OVERVIEW
What is a Clinical Informatics Manager?
A clinical informatics manager acts as the bridge between the IT department and the rest of the healthcare facility. This position requires knowledge of healthcare operations, computer science, and information technology. Additionally, it demands a good understanding of business and leadership.
A clinical informatics manager seeks to implement systems and processes to collect, transfer, and store healthcare facility data in the form of electronic health records. They then use their database management skills to make the data accessible to the right people at the right time. They may also analyze the information flow to find trends and correct inefficiencies.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Clinical Informatics Manager Do?
A clinical informatics manager's duties vary, depending on the exact job description and the setting. However, below are some of the common responsibilities of clinical informatics managers:
- Collecting and analyzing patient data
- Using data analysis results to develop solutions to improve the delivery of healthcare
- Collaborating with various other departments to improve cost efficiency and collect feedback on the user-friendliness of IT systems
- Bridging the gap between the IT department and other staff members
- Helping the IT department understand the needs of end-users to build better tools for them
- Supervising and directing other clinical informatics specialists working under them, depending on the size of the organization
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Clinical Informatics Manager Need?
Jobs in health informatics typically require a mix of educational qualifications and relevant work experience. Most employers look for candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree, and health information management can be a great option for that degree program. In a health information management degree, students will learn about healthcare data, analysis processes and strategies, and how to interpret and report on health information. These skills are crucial in preparing you to work as a clinical informatics manager.
Candidates are also typically required to have at least two years of experience working in a healthcare setting. For many employers, master’s degrees are preferred. After earning a bachelor’s degree, it’s ideal to get some work experience in health information to prepare you for the next steps in your career.
For many current nurses, a master’s degree in nursing informatics can help them make the career pivot toward clinical informatics. You can capitalize on your RN experience and move quickly through an MSN program, focusing on the data and analysis elements of nursing informatics. This credential and the skills you will learn can help you move into a clinical informatics management role.
Best Degrees for a Clinical Informatics Manager:
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: $5,325 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $5,035 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: $5,035 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: $4,210 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 Manager Make?
$101,340
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical informatics officers are under the Medical and Health Service Managers category. This category had a median salary of $101,340 as of 2021. The highest 10% earned over $195,000, demonstrating the extremely lucrative options within the field. Your exact salary may depend on education, years of experience, location, and type of employer.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
28%
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates employment in the industry to grow by 32% between 2019 and 2029. This is much higher than the national average employment growth rate. As so-called baby boomers age and life expectancy rises, there should be increased demand for quality healthcare services, which will require good record keeping. The growth of technological innovation will also drive demand for IT professionals in all industries, including the health industry.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Clinical Informatics Manager Need?
As a clinical informatics manager, you will need a few hard and soft skills to excel in your field:
- Analytical skills to solve data-related issues and come up with solutions
- Database management knowledge to create and oversee the storage and dissemination of data
- Knowledge of clinical terminology, workflows, and processes to tailor the data systems specifically for use in a healthcare setting
- Communication skills to work with or train staff members, discuss the needs of medical professionals, and present ideas and findings to upper management
- Collaboration to work with medical professionals and team members to create informatics systems
- Leadership to oversee team members on informatics projects
Internships during your studies are a good option for developing both hard and soft skills.
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