Health informatics is an interdisciplinary field that combines healthcare, information technology, and data science to improve patient care, streamline healthcare operations, and enhance decision-making. It involves the collection, storage, retrieval, and analysis of health data to support clinical and administrative processes.
By leveraging electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, health informatics helps healthcare providers deliver better service. This includes more efficient, personalized, and evidence-based care while improving patient outcomes and reducing costs.
What does someone with a Health Informatics degree do?
With a health informatics degree, you may work as a health informatics specialist, data analyst, clinical informaticist, or health IT consultant, among other roles. You’ll likely have a wide variety of responsibilities that often include managing electronic health records (EHRs), developing healthcare software systems, analyzing medical data to identify trends, ensuring regulatory compliance (such as HIPAA), and improving interoperability between different healthcare technologies.
These roles can be found in hospitals, clinics, government agencies, insurance companies, health tech companies, and consulting firms. They offer diverse career paths in the growing field of health informatics and information management.
1. Program Manager
Oversees the coordination of consultation services, ensures efficient workflow management, monitors quality metrics, analyzes patient care data, and implements process improvements to enhance service delivery and compliance with healthcare standards.
Meet HIHIM Alum and Program Manager, Kelson Okimoto
2. Senior Manager of HIM, Coding, and CDI Programs
Oversees health information management (HIM), medical coding, and clinical documentation improvement (CDI) initiatives, ensuring accuracy, compliance with regulations, efficient workflows, and optimal reimbursement for healthcare organizations.
3. Senior Epic Analyst
Working closely with senior leadership, vendors, and analyst teams on the configuration and implementation of the electronic medical records system. Overseeing a team responsible for designing, building, testing, validating, installing, and modifying the system, as well as providing training, documentation, and ongoing support.
Meet Senior Epic Analyst at Skagit Regional Health, Jeremy Morton
4. Health Information Manager
Oversees the collection, storage, and security of medical records while ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA.
Meet Health Information Management Specialist II at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Jennifer Phan
5. Clinical Data Analyst
Analyzes healthcare data to identify trends, improve clinical workflows, and support decision-making.
6. EHR Implementation Specialist
Assists with the setup, training, and maintenance of electronic health record systems.
7. Health IT Project Manager
Leads projects related to implementing new healthcare technology and improving digital health systems.
8. Compliance or Privacy Officer
Ensures healthcare organizations follow regulations like HIPAA and maintain data privacy.
9. Revenue Cycle Analyst
Works on billing and insurance processes to ensure financial efficiency in healthcare organizations.
10. Telehealth Coordinator
Manages virtual healthcare services and ensures smooth operation of telemedicine technologies.
11. Health Informatics Specialist
Manages electronic health records (EHRs) and healthcare IT systems to improve patient care and data accuracy.
12. Medical Records and Health Information Technician
Maintains patient records, codes medical data, and ensures data integrity.
13. Clinical Application Support Specialist
Supports healthcare software applications, provides technical assistance to staff, and optimizes system performance.
Why is health informatics important?
Health informatics enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of healthcare. By integrating technology, data, and analytics into medical decision-making, health informatics gives healthcare professionals the ability to make the best-informed decision possible.
Ultimately, health informatics improves patient care.
Electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and clinical decision support systems allow providers to access real-time patient information, reduce errors, and deliver personalized treatments. Additionally, health informatics plays a crucial role in public health, medical research, and operational efficiency. With health informatics, organizations can manage costs, improve workflows, and ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA.
How likely are you to get a job with a Bachelor’s in Health Informatics?
A Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics offers strong job prospects. The demand for healthcare technology and data management professionals has continued to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs in health information management and related fields will increase significantly.
This growth will become even more apparent due to the increasing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and digital healthcare solutions. Job prospects for a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Health Information Management graduate will depend on factors like location, experience, internships, and additional certifications (e.g., RHIA, CPHIMS, or EPIC certifications).
Washington is among the leaders of healthcare innovation. Many graduates find roles as health informatics specialists, data analysts, clinical application support specialists, and EHR implementation consultants in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and health tech firms.