Masters medical informatics

The Health Informatics Field is a relatively new career. Health Informatics is kind of an umbrella term for a wide range of careers. You have the personnel that set up the technology, there are the people who analyze the technology and keep it running smoothly, and you have the professionals who utilize the information brought together by the technology. If you ask a person walking down the street what they think Health Informatics is, most probably won’t know. We have put together a few facts about the Health Informatics profession we thought everyone should know.

5 Intriguing Facts about the Health Informatics Field

1. Computers have changed the way the health care system works. It used to be that you had a chart located at your doctor’s office and if you needed to see a specialist you doctor would have to send over the necessary information. Now programs have been developed to aid nurses, doctors, and other specialists in the treatment of their patients. Their job can be done more efficiently and accurately because of something as simple as Electronic Health Records. Every test you have had done and every comment any doctor has made about your health is in this record and available to any of the doctors you see.

2. Health Informatics did not really have a place in the United States until the 1950’s when the programming language LISP was invented. In the 60’s the programming language, MUMPS, was invented and allowed for the creation and integration of medical data bases. MUMPS is still responsible for many health programs today.

3. Electronic Medical Records is the most important development in the Health Informatics profession. All the information any specialist that you need to see for health care issues might need is right at their fingertips. HIPPA was created to ensure the safety and privacy of your Electronic Medical Records.

4. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects the Health Informatics profession to increase 18% by 2016. This is an above average job growth statistic. The amount of people needed for this profession far outweighs the amount of people available to fill the positions. Now would be the time to look in to continuing your education and be a Health Informatics professional.

5. There is such a variety of Health Informatics Specialists needed in this profession that the demand applies to almost every career in the health profession. If you are already in the health care field and have a love for computers, this may be a fantastic career change for you. There is some schooling involved to get you on the right track for the Health Informatics profession. 

Mare Lisa covers a variety of health topics, but is especially interested in providing information to students who want to earn their masters medical informatics degree online.