Over the years Healthcare IT has grown in size and scope.  Healthcare IT does not just encompass a few applications, but instead encompasses the entire Healthcare IT Enterprise.  It is a complex web of networks, interfaces, applications, storage arrays and cloud computing as well as a plethora of peripheral technical equipment and gadgets.

There are Radiology Information Systems (RIS), Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), Picture Archive Communications Systems (PACS), EMRs, EHRs, Billing Systems and a whole range of subsets of the applications listed in each and every facet of a healthcare enterprise.

One of the main challenges with supporting these information systems was trying to bridge the gap between the technical side and the clinical side of operations.  In most cases Information Technology professionals have no clinical experience and find it difficult to relate and adapt to the needs of front line clinicians and patients.

The same can also be said for healthcare professionals.  Their lack of understanding regarding the constraints and limitations of the technical infrastructure also proves to be frustrating.

As these systems evolved and as time has moved forward a specialized or hybrid healthcare professional emerged that had both clinical expertise as well as Information Technology training and experience.  One of these growing disciplines is Nursing Informatics.

Below we have a list of some of the best schools that offer Nursing Informatics Online Programs.  Some of these programs are degrees, while others are Certificates.

These programs have the opportunity to open up a wide range of career opportunities for nursing healthcare professionals.

In today’s economy, it has become almost necessary to find methods to enhance one’s skills and experience in order to become competitive and promotion-worthy. While working in a specific field for many years is one method, others are beginning to notice that earning a graduate degree is much more worthwhile. This is especially true for those that are pursuing a career in nursing informatics. Those that are looking to get into the field of nursing informatics typically require a graduate degree from a well-known school. However, when it comes to graduate programs, it is extremely different to choose the right one. For this reason, bellow is a list that is compiled of the top 10 nursing informatics degree programs so that choosing the right school becomes so much easier.

Top 10 Nursing Informatics Online Degree Programs

The Schools

1. Duke University Informatics Specialty Degree

Duke University is perhaps one of the most well-known schools that is featured on this list. The program is held through Duke’s School of Nursing, which is ranked as the 7th top nursing schools in the United States. Students that attend the informatics degree program can expect to be taught by renowned faculty that uses synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods and a challenging environment.

PROGRAM FEATURES AND LENGTH

Duke University recognizes two critical features that nursing informatics students must learn, which are the ability to leverage electronic health care data that improves human health and an understanding of interdisciplinary informatics. These two features are the main components of the program, which are designed to health students truly focus on the most necessary traits of an informatics nurse.

Another great feature about the program is that it is designed to accommodate working professionals. Those that attend the program only have class two evenings per week. Courses provide emphasis on both clinical information and real-work examples so that students are able to apply their knowledge in a fair and useful manner. Once the program is complete, students will be able to apply technology to improve health, build and evaluate health systems, understand and articulate health systems, and improve the data and knowledge that is used in health care. Through these abilities, students that graduate are some of the most competitive individuals on the market. Those that attend this program can expect to complete it in 2 years.

AWARDS

When choosing a graduate school, recognition is an indicator of how well-renowned the program is. When it comes to Duke’s informatics nursing program, there have been donors such as the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act that have donated more than $4 million dollar to the program. Such a major investment indicates the success of the program and helps it grow into one of the greatest institutions for graduate students.

ADMISSIONS AND TUITION

As one of the top nursing informatics programs in the country, it is no surprise that there is a low acceptance rate. Students that attend this program are evaluated by their undergraduate nursing degree performance, GRE score, GPA, essays, work experience, and leadership skills. The best candidates are outstanding in each category. The tuition is $1,495 per credit hour, and requires 40 credit hours to complete.

Duke University Nursing Informatics Department

2. Vanderbilt Nursing Informatics Program

The second school on the list is Vanderbilt. According to U.S. News, its nursing school is ranked within the top-15 nursing schools and features a very strong nursing informatics program. What makes Vanderbilt second on this list is the brand name and the amazing faculty that provides students with all-encompassing knowledge and real-word experience regarding nursing informatics.

FEATURES AND LENGTH

The main feature Vanderbilt’s Nursing Informatics Program is that it is designed to help students not only perform the necessary informatics skills, but also to create new and innovative solutions that differ from the stale results that most provide. The faculty of this program is very focused on innovation, while also maintain a strong connection with the patients, which are at the heart of the situation.

The ways the Vanderbilt maintains its high ranking and ability to churn out high-quality students it its dynamic and stimulating teaching environment. Students study in the new state-of-the-art nursing center that includes cutting edge research tools and theories. The material taught in the nursing program is in strategic relation to Vanderbilt’s renowned medical students, enabling the students to fully grasp the nature of their program and enhance their knowledge in a positive and useful manner. The length of the program is two years, and students are required to visit campus only 2 evenings per week, helping them retain their current employment and grow where they are.

AWARDS

This year has been an exciting year for Vanderbilt’s Nursing Informatics Program. It has been awarded the 2014 Healthcare Innovator Awards, which has recognized Vanderbilt for its ability to bring innovative and personalized medicine to the real world. Such an award only works to enhance the image of the school and to provide it with the recognition that it deserves.

ADMISSION AND TUITION

Like duke, Vanderbilt’s Nursing Informatics Program is highly competitive. Students that apply to the program require a GRE score, a high GPA, personal statements, references, resume, and a portfolio (depending on the nurse type). The cost per credit hour is $1,160 and the program itself requires 40 credits to complete.

Vanderbilt Nursing Informatics Department

3. New York University Nursing Informatics Degree

New York University Nursing Informatics Degree

New York University is one of the most well-known schools in the country that features a top-notch faculty, an excellent student body, and a hub that is the heart of energy and ambition. Those that attend this program will find it to be a fulfilling and worthy experience that prepares them for advanced nursing degree that they are looking for, which will help them achieve the competitive nursing jobs with well paying salaries.

