There are a number of options for obtaining a healthcare informatics certificate to begin working in the healthcare industry, change positions, or advance in one’s career. With the growing needs of the healthcare industry and the increasing reliance of all businesses and organizations on technology, the combination of healthcare knowledge and skill in information systems and data management are solid foundations for successful and rewarding career opportunities.
Healthcare Informatics Certificates at Colleges and Universities
In addition to majoring in a degree program specifically for healthcare informatics, students can also choose the option to pursue a degree in another field such as healthcare management or business administration with the option to specialize in healthcare informatics. The option to specialize a degree program in healthcare informatics is often achieved with the addition of a post-baccalaureate certificate in the field.
After meeting the requirements to complete a bachelor’s degree in a different major area of study, students will complete courses to give advanced knowledge and skill in healthcare informatics. Some common courses in concepts in healthcare informatics and data management and design in healthcare systems. Students combine data analysis, research, information technology, electronic health records, and health services information systems in coursework to build the foundation needed to move into careers in the healthcare industry.
Professional Certifications in Healthcare Informatics
Another option for future healthcare informatics professionals is to complete a degree in healthcare informatics or a related, and then move on to complete professional certifications from reputable organizations in the healthcare industry. Members or non-members of these associations complete various training programs and courses to complete examinations in various areas of healthcare informatics, ultimately earning professional designations such as the CHISP Health IT Certification.
Professional certifications are an effective way for candidates to various positions to illustrate skills and knowledge to employers. The certifications are helpful for not only job mobility and advancement, but also for future education and gaining entry-level positions as well.
Additional information on healthcare certifications through professional associations can be found at the American Health Information Management Association at and the American Society of Health Informatics Managers.
Positions in Healthcare Informatics
After completing a degree program with a supplemental healthcare informatics certificate or successfully earning a professional designation, there are a number of career opportunities in all areas of the healthcare industry. Certified professionals might choose to look for positions in hospitals, educational institutions, government agencies, medical gropus, insurance companies, or supply or prescription firms. Job titles include electronic recoreds specialist, project manager, nursing informatics technician, director of health informatics, and health informatics consultant.
Healthcare is a rewarding field to enter into, providing professionals with everything from high job satisfaction to relatively high job security. As more and more demands are placed on the healthcare industry for privacy, quality patient care, and regulations, the more qualified, trained candidates will be needed to handle patient and organization records. With a healthcare informatics certificate, future specialists in this field will have a solid foundation for illustrating knowledge and skills.
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