What jobs are in Health Information Technology?

The healthcare industry has evolved to meet the demands of today’s patient care needs. Amongst the areas affected by these changes is the health information technology industry. The reason? One of the biggest drivers behind recent changes has been the industry-wide transition to the electronic medical record (EMR), sometimes called an electronic health record (EHR). 

How the EMR Shaped Jobs in Health Information Technology

To understand the potential this industry has, you must first familiarize yourself with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, something many people don’t even know by name, has left a global footprint. As part of the Act, public and private healthcare providers in the United States were required to integrate EMRs in 2014. Motivated by the desire to maintain existing Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement levels, institutions everywhere have adopted the new technology and demonstrated a “meaningful use” of it. Consequently, clinicians, healthcare administrators, and patients alike have seen the benefits of a more standardized system. 

Where a Health Information Technology Degree Comes into Play

With everyone from top research hospitals to grassroots-level, nonprofit health clinics relying on electronic record keeping, there is an exponential demand for individuals who are trained in the management of EMRs and overall health data. When you secure your health information technology certification, you’re able to meet the needs of this demand. 

Putting Skills to Work 

Once you receive an education and training, you’ll have the knowledge to:

• Apply medical terminology
• Code patient records according to standard classifications
• Comply by medical law and ethical standards
• Manage health data and statistics
• Work across departments and health information systems

Picking Your Path: Jobs in Health Information Technology 

From entry- to executive-level roles, there is a career for nearly any qualified candidate. When it comes to securing a health information technology job, it comes down to education, training, and personal interests. 

A common career choice is the role of a health information technology specialist. These individuals are responsible for managing a healthcare facility’s computer systems and software. 

Other industry roles include: 

• Data analyst 
• Medical coder
• Medical coding compliance auditor 
• Medical records abstractor
• Medical research analyst

Make a Difference

With the health information technology industry playing a critical role in overall healthcare, a health information technology degree is your chance to make a difference. The good news? Northwestern College can help. 

Speak with a specialist about our associate and bachelor’s programs in health information technology and health information management.

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