FEATURES AND LENGTH

The greatest feature about this program is that it is taught in a premier teaching hospital center that believes in fostering an environment that helps students to grow and excel in their careers. To aid in coursework, the program has specialized nursing informatics preceptors, where are always there to help students understand and evaluate the material from a well-rounded point of view. In addition, the program’s faculty aids students with placement post-program in all areas of the tri-state area.

NYU is ranked third on this list for the opportunities that it provides students. Not only do students gain the prestigious name of NYU, but they also are offered numerous and nursing employment opportunities that are unavailable elsewhere. The main focus of the program is clinical informatics, which is in high demand in the New York area. To complete the program, 45 credits and 616 practicum hours are required. The program takes about 2 years to complete.

AWARDS

While the following information is not particularly an award, it is an indication of the school’s ability to create high-quality students through its strong curriculum and teaching methods. According to Washington Square News, the students that graduate from NYU’s nursing school are some of the highest paid in the country. The nursing salary is about $70,00 after graduation. With that, an advanced nursing degree from NYU as a nursing informatics specialist pushes this number much higher. What makes students from NYU’s nursing program so appealing is their dedication to the patient and the school’s focus on implementing a certain innovative mindset in its students. Those that attend the school are easily hirable.

ADMISSIONS AND TUITION

Like the above three informatics nursing program, NYU is also extremely competitive and has a daunting but worthwhile application process. Applicants to the program must complete certain courses during their undergraduate education, they must have earned strong grades throughout their undergraduate career, there is a bit of pre-requisit knowledge required, and more. To fully understand the required admissions information, which is not featured on the website, speaking to an administrator is necessary.

To attend the program, tuition per credit hour is $1,450, and the whole program is 45 credits to complete. Living expenses are also high in New York, which is something that should be taken into account when choosing a school. Also, luckily, students also have the option to continue working while attending the program, which can help supplement tuition and living expenses. There are also awards available for this program.

NYU Nursing Informatics Department

4. Maryland University Nursing Informatics Degree

Maryland University Nursing Informatics Degree

Maryland University is one of the most thriving hubs for nursing informatics professionals and students. Each year, this university features conferences that include speeches by top professionals in the field concerning progress, the school’s innovation, and the latest aspects in the field of nursing informatics. Those that attend this school will not only be able to join an elite nursing school, but also to learn from some of the most highly-regarded faculty in the country.

FEATURES AND LENGTH

One of the main features of this program is that it puts an emphasis on patient care while also focusing on teaching students to develop quality technology techniques by enhancing the quality of information tools. Students are taught to aptly analyze nursing information requirements, design system alternatives, manage information technology, identify and implement training strategies, and manage/evaluate clinical information systems.

Another great feature of the program is the faculty that teaches it. The professors that are chosen to lead the cohort are individuals that are highly educated and experienced in the field of nursing informatics. Their backgrounds are diverse and varied so students are exposed to an array of specialists that have held prominent positions in the field.

Finally, one of the most useful features of this program (for some) is that it can be completed online. This online degree option from a prominent school allows students to take control of their own learning schedule while also maintain a strong professional career outside of the academic field. Due to some individual’s difficult with online courses, the school offers students the option to consult regularly with advisors in their area and it also offers students resources that can help make the online transition easier and more understandable.

The length of the program is about 2 years which requires a total of 40 credits. Because it can be completed online, the program is fully at the pace of the student, making it great option for working professionals.

AWARDS

As mentioned above, the University of Maryland’s nursing program has a number of distinguished faculty and many other professionals that truly make the program the great choice that it is. Recently, one of Maryland’s nursing faculty received a distinguished researcher award. Another indication of the fantastic leadership of the nursing program is one of the nursing directors was recently named as one among of Maryland’s 100 top women.

ADMISSIONS AND TUITION

As Maryland is one of the highly ranked schools in the country, the admissions process is reflective of that. As their informational packet states, the process is “very competitive.” To gain admissions into the program, students are required to have an undergraduate nursing degree, all transcripts from undergraduate universities and colleges with a grade point average of 3.0, a GRE score, a nursing license, a professional resume, a personal essay, and a few professional references. Apart from the application process, the tuition for the program for a non-resident is $1,106 per credit hour and $604 per hour for a resident. Therefore, if you are a resident of Maryland and are interested in nursing informatics, then this program is a very good option due to the rank, quality of the program, and the professional atmosphere.

University of Maryland Nursing Informatics Department

5. University of Pittsburgh Informatics Degree

University of Pittsburgh Informatics Degree

The University of Pittsburgh is truly a program that recognizes the need for upcoming nursing informatics students to be equipped with the right technological tools and the science of patient care in order to provide their workplace’s systems with the right technology and support that enhance that care.

FEATURES AND LENGTH

This program combines observation, application, and analytical tools to build student’s understanding and experience in the field. In addition to this, the program is also highly leadership centered, as it believes in creating professionals that can do more than get the job done, but also guide.

Upon completion of the program, students have the option to take the Nursing Informatics Certificate Exam, which is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. In addition, students will also be prepared for the theoretical components of the Certified Professionals in Healthcare Information and Management Systems, which is offered by the Certified Professionals in Healthcare and Management Systems. These two exams will enable students to boost their credentials and make them more marketable to the many career opportunities that graduates find available to them. Those that complete the program usually are involved in administration, research, corporate settings, public and private workplaces, and consultation.

Finally, one of the greatest features of this program is that it can be completed online and onsite. This makes this program very useful for busy working professionals that would like to concentrate both on their career and their educational development.

