There’s a big push to put health informatics in the spotlight and make it a more attractive field. But what do you exactly do? You work in a variety of positions in the health field, from medical records clerks to information managers. Let’s find out what these jobs entail and who can do them!
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What is Health Informatics?
Health informatics is the application of computer technology to healthcare. Jobs in health informatics include data entry, analysis, and interpretation; creating and maintaining databases; designing and implementing systems; and providing consulting services. Healthcare organizations are increasingly using information technology to manage their operations and improve patient care.
Health informatics degrees can be found at universities across Canada. Most jobs require a degree in information technology, nursing, or another related field. Some employers may require experience in healthcare administration or programming. Healthcare organizations that use health informatics include hospitals, clinics, private insurance companies, and government agencies.
Health Informatics Jobs in Canada
Health informatics jobs in Canada are plentiful, with employers looking for professionals who can help them manage health information systems. There are a number of different positions available in the health informatics field, including systems analyst, database administrator, and software engineer.
Those interested in working in health informatics should have a degree in information science or engineering. They should also have experience working with computers and databases, as well as knowledge of healthcare terminology and system design patterns. Candidates should also be proficient in Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office products.
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Some employers prefer candidates who have experience working with electronic health records (EHRs). Others require skills in data entry, report writing, and data visualization. Those interested in health informatics careers should keep their eyes open for job postings that match their qualifications. They can also attend career fairs and meet with potential employers to discuss upcoming opportunities.
The Average Salary of a Health Informatics Job in Canada
According to the Canadian Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the median annual wage for health informatics occupations in Canada was $67,130 in 2016. This represents a 12% increase from the $60,590 median wage reported in 2015.
The highest-paying province for health informatics jobs was British Columbia, with a median annual wage of $82,010. The lowest-paying province was Newfoundland and Labrador, with a median annual wage of $59,540.
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- The top five occupations that had the highest median wages were:
- Medical record technicians and assistants ($92,020)
- Computer systems analysts and consultants ($87,260)
- Information technology security analysts ($86,460)
- Clinical medical researchers ($85,000)
- Medical scientists and surgeons ($78,910).
Additional Information on Health Informatics Jobs in Canada
In Canada, the health informatics field is seeing rapid growth in demand for professionals with expertise in data management, information technology, and analytics. For example, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the number of jobs in health informatics is expected to grow by 36% from 2012-2022.
Some of the most popular health informatics jobs in Canada include data analyst, database administrator, software developer, information systems analyst, and information security officer. However, there are also a variety of other positions available within this field, such as health economist, quality assurance officer, and lead healthcare information technology consultant.
To find out more about health informatics jobs in Canada or to start your own career in this field, contact one of the many accredited colleges or universities that offer programs in health informatics. Alternatively, you can search online for job postings or company websites that offer hiring opportunities in health informatics.