The increasing use of technology in health care has changed the industry. 80 percent of hospitals rely on electronic health records (EHRs), and 76 percent offer some form of telemedicine service. The use of AI-powered diagnostic tools, remote patient monitoring, and health care apps are also on the rise.
The popularity of these different systems has led to exponential growth in the healthcare IT sector. In 2023, the global healthcare IT market was worth $663 billion. It’s expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8 percent through 2030.
Healthcare providers and IT companies supporting the industry will need more skilled workers to handle the creation, configuration, and deployment of these systems.
Here’s a look at the specialties that will grow as the healthcare IT sector expands in the coming years.
1. Software Developer
Software developers create custom programs and applications. In the medical industry, projects may involve building platforms for managing patient records or apps for tracking health care. You might also work on other systems meant to improve billing, record keeping, or patient care.
The overall goal of healthcare software developers is to ensure that providers can deliver better services and achieve better patient outcomes.
Health care software developers need technical skills, such as knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, and C++. In this job, you’ll also need to know development frameworks for testing, debugging, and updating software.
You’ll also have to learn knowledge unique to health care. For instance, healthcare developers need to consider compliance requirements, such as the security and access controls needed to comply with HIPAA.
Overall, software development is a growing field. The BLS predicts a 26 percent increase in demand for qualified developers by 2032. Specialties like telehealth platform development, EHR system configuration, and mobile health app creation are driving this growth in the health care field.
2. Data Analyst
Data analysts manage and interpret patient and operational data for healthcare providers. The goal of these efforts is to identify patterns and trends that inform decision-making or measure performance and outcomes. Some patient-focused projects involve creating algorithms that help predict patient risk factors based on health history and diagnostic test data.
Data analysts can also work in fields like public health. Researchers and government agencies rely on AI-powered analysis to predict disease outbreaks. Analysts can use real-time information to find evidence of outbreaks and provide early warning. In this specialty, you might also run statistical models to predict how an outbreak might progress so that authorities can plan for it.
Data analysts can pursue a degree in analytics or a related subject like math. You also need knowledge of health care terminology and health data privacy regulations.
3. Systems Administrator
Systems administrators manage and maintain the technology systems and networks needed for everyday health care operations. In this position, you ensure that servers, databases, and applications function smoothly. Your responsibilities also include responding to disruptions and minimizing downtime.
Since systems like EHR platforms and diagnostic tools are essential for patient care, you will be an integral part of daily operations as a systems admin. Often, non-IT staff will look to you to troubleshoot if problems arise with the IT system.
This role requires an understanding of computer hardware, software, and cybersecurity. You’ll also need experience monitoring and configuring networks and working with different operating systems. Like other careers in this industry, you need to understand and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations.
4. Health Information Technician
Health information technicians are responsible for organizing and managing patient data. In this role, you focus on the accuracy of patient records and ensure confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
Overall, your goal is to give medical professionals, coding specialists, and patients secure and reliable access to all health care-related information. The job can also involve choosing EHR systems and applications and configuring them for use in clinical settings.
To succeed in this career, you need some technical knowledge, including an understanding of the latest International Statistical Classification of Diseases codes (ICD-10) and other medical coding systems.
5. Data Miners
Data miners are data scientists and analysts who organize and analyze large datasets in a variety of settings, including business and health care. In this career, you can use methods such as machine learning, statistical analysis, and pattern recognition to uncover relationships and patterns within the information. In a healthcare setting, this could include patient and outcome data, public health records, and data from experiments or research.Â
Many healthcare companies, hospitals, public health agencies, and insurance companies make use of data miners. You may also get work with pharmaceutical companies, where you will analyze clinical trial data and assess the effectiveness of new drugs.
Data professionals are also in high demand in research organizations. In this setting, you will analyze data from experiments and collect and process information from healthcare providers and public health agencies to give researchers deeper insights into their area of study.
6. Technical Support Specialist
Technical support specialists play a crucial role in health care by assisting staff with tech-related issues. Troubleshooting is essential in clinical settings where EHR and electronic diagnostic systems influence patient outcomes.
As a technical support specialist, you provide help when staff encounter hardware, software, or network problems to ensure these systems all run smoothly. This leaves medical staff free to focus on patient care and use digital systems to support their efforts.
Necessary skills for technical support specialists in health care include strong communication and problem-solving abilities. You must have a solid understanding of healthcare IT systems, networks, and devices. You also need familiarity with diagnostic tools sometimes necessary for troubleshooting.
7. Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity specialists play a specialized role in protecting healthcare organizations from cyberthreats. 2023 saw a surge in ransomware cyber attacks against the health care sector. The BLS predicts a 32 percent increase in the need for information security analysts by 2032.
In addition to ensuring computer networks and devices remain secure, your job will include protecting patient information for HIPAA compliance. Not only can attacks disrupt operations, but they can also lead to other damaging problems, such as a loss of reputation and fines for non-compliance with data protection rules.Â
Your job will include building and monitoring cyber defenses and implementing encryption protocols. You may also be responsible for educating staff on the best practices for the secure use of digital tools, such as managing login credentials and using multifactor authentication (MFA).
Why Pursue a Career in Healthcare IT?
Health care is a growing field overall, with about 1.8 million positions opening each year. The growing reliance on technology means more of these opportunities will be related to IT work. The demand for skilled workers will mean good jobs and career prospects if you have the right kind of technical knowledge.
The high demand will also mean organizations will use higher salaries and benefits to lure talented workers. Also, beyond financial rewards, healthcare IT professionals impact patient care and outcomes. This dynamic can make these careers more rewarding than IT jobs in other industries.
Choosing the Right Degree Program
The right degree is important for a health IT career. It’s vital to enroll in a reputable university that teaches the specific technical skills you’ll need for your profession.
For instance, you can use your academic career to develop a strong knowledge base and hone computer science skills. With knowledge of programming, database management, networks, or cybersecurity, you will be prepared to learn the nuances of a health care-specific IT job.
You might also consider an advanced degree, such as a master’s in computer science. This could prepare you for a leadership role or help you advance to a senior position more quickly. You can also learn about important topics like networks and information security, which will be beneficial in almost any medical IT position.
As medical providers rely more and more on digital tools and systems, you will find more opportunities in fields like cybersecurity, analytics, and software development.
With a degree and experience, you can prepare yourself to take advantage of these new opportunities.