ADMISSIONS AND TUITION

As with the above schools on this list, this degree option is very competitive. Students interested in applying must have a B.S. degree in nursing, have a current RN license, a GPA over 3.0, relevant clinical experience, a pre-admission interview, completion of a statistics course, three letters of recommendation, a typed essay, a professional resume, and an official transcript. For the full academic year, the program cost is $20,992, and the entire program takes two years to complete.

University of Pittsburgh Nursing Informatics Department

6. Rutgers Nursing Informatics Degree

Rutgers Nursing Informatics Degree

The next option on this list is the degree option by Rutgers University. This degree option focuses on advanced preparation of students to understand and execute nursing information systems. The program also realizes the necessity of consider patient care, and therefore it also touches upon that field in relation to nursing informatics.

PROGRAM FEATURES AND LENGTH

The main features of this program is that it helps students learn how to integrate nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge into the nursing practice. Students that attend this program can expect to gain a firm grasp in information structures, information processes, and information technology. This nursing program requires a bit more coursework than other programs on this list, as it is nearly 40 credits.

Despite the program being 40 credits, it can be completed online at the pace of the student, also making it a good fit for working professionals. As it is on the bottom half of the list, it is one of the less competitive options in terms of admissions. It should be noted though that the lack of a highly competitive admissions process does not make this program any less than the other options on this list. It is still one of the top 10 nursing informatics programs. The length of this program takes two years to complete, but again, it can be completed online at the pace of the student.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS AND TUITION

The admissions process is less strenuous than other programs. Students are required to have a registered nurses license, at least a 3.2 in their undergraduate nursing career, official transcripts from all previous universities, a personal statement, professional references from other nurses, and two scholarly papers. Unlike other programs, this program does not require completion of the GRE, which may be a benefit for many professionals that are looking for a program. The GRE is an intensive exam that is often difficult to balance with professional obligations.

One truly helpful aspect of this program is that those that have already completed partial coursework at a different institution in the same field may transfer their credits and thus complete the program faster. The program also has other campuses students can take coursework in, saving time in and money due to the lack of a need to commute.

The tuition for the program for 12 credits is $8,592 for Jersey residents and $14,040 for non-residents. These tuition fees can vary depending upon which campus you choose for your studies. These particular rates are for the main Newark Campus. For more information regarding tuition fees for other campuses, just check out the following link.

Rutgers Nursing Informatics Department

7. University of Phoenix Nursing Informatics Degree

University of Phoenix Nursing Informatics Degree

The next option on this list is at the University of Phoenix. Two of the most unique aspects of this program are that it is in a great location with stellar weather year-round and students that decide to go with this option can also add another focus field to their students such as masters in health administration, business administration, and healthcare management.

PROGRAM FEATURES AND LENGTH

The program is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate College Nursing. It prepares students for leadership roles in the field of nursing informatics by incorporating leadership, nursing theory, and evidence based practice. Students have the option of studying in one of the nation’s largest nursing schools and enjoy the local nursing opportunities at facilities such as hospitals in Phoenix and the highly renowned Mayo Clinic.

The length of the program is the standard two years, and it can range anywhere from 30-40 credits. If one does choose to add another degree concentration, the student can expect the program to take a bit longer, but with results that are well worth it. The more credentials that one has, the greater hireability one enjoys when faced with the job market.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS AND TUITION

The admissions process of this program is less competitive than other programs. Students must have earned a BS degree from an accredited university of college with a cumulative GPA of 2.5. They must also have their RN license that is valid in the United States, be a citizen or resident of the United States, and verification of at least 3 years of post-graduate work in the field of nursing. Unlike other program’s requirements, this program does not require a GRE or professional references. For more information regarding the process, prospective students an contact an advisor.

While the tuition figures do not appear on the website, the school will work with interested students to find the tuition payment plan that works well for them. There are also a number of scholarships and payment opportunities that can help students ease the financial burden of tuition.

University of Phoenix Nursing Informatics Department

8. The University of Minnesota Nursing Informatics Degree

The University of Minnesota Nursing Informatics Degree

The next top nursing informatics school on the list is that of the University of Minnesota’s nursing school. It is considered to be among some of the best nursing informatics programs in the United States due to the international leadership and the connection that the university provides its students to other nursing departments and organizations around the country.

PROGRAM FEATURES AND LENGTH

This particular program is designed to focus upon providing students with a foundation in nursing informatics in order to improve the quality of healthcare. One of the greatest features about this program is that there are many opportunities that students can undertake once completing the degree, as this degree option teaches a wide range of nursing informatics concentrations. For example, students have options to delve into informatics in the field of clinical health, population and health control, research, knowledge, systems analysis, project management, human factors and usability, and clinical decision support.

Graduates are also prepared to work in interprofessional teams that are made up of clinicians, computer technology staff, and administrators. The graduate will be able to provide input in how to effectively provide technology for the right person, at the right time, that will be the most supportive at that moment. Among these program features, students are gain the knowledge and experience in order to sit in on the certification examination for nursing informatics. This will provide students with more credentials and a greater chances of being hired.

The length of the program can vary, however for students to gain the right tools and necessary skills, it is recommended that the program is completed in 3 years. This will allow students to pursue a professional career while also giving enough focus to their studies so they complete the program with the most success. During studies, students are also able to gain practicum experience during the program, which is organized by the university’s nursing department.

ADMISSIONS AND TUITION

Due to the competitive nature of the program, it is recommended that students apply early. Students are required to submit all post-secondary transcripts, their RN license, a valid GRE score, professional experience, references, and other supplemental documents that include essays and a personal statement. The current estimated cost of attendance per semester is $11,500. However, all students will be considered for a $20,000 scholarship upon submitting their application.

University of Minnesota Nursing Informatics Department

9. University of South Alabama Nursing Informatics Degree

University of South Alabama Nursing Informatics Degree

This degree option is an online degree, although it can be partially completed on-campus should the student wish to do so. It prepares current professionals in the nurse field to gain the right nursing informatics tools to give patients better care and services.

