closely with management teams to observe how data plays out when put into practice. As they watch management teams and observe how IT systems affect patients, they will modify their plans for future computer programs.
They are also responsible for troubleshooting programs to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible throughout the day. Clinical informatics specialists play a role in making IT-related decisions with hospital management. They will present data and discuss how new systems will benefit both the patients and employees of the hospital.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Clinical Informatics Specialist?
Clinical informatics specialists need to have a background in healthcare or IT to be considered for a position within a healthcare facility. Many jobs only require a bachelor’s degree in health information management. This degree will give you crucial knowledge and credentials in both healthcare and data and how they are connected.
For current nurses who want to expand their career opportunities, an MSN with a focus in nursing informatics could be an ideal fit. This degree is perfect for those who have a background in healthcare and want to move into the informatics space. An MSN in nursing informatics will focus deeper on analyzing data, modeling, and understanding management systems. These skills will be key in helping you move forward in a clinical informatics role.
Certifications can act as third-party endorsements to show that a job candidate has the skills the employer is searching for. In many instances, having a certification helps to validate the candidate’s skills and ensure they stand out from the competition.
Some beneficial certifications include:
Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
The RHIA exam is recommended to those with a bachelor’s degree who are interested in managing patient health information. The exam tests your knowledge of medical, ethical, and legal standards and ensures that all test takers know how to protect the privacy of patients.
The certification is a four-hour exam with 180 multiple-choice questions and must be renewed every three years. About 71% of first-time testers pass the RHIA exam.
Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS)
Those taking the CAHIMS exam must have at least a high school diploma and at least 45 hours of continuing education in healthcare information technology or digital health. This certification is designed for those that lack experience and training but are dedicated to receiving it.
CAHIMS is a two-hour test with 115 multiple-choice questions and must be renewed every three years.
Best Degrees for Clinical Informatics Specialists
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.
A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses with a BSN and MSN...
A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses with a BSN and MSN component, allowing them to go from RN to MSN.
- Time: 63% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 36 months.
- Tuition: $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
- Courses: 31 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for currently licensed RNs who are looking to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at an accelerated pace.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Informatics System Analysis and Design
- Data Science and Analytics
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Leadership and Management
The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for registered nurses who take this path.
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.
A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who already have...
A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who already have a BSN but seek the success a master's can bring:
- Time: 64% of grads finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Informatics System Analysis and Design
- Data Science and Analytics
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Leadership and Management
The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for nurses who take this path.
Health & Nursing
Health Information Management – B.S.
A program designed for future leaders in HIM....
A program designed for future leaders in HIM.
- Time: 61% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare System Applications
- Health Information Law and Regulations
- Healthcare Project Management
- Data Analytics and Information Governance
This CAHIIM-accredited program makes you eligible for the RHIA exam.
How Much Does a Clinical Informatics Specialist Make?
$80,306
Clinical informatics specialists make an average salary of $80,306 per year, roughly $38 per hour. Salaries range by state, experience, and level of education. For example, a clinical information specialist with a bachelor’s degree is likely to earn less than someone with a master’s degree. The top 10% of clinical information specialists can make over $100,000 a year, and the bottom 10% make under $60,000 a year.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
7%
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that jobs for health information technicians will grow 8% by 2031, which is higher than the national average job growth rate.
The United States population continues to age as life expectancy increases and fertility decreases. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that there will be more older adults than children by 2035. Aging populations demand more medical services and will need an increased number of clinical information specialists to improve care.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Clinical Informatics Specialist Need
A clinical informatics or information specialist needs to have several traits and skills that will help them excel in a fast-paced environment. Some of the most important skills include:
- Analytical skills: Specialists interpret complex data and use data to create new projects that better the healthcare environment
- Communication skills: Specialists act as the bridge between medical professionals and the IT department. They need to communicate clearly and distinctly.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office: Specialists need to be familiar with software such as Word and Excel to create better organization within their teams.
- Coding knowledge: Although not expected to be coding masters, specialists need to know how to use SQL and other basic coding languages to read and interpret data.
- Export, transform, and load (ETL): Specialists need to know the ETL process to merge systems.
Clinical information specialists need to be professionals in both the healthcare industry and in the IT world. Additional skills, such as data modeling and data analysis, are essential to a successful career.
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