Careers
Related Skills
These skills will help you have a successful career in the health informatics field.
Our program at Illinois State will give you the education and experience to develop these skills.
Organization
Since health informatics professionals deal with confidential and important data, you must be accurate and pay close attention to details. The information you provide is critical to a patient's health and well-being. It's also important to the operation of the organization.
Communication
Solid communication skills will help you be successful in the health informatics profession. Since you'll work with people at all levels in the organization, you'll need to be able to work well with others.
Critical Thinking
Health informatics professionals not only collect patient data, they also use it for clinical and business decision making. Data is analyzed to study trends in how people use health care. This information helps organizations predict and respond to a community's health needs.
Adaptability
The medical field is fast-paced and changes frequently. Being able to work well under pressure and in an environment of constant change will be beneficial.
The health informatics profession also uses a good amount of technology. A strong computer background and the flexibility to learn new technology will help you succeed.
Being Successful in the Field
To get into the profession, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree. Entering the profession with a bachelor's degree gives you many opportunities. It also qualifies you to complete the Registered Health Information Administrators (RHIA) certification.
Related Fields
General job titles people with a Health Informatics degree might have include:
- Chief information officer
- Coding and revenue cycle management
- Department director
- Data quality manager
- Information access and disclosure specialist
- Health informatics consultant
- Organizational privacy/security officer
- Medical data analyst
Health Informatics majors at Illinois State have found success in the field.
Brian, ’19, Geneva IL
What are you up to since graduation?
”I am working as an application analyst for Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. I am also working toward my MBA through University of Illinois.”
Why Health Sciences?
“I have always been interested in healthcare but pivoted away from patient care. The Health Informatics major allowed me to pursue a passion in a way that I enjoy and excel in. I enjoy developing solutions to make workflows easier and more accessible.”
Any advice for new students in Health Sciences?
“The importance of accurate documentation, availability of documentation, and correct billing practices are core to a successful healthcare organization and in turn provide quality clinical care to patients. You will learn skills and knowledge that will directly transfer into your field - which is the benefit of the specific programs within Health Sciences.”
Bryce, ’24, Carol Stream IL
Why Health Sciences?
“Health Informatics is the perfect combination of human biology and technology. I enjoy the variety of topics from programming and information security to healthcare law and pathophysiology.”
High points from your time in Health Sciences?
“I’ve had many high points in Health Sciences. I attended professional conferences, networked with HIM professionals, and developed strong relationships with classmates and professors. I traveled to Europe with the Department of Health Sciences’ Global Contexts course.”
Any advice for new students in Health Sciences?
“Connect with your professors. They will help you succeed, connect you with professionals, and encourage you to participate in new opportunities.”
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Radcliffe | 223 Bone Student Center | nrradcl@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nichole Spack | Felmley Hall of Science Annex 424 | nlspack@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-8809 |