Medical Informatics Program Manager |
Career OverviewMedical informatics includes using technology to make records and information more accessible and organized to help treat patients in an effective and timely manner. A medical informatics program manager oversees the entry of data, helps determine the various databases and programs that will be used as well as works in evaluating the effectiveness of the current information technology systems currently used in the hospital or healthcare facility.
A medical informatics program manager is often responsible for training new employees and designing and facilitating orientation programs for non-medical and medical staff on the use of various computer data programs. Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex programs and procedures in easy to understand language is important.
A medical informatics program manager must also have creative skills and an ability to problem solve. Often troubleshooting is a major component of a medical informatics program manager’s responsibility. Understanding computers and software design is important in avoiding or managing potential problems or issues with medical information management.
As with any management position good interpersonal skills are required to work with the various individuals that work within the departments. Since a medical informatics program manager is responsible for coordinating the data from all sectors of the hospital or healthcare facility a good understanding of the hospital system is important. Often this experience is gained working within various aspects of the informatics department prior to assuming the program manager role.
Most management positions have standard workweek schedules although some overtime or weekend work may be required. Generally this is rare but may occur if the hospital or healthcare facility is switching data programs or implementing large changes or additions to the current technology.
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Career RequirementsMost positions for a medical informatics program manager will require a Masters level education in informatics, business management or hospital healthcare management as well as experience with data management and software programs.
Some universities and colleges across the United States are now offering specific Bachelor and Masters level training in health information management or biomedical computing. Often these courses of study can be completed online.
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Job OutlookCareers in medical informatics are some of the fastest growing positions in the medical health sector. As more information is placed on computers for easy access and more effective treatment the need for qualified individuals has risen dramatically.
With more entry-level workers the demand for managers has also increased. Since this component of the medical informatics field is so critical to the success of the program it is estimated that this trend will continue at least until the year 2014.
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Career TrackThose individuals with advanced education degrees or extensive experience as medical informatics program managers have several options for career change. Moving into director positions and overseeing the informatics department is often an option for medical informatics program managers.
In addition many managers may decide to work as consultants or in private businesses to assist other programs in establishing protocols and procedures for data entry and retrieval.
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CompensationA medical informatics program manager with several years of experience can earn between $80,000 and $140,000 per year, depending on the size of the hospital or healthcare facility and the number of employees supervised.
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