PROGRAM FEATURES AND LENGTH

The program is designed to provide professionals with the tools to perform better patient care through the development, implementation, and evaluation of health systems and management tools. These tools work to influence patient outcomes for the better by utilizing discussion, problem solving, critical thinking, and research.

A further feature of the program is that students can have the option to begin it in the spring or fall semester, and to complete the program at their own pace. The faculty of the program work with the student ensure that assignments and information is properly distributed and understood. There also is a schedule in place that helps keep students on track, especially when they are also pursuing their own employment goals.

A final feature is that students of this program also have the option to add a “nurse educator” track. This track is especially unique among these programs, and is great for those that are looking to enter the field of teaching and nursing informatics research and academia.

The length of the program is a couple of years, with over 30 credits required for completion. Due to the online nursing degree option, this can also be done in cohort with one’s professional obligations.

ADMISSIONS AND TUITION

The admissions process for this degree option is like most other degree options. Students must submit all their transcripts from previous institutions, an RN license, a GRE score, professional references, and a personal statement. Students must also complete a number of prerequisites before enrolling in courses. These prerequisites can be verified with the nursing department. Furthermore, in terms of tuition, for information, it is also necessary to contact the department.

University of South Alabama Nursing Informatics Department

10. University of Illinois Nursing Informatics Degree

University of Illinois Nursing Informatics Degree

The final option on this list is the University of Illinois’s degree option. The great thing about this degree option is that it is not designed for just nursing professionals, but generally for professionals in the healthcare profession that are looking for skills and experience in nursing informatics. The schedule is flexible, the faculty is great, and the program also has prominent industry connections to help its students succeed and advance in the professional workplace.

PROGRAM FEATURES AND LENGTH

This particular program believe in providing students with a comprehensive and thorough approach to nursing informatics. It integrates nursing informatics with patient care to give a strong basis in the implementation and organization of information systems within the healthcare industry.

The program also focuses on using the latest technology from the industry in order to teach its students. Without the latest technology, students will not be able to keep up with the high demand and constant transition that is occurring. In addition to these skills, students are also given leadership and management skills that enable them to advance in their careers.

Lastly, the length of the program ranges is the general two years. However, students that are working professionals can also continue their employment while undergoing the program. This program works with its students in a flexible and comfortable manner.

ADMISSIONS AND TUITION

The admissions information can be attained by contacting the program advisor, whose contact information is found on the link above. However, as with most programs, chances are that the program requires all college transcripts, professional experience, references, an RN license, and personal statements. One admissions factor this is not required is the GRE. This takes a great deal of stress out of the admissions process and can truly help one get their career on track. The program’s tuition is around $1,000 per credit hour, a figure which can vary depending on residency.

University of Illinois Nursing Informatics Department

The post Top 10 Nursing Informatics Online Degree Programs appeared first on Healthcare IT Systems.

In simple terms Nursing Informatics refers to an individual who is a nurse with specialized knowledge in Information Technology as it applies to healthcare.

A nurse’s training, clinical knowledge and experience is leveraged along with IT training to help treat and support patients and other healthcare providers.

A definition of Nursing Informatics can also be found at the HIMSS Web Site under ‘What is Nursing Informatics‘.

Nursing Informatics Certification Process

I’ve outlined some general steps below regarding the process for registering for the Nursing Informatics Certification process.  These steps aren’t ‘absolute’, but you’ll have an idea of what to expect.

Step 1

Obtain the Informatics Nurse Certification Catalog from the ANCC by calling 1.800.284.2378.  That’s the number as of this writing.

Step 2

In approx. 6 weeks or so you should receive a welcome packet with an application form and what you need to do to provide proof of education and credit hours.  You’ll need your College or University transcript.

The booklet includes instruction and information regarding test scheduling.  As well it will outline instructions for the test day, how scoring is done along with a practice test.  Expect the practice test to be much easier than the real test.

There will be a detailed test content outline included to ensure you have all of the topics covered.

Step 3

Once ANCC receives and reviews your application you will receive a Proctor Enrollment form, which allows you to register for the exam.

Any Protor testing site is acceptable to schedule an appointment, however it must be done with 90 days of confirmation.

Your enrollment form will have an ANCC identification number along with the exam code, which is Exam 27-ANCC Informatics Nurse.

Step 4

Do final study preparation and show up for the exam!

About the exam…

The testing format is computer based and uses multiple choice answers.  Anyone that’s ever taken a Microsoft or Cisco certification exam would be familiar with this format.

The exam consists of 175 questions, in which you will have 3.5 hours to write the exam. Of the 175 questions there are 25 pre-tests questions that are not scored.  These questions are used for evaluation before the are applied to the scored portion of the examination.

The percentage and number of questions in each of the major categories of the scored portion of the examination are also shown.

Nursing Informatics Certification Exam 27-NCAA Test Content and Categories

Some topics will include System analysis, design, information systems implementation, application support, testing and evaluation.  The questions and the weighting of the question are subject to change.

Here are a few sample questions to give you an idea.

Nursing Informatics Certification Training

You’ll want to prepare for the Nursing Informatics Certification Exam using multiple sources. If you feel you are weak in any one area, you should consider purchasing a book dedicated to that topic.

Anyway here are a few books you’ll want to take a look at to get you started.

               

Nursing Informatics training consists of a large portion of Information Technology related topics. Nurses don’t have to be dedicated Information Technology experts, however they do need to be aware of a broad range of topics. , Usually during the course of working within Healthcare IT, some nurses will in fact become experts in their respective technical field or responsibility.

