Health information technology (HIT) is the convergence of healthcare and information technology. HIT uses a variety of information systems—computers, databases, and applications—to assist not just physicians and patients, but also administrators and health insurance providers.
HIT is a growing part of the healthcare industry and there are an increasing number of health information technology careers available. If you’re looking for a job that combines healthcare with technology, healthcare information technology is the field for you.
Is Health Information Technology a Good Career?
Before you commit to a career in health information technology, you need to ask a few questions.
First, what is the demand for health information technology jobs? There’s good news on that front—the demand for HIT jobs is strong and getting stronger. HIT positions are expected to grow 11% between now and 2028. If you’re looking for a HIT job, chances are you’ll find open positions at most hospitals and healthcare organizations.
Second, what do HIT jobs pay? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary in the health information technology field is $77,920. Salaries range from $44,090 for a Medical Records and Health Information Technician to $151,150 for an IT Security manager.
Finally, what HIT jobs are available? Many jobs in health information technology are traditional IT jobs, such as database administrator and software developer, but in the healthcare environment. Other jobs are more specific to the blend of healthcare and technology, focusing on artificial intelligence, data analysis, and robotics. We’ll examine these careers in more detail.
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is a growing presence in the healthcare industry. By analyzing large amounts of medical data, AI can identify patterns not easily detectable by human beings and provide actionable insights based on those analyses. AI works much faster and more accurately than human analysts, generating useful results from formerly dormant data.
The many benefits of AI in healthcare include:
- Automating formerly manual tasks, such as medical coding—and doing them faster and more accurately
- Planning, conducting, and analyzing clinical trials
- Processing claims and managing medical records
- Forecasting certain medical conditions
- Identifying anomalies in medical imaging, such as spotting malignant tumors
- Determining the most appropriate care plans
- Developing new treatments and medicines
Machine Learning Engineer
Several HIT positions use and develop artificial intelligence, one of which is Machine Learning Engineer. Machine learning (ML) is a type of AI that enables software applications to more accurately forecast future events. ML works by learning from historical data, without the need for human input or intervention. In essence, ML enables an application to get smarter based on the data it receives.
A Machine Learning Engineer is a programmer who researches, builds, and designs ML software and systems. An ML Engineer in the HIT field builds AI systems to leverage the large data sets maintained by healthcare organizations.
ML Engineers typically do some or all of the following:
- Assess and organize medical and patient data
- Run tests and experiments on the data
- Develop algorithms that learn from the data
- Optimize machine learning processes for optimal predictive behavior
According to PayScale, the average base salary for a Machine Learning Engineer is $112,709.
Data Analytics in Healthcare
Data analytics is the process of analyzing large amounts of raw data to identify trends and answer specific questions. In the healthcare industry, data analytics is used to analyze many different types of data, including
- Clinical data
- Claims and cost data
- Pharmaceutical data
- Patient behavioral data
Data Analyst
The most common data analytics position is Data Analyst. A Data Analyst works to improve healthcare outcomes by analyzing data from some or all of the above sources. Data Analysts can focus on any or all of the following:
- Improving medical outcomes, by analyzing clinical data
- Optimizing health insurance premiums, by analyzing claims and cost data
- Accelerating drug discovery and development, by analyzing research data
- Predicting patient conditions and recommending medical treatments, by analyzing patient data
According to PayScale, the average base salary for a Data Analyst is $62,970.
Robotics in Healthcare
Robotics is not a new technology in the field of healthcare. Engineers have long developed devices and systems that blend engineering with medicine, such as implants and prosthetics. Newer robotic technologies enable the development of devices that can transform how medicine is delivered, how patients are treated, and how surgeries are performed.
Individuals with an engineering background are important to the world of healthcare. There is a continuing need for new devices and systems that can produce better results than more traditional approaches, using the latest technology.
Biomedical Engineer
A Biomedical Engineer applies engineering principles and technologies to the healthcare field. They develop systems, medical devices, and other equipment designed to solve specific physician and patient needs.
Biomedical Engineers have developed many different devices and systems over the years, including:
- Prosthetics, including artificial limbs
- Medical implants, including pacemakers and insulin pumps
- Artificial organs
- Patient monitoring systems
- Surgical devices and systems, such as robotic surgery
- Imaging technology, including MRIs and ultrasound
According to PayScale, the average base salary for a Biomedical Engineer is $68,998.
Telesurgery
One of the newest uses of robotic engineering in healthcare is the development of telesurgery. Telesurgery is remote surgery that enables a surgeon in one location to operate on a patient in another location via the use of robotic arms and tools. Experts believe that telesurgery can eliminate the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized operations and offer surgical procedures to remote or medically underserved locations.
Telesurgery is practiced by a surgeon trained in remote surgical techniques. Telesurgery requires both traditional surgical training as well as expertise in operating robotic systems. The field of telesurgery is too new to estimate salaries—but has enormous potential.
Let Quadrant Help You Find Your Next Health Information Technology Job Today
There are many careers available in the field of health information technology, especially in the specialties of artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analytics, and robotics and engineering.
If you are interested in a career in health information technology, turn to the employment experts at Quadrant. Our experienced professionals will help you find the best position for your unique skill set and help you accomplish your long-term career goals. View technology jobs here.
Find your next technology job today and learn more about health information technology careers.