About the Health Informatics Profession
Informatics encompasses (a) understanding the impact of technology has
on people, (b) the development of new uses for technology, and (c) the
application of information technology in the context of another field. The
Medical College of Georgia offers an applied informatics degree in Health
Information Administration (HIA). This degree prepares graduates for
informatics related roles in the health care delivery system. Graduates of
this health informatics program are eligible to take a national
credentialing exam to become a Registered Health Information Administrator
(RHIA). Frequently, health information administrators (HIA) are
referred to as health information managers (HIM).
RHIAs organize the evidence used in evidence-based medicine. They
arm the provider with organized evidence to support patient care,
reimbursement, teaching, research, quality improvement, and legal
inquiries. Accomplished in the art and science of electronic information
systems, these professionals serve as advocates of the patient-provider
relationship and the information suppliers for the business side of
evidence-based medicine.
Skills and Interests Most Suited to
a Career in
Health Informatics
Health Information Administrators manage people and information. They must be able to supervise others, think logically, understand how
systems function and interact, apply business theory for effective work
processes, write and speak clearly, and discreetly handle confidential
information. HIAs who have interests in computer science, business
administration, health science, and health care facility administration are
well suited for a career in this applied health informatics career.
Employment and Career
Opportunities
Opportunities for an applied health informatics career are excellent. HIAs are in demand now and the future outlook is equally as strong.
HIA professionals enjoy a broad selection of
job opportunities and options for professional growth. Based on your skills,
education, and interests, here are some positions available to you:
With a Bachelor's Degree:
Professionals work in a multitude of settings
throughout the health care industry, from hospitals, clinics, insurance
agencies, to software vendors.
HIA professionals can expect to be in high demand as the health sector
expands into the next century. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites
health information technology as one of the 20 fastest growing occupations
in the US.
On top of strong job prospects, competitive salaries also
await HIA graduates. More than half of new HIA graduates with a bachelor's
degree start with salaries in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. By five years
out, one can earn upwards of $50,000–$75,000 annually.
Step one begins with a college education. MCG grants a
bachelor of science degree in health information administration. The program
is a "2+2," meaning the student completes the first two years at any
accredited college of choice, and the last two years on the MCG campus.
Students begin the MCG program fall semester of their junior year. Students
who complete the program are eligible to take the national registration exam
to become a RHIA.
If you've already earned a college degree and possess the
prerequisites, you can earn a postgraduate certificate or second degree
in health information administration. MCG also offers a post-baccalaureate
certificate program in health information administration to students who
are licensed or registered in nursing or an allied health profession or
who have earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. For more
information, contact the
Office
of Academic Admissions.
After completing your formal education, the next step is to successfully
complete an AHIMA certification exam. A credential validates your competence
as a HIA professional to employers and the public.
Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)–This credential
requires a bachelor's degree and successful performance on the RHIA
certification exam.
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