Some of the topics  in no particular order may include:

1. Introduction to Nursing Informatics
2. Introduction to the computer and computer concepts
3. Software and Information management
4. Computer Networking
5. Word Processing
6. Presentation Software
7. Spread Sheets and Databases – Pulling out and crunching data
8. The internet and searching for information
9. mHealth and Mobile Healthcare
10. Healthcare Informations – EMRs, EHRs
11. Project Management

Nursing Informatics Online Training Programs

A search online will reveal many online degree/certificate programs for Nursing Informatics.  We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best schools below.

A Degree in Nursing Informatics requires a longer time commitment and a greater financial obligation.  A certificate program in nursing informatics, will be shorter in during, but will give you enough knowledge to enter the field.

1. Duke University Informatics Specialty Degree

2. Vanderbilt Nursing Informatics Program

3. New York University Nursing Informatics Degree

4. Maryland University Nursing Informatics Degree

5. University of Pittsburgh Informatics Degree

6. Rutgers Nursing Informatics Degree

7. University of Phoenix Nursing Informatics Degree

8. The University of Minnesota Nursing Informatics Degree

9. University of South Alabama Nursing Informatics Degree

10. University of Illinois Nursing Informatics Degree

We have these schools listed in more detail on another Post Called Top 10 Nursing Informatics Online Degree Programs.

These are all great programs and no matter where you take your training you will be in a better position to succeed in Nursing Informatics.

Careers in Nursing Informatics

Currently the outlook for a jobs in Nursing Informatics Look good.  According to Payscale.com the salary range for Nursing Informatics roles pay from $48,700 to $96,500.  Of course this number will vary depending on region, advanced degree and experience.

Nurses with Informatics education will typically try to find roles within their clinical experience.  This would be the ideal way to leverage their informatics training.

If there aren’t any current roles in your organization, getting that first opportunity may be a challenge.  A great way to start would be to see what’s available where you are.  Education is great, however experience is really what is needed.  If smaller technical roles present themselves, or if there is a new technical related project as work, get involved.

As a nurse you know that training and education are one thing and experience is another.  That’s were the real learning begins and I believe this is true with any job.  Once you’ve gone through a technical implementation or an upgrade you learn a TON!

If you are newly graduated with a Nursing Informatics Degree or Certificate does not mean you are equipped to  handle all things technical.  However it should be able to help you leverage an opportunity.  If you already have technical skills learned from a position your in, the Informatics training will make you that more marketable.  An Informatics Degree/Certificate plus real experience is very valuable.

If you don’t have that technical experience, but you have the Informatics training, work at getting ‘an opportunity’ to work.  You may have to take something at the beginning that is less than desirable, but remember that it’s another step forward. Once you’ve learned on the job and proven yourself you will be able to move forward.

A good way to create your own technical experience is to start a web site and load it with WordPress or some other blogging software.  If you want to get in to a technical field this is a good little project.  It’s really cheap to get start, just a few dollars a month.  You can also buy a few Networking and Computer based books from the ‘Dummies’ series.  They are really well written and easy to understand.  I’ve read a few in the past just to understand the concepts before getting in to anything deeper.  Definitely worth the few dollars. They are all on Amazon and have great reviews.

I pay under $10 a month for Hostgator and I can have unlimited domains and up to 5 databases.  This will give you an opportunity to work with html, css, database, practice database queries. I think there are monthly deals for under $4 a month.  Less than a latte at Starbucks.

If you don’t know what any of that stuff means, it’s ok.  That’s what learning is for. Buy some computer books and start getting your hands dirty.  It’s the only way. You can work at things without any fear of breaking anything. You’ll also have to buy a domain.  For example HealthcareITsystems.com.  The name doesn’t matter really, since you just want to to get something up and practice.

Once it’s up and running installing WordPress (blogging software) is basically automated through the Hostgator Control Panel.  A couple of mouse clicks and you’re done.

Running your own web site is a great way to get started and gain experience with Informatics.  You’ll have something to talk about during an interview as well because it will give you experience in a lot of different areas…potentially.

Also most of us have used Microsoft Office products like Excel, Word and Power Point.  If you have the suite of products you may even have MS Access, which is a database.  You will want to get familiar with these applications in more detail as well.  Microsoft Project is another application that is used in a lot of organizations.  As the name suggests it’s used for managing projects.

Who hires Nurses with Informatics training?

I’m sure a lot of nurses think of working in their current organizations or other hospital type environments.  However there are lots of other positions in the private sector that are really interesting.

When I worked at Kodak Health Imaging we used to hire X-ray Technicians to teach customers on our applications.  When I worked in oncology, our company hired Oncology Nurses to teach customers and other nurses on how to use our electronic medical record.

There are lots of opportunities to leverage your training and knowledge.  You just have to look.

Here is a list of Interview Question from Allnurses to give you some more insight in to the position and what is expected.  Here’s another article from the HIMSS web site with feedback on how to approach job searching.

Take a look on Monster.com for a quick look at what’s available for Nursing Informatics jobs available now.

You’ll also want to tweaking your resume as well to highlight your IT experience.  A Nursing Informatics Resume will have a combination of your clinical experience and technical experience.

As I mentioned above, if you had your own web site you could feel in a lot of blanks.  You’ll have to learn somewhere and it’s better to do it on your time and where you have the luxury of making as many mistakes as you want.

You may be able to find a few examples of Nursing Informatics Resumes here.

The post Nursing Informatics Certification, Training and Careers appeared first on Healthcare IT Systems.

The CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician certification covers the knowledge and skills required to implement, deploy, and support healthcare IT systems in U.S. clinical settings.

The CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician certification exam covers:

• U.S. regulatory requirements
• Organizational behavior
• IT operations
• Medical business operations
• Security

Potential candidates should possess a basic understanding of practice workflow while adhering to code of conduct policies and security best practices.

