Healthcare technology, also known as health tech or digital health, refers to the use of technology to improve patient care, streamline healthcare processes, and enhance the overall healthcare system. It encompasses a wide range of tools, devices, software, and platforms used to deliver healthcare services, manage patient data, enable remote monitoring, and support medical research. Examples of healthcare technology include electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, wearable medical devices, and medical imaging systems.
Job Titles
- Health IT Specialist
- Medical Informatics Analyst
- Healthcare IT Project Manager
- Clinical Systems Analyst
- Biomedical Engineer
- Health Data Analyst
- Telehealth Coordinator
Required Skills
Technical expertise: Familiarity with healthcare technology systems, software, and devices, such as EHRs, telemedicine platforms, and medical imaging systems.
Healthcare knowledge: Understanding of healthcare processes, regulations, and industry standards, such as HIPAA and HITECH.
Data management and analysis: Ability to manage, analyze, and interpret healthcare data to inform decision-making and improve patient care.
Project management: Experience in managing healthcare technology projects and ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
Problem-solving: Aptitude for identifying and resolving technical issues related to healthcare technology systems and devices.
Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals, IT staff, and administrators.
Education Path
To get into healthcare technology, you can follow various education paths depending on your interests and desired roles. Here’s a general outline of the education and training you may need:
High School Preparation
A high school diploma is required for most jobs, start by building a solid foundation in high school by taking relevant courses in:
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
- English
Undergraduate Degree
If your desire and goal is to get an undergraduate degree consider these options:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biomedical Engineering
- B.S. in Computer Science with a focus on healthcare technology
- B.S. in Health Information Management
- B.S. in Nursing Informatics
- B.S. in Health Informatics and Information Management
Gain Experience and Skills
Participate in internships, co-op programs, or part-time jobs to gain practical experience in healthcare technology. You can work in healthcare settings, medical device companies, or software development firms. Develop skills in:
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++) (if you want to focus on the technical side)
- Data analysis
- Medical device development
- Healthcare regulations and compliance
- Project management
Pursue Professional Certifications (Optional)
Depending on your desired role, consider obtaining industry-specific certifications such as:
- Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
- Health Information Technology Professional (HIT Pro)
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)
Graduate Degree (Optional)
For more specialized roles or advanced research positions, you may consider pursuing a graduate degree:
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Engineering
- M.S. in Health Informatics
- M.S. in Computer Science with a focus on healthcare technology
- Master of Health Administration (MHA) with a focus on information technology
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering, Health Informatics, or a related field
Networking and Professional Development
Join professional associations such as the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to network with peers and stay updated on the latest trends in healthcare technology.
Remember that the specific education path you choose will depend on your career /life goals and interests. It’s essential to research different roles and industries within healthcare technology to find a path that aligns with your passions.
Salary Range
$50,000 – $150,000+ (varies based on experience, location, and industry).
Work Setting
Healthcare technology professionals typically work in a variety of settings onsite, remotely or hybrid:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Health technology companies
- Medical research institutions
- Government agencies
- Consulting firms
Industries
Healthcare technology professionals primarily work in the healthcare and technology industries, focusing on various segments such as hospitals, clinics, medical device companies, health tech startups, and government agencies.
Job Stability
Job stability for healthcare technology professionals is generally good, as the demand for skilled professionals who can support the adoption and maintenance of healthcare technology systems continues to grow. This demand is driven by the increasing reliance on technology to improve patient care, streamline healthcare processes, and adapt to regulatory requirements.
Employment Outlook
While specific projections for healthcare technology professionals are not available, the demand for health information technicians, which includes health IT specialists, is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of EHRs, the need for more efficient healthcare systems, and the growing importance of data analysis in healthcare decision-making.
Helpful Personality Traits
Individuals well-suited for healthcare technology careers typically display the following characteristics:
Analytical thinking: Aptitude for analyzing complex technical data and identifying patterns that can inform healthcare decision-making.
Detail-oriented: Precision and attention to detail when working with healthcare technology systems and devices.
Adaptability: Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and healthcare processes.
Problem-solving: Ability to identify and resolve technical issues related to healthcare technology systems and devices.
Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals, IT staff, and administrators.
FREE Resources
HealthIT.gov : Offers free resources, articles, and guides on healthcare technology topics, including EHRs, health information exchange, and patient engagement.
HIMSS: Provides free resources, articles, and webinars on healthcare technology trends, innovations, and best practices from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
Healthcare IT News: Features free news, articles, and resources related to healthcare technology, including EHRs, telemedicine, and data analytics.
Healthcare Dive: Offers free news and analysis on healthcare technology trends, policies, and market developments.
OpenMRS: A free, opensource electronic health record platform that provides resources, documentation, and a community of healthcare technology professionals for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Next Steps
- Create a plan to start developing the required skills using the free resources provided
- Book a career strategy session to dive into your results and create an actionable plan
- Enroll in the 6 weeks Get Into Tech coaching program
- Become a Bridges in Tech member for community, accountability and support