Best Jobs for Graduates with a Health Information Technology Degree
Individual preference will always determine what the best job is for you, in any field. Luckily, graduates who have earned an associate degree in health information technology have lots of choices for jobs that pay well, use multiple skillsets, and are in demand. Maybe more importantly, within the general pool of jobs that require a degree in health information technology you are likely to find a particular area of interest, preferred work environment, compelling type of problem to solve, or mission-driven organization that is best for you. The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program from Northwestern College in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and serving the greater Chicago area prepares graduates for their preferred jobs in this fast-growing field.
Digital Technology and Health Information
The healthcare industry is a powerful engine for the U.S. economy, as well as the health and well-being of its citizens. Health information technology jobs combine up-to-the-minute computer technology and evolving database structures. In addition, this field must generally find a balance between demands for greater connectivity, and the demands for greater security and confidentiality. For example, there is a need for better transfer of patient electronic health records among medical practitioners. But these records also need to be kept private, and this concern runs throughout healthcare. For example, it applies to organizational financial records and the protection of medical research data.
Health Information Technology Job Titles
Health information technology programs include courses in medical basics, such as anatomy and medical terminology, as well as computer and database technologies. This prepares graduates for positions with a variety of job titles, including:
Patient Records
- Medical coder
- Clinical documentation specialist
- Medical records technician
- Patient information coordinator
- Insurance claim analyst
- Chief privacy officer
Data Management
- Data analyst
- Database administrator
- Information technology support specialist
- Software developer
- Security consultant
- Health data quality analyst
- Clinical systems manager
Patient Information Administration
- Health information technician
- Medical and health services manager
- Project manager
- Quality assurance lead
- Compliance auditor
- Medical research analyst
Build Skills and Experience for Job Growth and Flexibility
Health information technicians keep building their skills throughout their careers. Due to the ever-advancing nature of computer and data systems, learning is ongoing. The healthcare industry needs information technicians who want to pursue advanced training and keep working to solve existing problems. Students can start to gain valuable experience through internships and other hands-on opportunities while earning the degree or certification for health information technology.
Healthcare professionals at every level, in human resources, in office management, in medical coding and patient record departments, and in financial administration all need to use databases and computers. That means throughout healthcare, information technology is increasingly considered a necessary component of management responsibilities. Combining knowledge of healthcare with an understanding of computerized systems, these workers improve the delivery of healthcare to patients throughout the systems. In this way, graduates with a degree in health information technology can add a valuable component to an already existing resume, and they can incorporate their interests in management, research, and administration for a flexible, fulfilling career.
Investigate the Rewards of a Degree in Health Information Technology
News about exciting discoveries that help understand human diseases or develop diagnostic technologies is just one aspect of how the fast-paced healthcare industry is advancing. Within every organization that delivers healthcare to patients, gathers research data, or raises funds to develop new vaccines, there is a need for allied healthcare professionals who understand health information technology.
By developing new skillsets and utilizing existing talents and knowledge, graduates of health information technology degree programs like ours can find jobs that best meet their requirements for fulfilling, flexible careers. Start your new career in health information technology. Contact Northwestern College in Oak Lawn, IL, and serving the greater Chicago area for more information.