Review of CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician

The exam is intended for IT professionals who are CompTIA A+ certified or have 500 hours of hands-on IT technical experience in the lab or field, plus the knowledge/skills necessary to deploy and support healthcare IT systems in clinical settings.

From the training materials that I reviewed there were may suggestions that the training material was inadequate in some areas.  Although good reviews were presented for overall content and hospital workflow, the books were lacking in more details in areas such as Project Management, Security and Networking.

I typically used more than one resource for all of my certification exams, so I imagine this is no different.  The content does seem more broad in scope than others.

If Healthcare IT is a career aspiration, then it only makes sense to dig deeper in to the technical aspects.  The CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician is great for an overview, but the sum of all of the pieces would be too much for a single book.

I’d recommend using the following study guides for supplement reading. In doing so you would also be in a great position to challenge the other four exams Network+, Security+, Project+ and A+.  These guides will help provide more detail to topics mentioned and covered in CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician study books…

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There are many formal definitions Nursing Informatics.

In simple terms Nursing Informatics refers to an individual who is a nurse with specialized knowledge in Information Technology as it applies to healthcare.

A nurse’s training, clinical knowledge and experience is leveraged along with IT training to help treat and support patients and other healthcare providers.

ANCC Informatics Nursing board certification examination has a competency exam that is available after initial RN licensure.  This certification is beneficial if a job in Nursing Informatics is your goal.

Nurse informaticists work as developers of communication and information technologies, educators, researchers, chief nursing officers, chief information officers, software engineers, implementation consultants, policy developers, and business owners to advance health care.

Nurse informaticists work in a variety of areas including health systems, business and industry and academia. As leaders in the field of health informatics, nurse informaticists work as chief nursing informatics officers, clinical analysts, informatics nurse specialists and nurse data scientists.

Nursing Informatics scope of practice may include participation in the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of electronic health records in health system organizations.

They play a vital role in the application of information systems in analyzing and researching clinical and administrative performance analytics. And they assist in the integration of information technology into the workflow of nurses.

Salary Range for Nursing Informatics

The average salary for a nurse informaticist was $100,717 in 2014, according to a survey done by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

The post What is Nursing Informatics? appeared first on Healthcare IT Systems.

Inside the PACS and Imaging Informatics book  you’ll find information on topics such as:

1. Medical Imaging Principals
2. PACS Fundamentals
   • Including HL7, DICOM, IHE, Integration, Communications and Networking
3. PACS Operations
   • Fault tolerance, clinical implementation, Image and data security
4. PACS Based Imaging Informatics
5. Enterprise PACS

PACS and Imaging Informatics: Basic Principles and Applications – Has almost 5 STARs on Amazon

This next book by Oleg Pianykh covers the structure and application of the DICOM standard in enough detail to be helpful to the general user of medical images, as well as to a programmer who is developing an image management system. …

This text can also serve as a reference for those getting more involved with applications that use DICOM or those who want to develop their own DICOM application. … I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the DICOM standard.

As a PACS Administrator you don’t need to have the same depth of understanding as a programmer, however this book can give you all of the working knowledge you need.  It’s als great to have as a reference.

DICOM – Digital Imaging and Communications In Medicine – This book has received a 5 STAR Rating on Amazon

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Anyway read below and see if any of these opportunities can be in your future.  You may need to do some upgrading, read some books or write some certification exams, but it just requires a some effort.

1.  Epic security

Search any reputable job or business networking site such as LinkedIn,Glassdoor, or Monster.com and you’ll find healthcare organizations, software companies, cloud providers, and consulting firms seeking specialists proficient in Epic EHR security. As the most widely used EHR in the world, Epic systems must be secured against external and internal attacks — a full-time (and lucrative) job, many discover. Many healthcare organizations underestimate their internal risks, according to a report by IS Decisions. About 22.3% of healthcare employees share passwords, the study found.

The annual cost of healthcare fraud was between $75 billion and $250 billion in 2009, according to a 2012 government survey by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Office of the Inspector General.

Salary range: $36,000 to $85,000
Experience/certifications: Bachelor’s Degree. Certifications from organizations such as the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety, (ISC)2’s HCISPP, or the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) mesh together healthcare and security.
Outlook: sizzling

2.  Cerner consultant and analyst

Consulting firms specializing in health IT seek Cerner specialists proficient in everything from cloud and security to training and workflow. Candidates may work at corporate offices, from home, or at the client site, depending on the position. Dell was one of many companies recently recruiting a Cerner consultant via LinkedIn.

Salary range: $40,000 to $133,200
Experience/certifications: BA. MBA for some positions.
Outlook: hot

3.  Epic training

Epic training is in demand, as healthcare providers across the country seek experts proficient at teaching staff about the EHR. Epic EHRs house about40% of US patients’ records — and that translates into tens of thousands of hours of training time for nurses, doctors, office staff, accounting departments, and other healthcare professionals across the nation. Organizations use a mix of classroom and on-demand training, including webinars, videos, and podcasts to onboard new staff and educate employees about new features. This situation creates an ongoing pool of students.

Salary range: $46,300 to $87,000
Experience/certifications: Bachelor’s degree
Outlook: hot

4.  Director

Executives must oversee how an organization’s EHR fits into its overall patient care initiatives. While a director or other executive will have a voice in any new EHR, the role primarily focuses on maximizing the current investment and managing the EHR team. This includes overseeing contracts; developing and mentoring staff; managing communication, objectives, and goal evaluation; and adhering to IT best practices.

