Health Informatics Specialists

Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Examples

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $56K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $72K
Median Salary: $93K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $120K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $152K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Translate nursing practice information between nurses and systems engineers, analysts, or designers using object-oriented models or other techniques.

Apply knowledge of computer science, information science, nursing, and informatics theory to nursing practice, education, administration, or research, in collaboration with other health informatics specialists.

Design, develop, select, test, implement, and evaluate new or modified informatics solutions, data structures, and decision-support mechanisms to support patients, health care professionals, and their information management and human-computer and human-technology interactions within health care contexts.

Analyze and interpret patient, nursing, or information systems data to improve nursing services.

Develop, implement, or evaluate health information technology applications, tools, processes, or structures to assist nurses with data management.

Identify, collect, record, or analyze data that are relevant to the nursing care of patients.

Analyze computer and information technologies to determine applicability to nursing practice, education, administration, and research.

Develop strategies, policies or procedures for introducing, evaluating, or modifying information technology applied to nursing practice, administration, education, or research.

Provide consultation to nurses regarding hardware or software configuration.

Use informatics science to design or implement health information technology applications to resolve clinical or health care administrative problems.

Develop or implement policies or practices to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, or security of patient information.

Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in informatics.

Develop or deliver training programs for health information technology, creating operating manuals as needed.

Disseminate information about nursing informatics science and practice to the profession, other health care professions, nursing students, and the public.

Design, conduct, or provide support to nursing informatics research.

Inform local, state, national, and international health policies related to information management and communication, confidentiality and security, patient safety, infrastructure development, and economics.

Plan, install, repair, or troubleshoot telehealth technology applications or systems in homes.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Tableau
Calendar and scheduling software
McKesson ANSOS One-Staff
Computer based training software
Learning management system LMS
Customer relationship management CRM software
Salesforce software
Data base reporting software
SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
Data base user interface and query software
Structured query language SQL
Development environment software
Software development tools
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software
Microsoft Visio
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Map creation software
ESRI ArcGIS software
Medical software
MEDITECH software
Object or component oriented development software
R
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Operating system software
UNIX
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Web platform development software
JavaScript
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Audio and visual presentation and composing equipment
Overhead projectors
Communications Devices and Accessories
Multi-line telephone systems
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Medical diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine products
Medical image database systems
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Customer and Personal Service
89%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Computers and Electronics
86%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education and Training
84%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language
82%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Medicine and Dentistry
81%
Importance

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Administration and Management
73%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Clerical
70%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Psychology
70%
Importance

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Mathematics
63%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Communications and Media
61%
Importance

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Top 10 Skills
Reading Comprehension
85%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening
80%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Judgment and Decision Making
80%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking
80%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing
80%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Complex Problem Solving
78%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking
78%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Learning Strategies
78%
Importance

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Active Learning
75%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Coordination
75%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Top 10 Abilities
Written Comprehension
83%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Inductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Problem Sensitivity
80%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Written Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Deductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Fluency of Ideas
78%
Importance

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Information Ordering
78%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Near Vision
78%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
96%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
94%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Analyzing Data or Information
89%
Importance

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Documenting/Recording Information
89%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
89%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Training and Teaching Others
88%
Importance

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
87%
Importance

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
87%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Getting Information
85%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
83%
Importance

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Detailed Work Activities

Communicate project information to others.

Apply information technology to solve business or other applied problems.

Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.

Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.

Design healthcare-related software applications.

Analyze health-related data.

Document operational activities.

Provide recommendations to others about computer hardware.

Develop guidelines for system implementation.

Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.

Implement security measures for computer or information systems.

Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.

Train others in computer interface or software use.

Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.

Design research studies to obtain scientific information.

Install computer software.

Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.

Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.

Work Context
Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Coordinate or Lead Others

How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Frequency of Decision Making

How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

Education
Majors   based on the broader career Computer Systems Analysts
Major
Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Systems Analysis
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
Interests
Social
77%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Investigative
72%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Conventional
48%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Realistic
43%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Enterprising
39%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Artistic
29%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
93%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Cooperation
92%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Analytical Thinking
90%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Integrity
90%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Dependability
89%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Initiative
88%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Stress Tolerance
88%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Self Control
86%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Adaptability/Flexibility
85%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Leadership
84%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Work Values
Achievement
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Independence
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Support
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Recognition
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Relationships
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Working Conditions
65%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.