Salary range: $70,000 to $110,000
Experience/certifications: BA. MBA often preferred, and five to ten years of experience.
Outlook: hot

5.  Chief nursing informatics officer

While the chief medical informatics officer represents physicians, the CNIO represents nurses and brings a clinical and operational perspective to the implementation of EHRs and other clinical systems. Where previously CNIOs may have been seen as secondary to CMIOs, they are gaining more recognition and income, 1st Solution’s Kimberly Bowden said. “I think hospitals are starting to look at those two positions as more equal.” The CNIO often reports to the CEO and typically oversees a number of departments including informatics, quality, and case management in support of health services such as obstetric, ambulatory, and emergency medicine.

Salary range: $175,000 to $275,000
Experience/certifications: MBA in informatics and a nursing background. Financial skills may be helpful.
Outlook: sizzling

6.  Epic analyst and consultant

Wanting to get the most out of their Epic implementation, healthcare providers are recruiting Epic analysts and consultants. These titles incorporate a diverse range of skillsets and salaries, depending on experience, geography, and organization size. To succeed, these professionals must be experts in Epic EHRs and the business of healthcare.

Salary range: $40,000 to $133,200
Experience/certifications: BA. Epic EHR.
Outlook: hot

The post 8 Hot EHR Jobs In Demand appeared first on Healthcare IT Systems.

Medical billing and coding career training have been getting a lot of attention.  If you are looking to get in to a growing field with a decent salary, you are on the correct path.

However like any new career you undertake, your success is determined by your effort.  Medical billing and coding is not a ‘golden ticket’.  You will have to study hard, prepare for your exams and then do well in your job interviews.

If you want to read a little about Medical Billing and Coding to get a better idea, there are some inexpensive informative books on Amazon you can check out.

Here’s a link I grabbed from Amazon… Medical Billing and Coding Basics

As I was doing research for this article I quickly discovered there were lots of acronyms for the various organizations and certifications involved with medical coding and billing.  The two main organizations for certification are AAPC – American Academy of Professional Coders which has about 130,000 members and the AHIMA – American Health Information Management Association.

There are others out there, however from my research and from what I’ve read these are the only two that really matter to employers. These two organizations and their medical billing and coding certifications are widely recognized by the medical industry.

When you do job searching please observe the type of certifications employers are asking for.  It will be from the two organizations I listed above.  Two examples are a CPB – Certified Professional Biller and a CPC – Certified Professional Coder.

I’ve read a few of the more common concerns individuals have expressed regarding employment concerns:

What is the starting salary for people just starting out?

You can click >>>HERE<<< to read more about Medical Billing and Coding Jobs and Salary.

As of 2010, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median annual salary for a medical billing clerk in any field was $32,170.

This salary will vary depending on region, facility and demand. Those with industry certifications will tend to out perform those without certifications.

“All of the medical billing and coding jobs will be outsourced”.

This simply isn’t the case.  Is there outsourcing taking place?  Yes.  Some organizations will always outsource.  However most organizations do not.  This option is not a good solution for most companies.  The outsourced people still need to have medical billing and coding knowledge as well.

The IT industry is a great example.  Many people were worried that all of the jobs were going to be outsourced to places like India.  Certain jobs did get outsourced, however there are still thousands of unfilled IT locally.  You can’t outsource everything.  The jobs that jet outsourced are typically the ones that are easily training and don’t have a high degree of skill.

“EMRs will take over billing”.

EMRs and EHRs have been around for YEARS and billing jobs still exists.  With all of the different insurance companies, payers and other companies involved it is extremely difficult to automate and integrate everything.  You will always need skilled workers who understand billing and coding.  This is a critical aspect of any business.  If the billing is done wrong, then the company doesn’t get paid.

What the difference between a Medical Billing and Coding ‘Certificates’ and Medical Billing and Coding ‘Certification’?

Certificatesare given out by training schools, educational institutions and colleges to demonstrate the student has completed a pre-

determined set of course/classes on a particular subject.  Each school usually has there own ‘certificate’ program.  These certificates are not recognized by health care organizations and companies as they don’t have any national recognition.

Medical billing and coding ‘certification’ is regulated by two primary organizations; the AAPC and the AHIMA.  These certifications ARE recognized by employers as having demonstrated proficiency in a particular subject area.

If you do a job search you will see employers asking for certifications from the AAPC and the AHIMA.

Getting a Medical Billing and Coding certificate from an educational institution can help you prepare to write a certification exam, although a certificate is NOT required.

Many students self study by buying material from a variety of online private companies.

Should I go to a formal school/college or do Online training?

It really depends on your lifestyle and what works best for you.  If you are young, living at home and can afford the tuition costs, then a two year college or other certificate program may be a good choice.

You’ll learn more than what is expected for the medical billing and coding exams.  Knowledge is always a good thing, however attending a school program for two years is probably overkill when you are trying to get employed as soon as possible.

Learning medical billing and coding does not take two years.

When you finish school programs you won’t be certified in billing or coding, but it will help you prepare.  Even though you finish a two year college program you will still need to write the certification exams for each subject area.

Most people when they are older, have children, families and jobs or other financial responsibilities.  They simply can’t afford the time and money it would take for a college program.  In this case Online programs for medical billing and coding are a good option as these courses allow you to study at your own pace.

Also a two year program IS NOT necessary in my opinion to learn billing and coding.  Most of my own industry certifications were done out of school by self study…and I saved thousands of dollars not taking classes. I bought books, practice tests and downloaded simulators and programs to practice on.

Most employers DO NOT care where you got your certificate from, however they DO care if you have industry certification.

Success in anything will depend mostly on the individual’s desire to succeed.  For people who are self motivated all they need are:

1. Study materials for whatever certification desired
2. Practice exams for each certification
3. Software – you can download demo versions of almost anything.  Download it, use it and learn it.

If you want to spend a few dollars and work with a REAL Practice Management system with an EMR, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Scheduling… check this out on Amazon. Think it’s around $199. It may sound a little pricey, but it gives you the opportunity to work with a REAL EMR and gives you hands-on experience. Just load it up on your laptop or home computer and start practicing.

I grabbed the link from Amazon…check it out.

Economical EMR and Practice Management Software Suite, E-PracticeSoft Professional, Patient Scheduling, Medical Billing All in One, Multiuser, Windows PCs Only

The reality is everyone who wants to get certificated will be writing the same exams regardless of what training someone took or whether it’s at home or at a school.  Medical coding and billing certification is the SAME no matter where you study.

In-class schools are definitely a nicer way to approach a new topic, however you are paying a premium for that as well. A properly motivated student will succeed no matter where they study.

There are many different software companies out there that have medical billing and coding software and applications.  The applications are all a little different, however medical billing and coding is still the same.

The best way to learn medical billing and coding is to get your ‘hands dirty’ by using related software.  A lot of applications are web based as well.

Click  >>>HERE<<< to see a list of some of the best medical billing and coding applications.

Is certification mandatory to get a job in medical billing and coding?

Certification is not mandatory to get a job in this field. However unless you have extensive experience, finding a job will be difficult.  If you lack the experience, you will have to make it up in education.

If you are just starting out, take an entry level position, build up some experience and then look for greener pastures.  You need to start somewhere.  Once you have experience AND certification you will have very marketable skills.

Remember not to be too picky with employment options when you’re starting out.  The important thing is getting the experience.

Closing Remarks… 

In closing, taking classes at an accredited school is a great option if you have the time and the money.  Class room settings are ideal and when you are in class you are focused on learning.

You will be taking other related course work toward the certificate, which is nice to have.  Having a classroom and instructor also costs a premium $$$.

On-line training has an advantage with cost and convenience.  Being able to self study while juggling work and family is important when venturing down a new career path.  Furthermore it’s highly unlikely that an individual needs two years of preparation for a couple of certification exams such as the CPB- Certified Professional Biller or the CPC – Certificed Professional Coder.

The downside of online training is the student must be motivated and dedicated to finishing the on-line studying.  Many students have done this and have been very successful.

As long as you put the time and effort in, students shouldn’t have any problems.

When you have completed you certification remember to keep upgrading your skills.  This industry is constantly changing.  As long as you keep learning upgrading your skills and doing some self study you’ll be in great shape!

There are many other related certifications in Health Information Systems, however I focused on two of the most popular for those looking for a new career in the medical field.

Medical Billing and Coding Resources For On-line Studying

I’ve linked to a few different schools below.  The materials are decent and there forums with LOTS of help and guidance.  I was surprised with how good the content was.

Whether you choose the schools below or others schools the important thing is to make a decision and act. The Billing and Coding used is the same EVERYWHERE.  Stop talking about changing careers and take action.

Wishing you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

• Universal Class – Medical Billing and Coding Courses
• Career Step – Medical Billing and Coding
• Medical Billing Courses Online – Medical Billing Discount Packages Available
• Medical Billing Courses Online – Additional FREE Resources

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As of 2010, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median annual salary for a medical billing clerk in any field was $32,170.

This salary will vary depending on region, facility and demand. Those will industry certifications will tend to out perform those without certifications.  The two top certification organizations are AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) and AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association).

As medical billing and medical coding clerks working in the healthcare field, certified medical billers and coders can expect to earn a similar amount, though the exact compensation will vary depending on the sector of the healthcare industry and the state.

To learn more about Medical Billing and Coding Training and Certification read our article >>>HERE<<<

Certified medical billers who work in private offices or for insurance companies can earn higher salaries than those who work in hospitals, public health or Medicaid settings. Because most employers prefer certified employees, salaries vary significantly between those with and without certification.

The post Medical Billing and Coding Jobs and Salary appeared first on Healthcare IT Systems.

Although this is a great market, I believe there’s even a bigger market in mining all of that data.  There is a trend with regionalizing and consolidating healthcare data.

Within all of that data is a gold mine of health information and analytics.  Having the right tools and expertise to make use of this data is important in order to leverage what is being collected.

Being able to effectively mine all of this data will create a new range of I.T. specialists and software tools.

But what can you do with all that information? How can we move from gathering information for more effective billing to gathering and processing information for more effective healthcare itself?


Assuming we get past the privacy issues (by anonymizing data appropriately), if we can can gather and process enormous streams of health data, and if we can possibly do that in real-time or even near real-time, we might have the opportunity to get ahead of disease vectors and outbreaks.

If you want to learn more about how big data works in real-time, our own David Gewirtz did a webcast on the subject last week. Go ahead and watch Data go vroom! How to keep up with the volume, velocity, and variety of big data in real-time. It’s free and definitely worth a view.

But what about the opportunity for jobs and IT industry growth? Well, that’s where it gets interesting. Industry analysis firm Markets and Markets recently published a report detailing the growth of healthcare analytics.

The bottom line is pretty amazing. The global healthcare analytics market is growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 23.7% from 2012 to 2017. That puts just the analytics segment of the healthcare market at $10.8 billion within four years.

So, if I were you, I’d make sure I spent some time learning about big data, real-time analytics, and take a few statistics classes. Odds are, it will be worth it.

Read the original article on Healthcare Analytics

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Some of the trends will come as now surprise and have been around for awhile.  The difference is they are now gaining momentum.  I think one of the most exciting trends will be #3 Clinical Data Analytics.  This particular trend pigbacks off of #2, Cloud Computing.  Consolidating data in the cloud gives researchers and analysts unprecedented access to massive volumes of data.

Here are 8 trends to watch in 2013:

1. Mobile Healthcare
2. Cloud Computing and Virtualization
3. Big Data/Clinical Data Analytics
4. ICD-10 Compliance
5. Meaningful Use
6. Patient Portals
7. Telemedicine
8. Data Breach Prevention

Related Articles:

• Healthcare IT Certifications

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