Healthcare data architects are key players in healthcare analytics. They are responsible for devising, realizing and maintaining the data architecture for their respective healthcare organizations. Just as a house would topple without a solid framework, so too would healthcare organizations without a skilled data architect.
What is Data Architecture?
Data architecture in healthcare involves data modeling, storage and design. It’s a way of structuring and constructing the databases that healthcare organizations use to store, access and query patient health data. This data is organized and accessed according to set principles, or frameworks, that govern when, how and under what conditions that data becomes accessible.
Properly managed healthcare data allows health organizations to:
- Improve the quality of patient care and outcomes.
- Increase efficiency and reduce costs.
- Better manage staffing shortfalls among healthcare personnel.
What is a Data Architect?
Healthcare data architects are typically skilled in data modeling and data warehouse design, applying the principles of data architecture to ensure the organization’s data is arranged according to the right framework and in compliance with data standards, legislation and regulations.
Data Architect vs Data Scientist
Many confuse data architects with data scientists. Whereas data architects deal with the practical business side of data, data scientists work with the theory behind it – information theory. Although data architects have some knowledge of information theory and mathematics, these are not their focus.
Data scientists are responsible for the many applications of information theory and technology. Though their roles interact with an organization’s data warehouse, they’re not generally responsible for building or maintaining the warehouse.
What Does a Data Architect Do?
Without data architects, organizations stare down mountains of unusable, unorganized data.
Typical job responsibilities of a data architect include:
- Establishing a data architecture framework. Data architects determine the standards and principles that an organization’s framework needs, then design it accordingly. Every aspect of a healthcare institution’s operations — patient data, vendors, staffing needs and more — must be incorporated.
- Maintaining data within the framework. Data architects must enforce adherence to established standards. Integrity and organization must be handled appropriately through the full lifestyle of the data.
- Determining how data flows through organizations. Data architects identify which parts of the organization produce data, what type(s) of data it produces, and how to best move the data through the system from one department to another.
Data Architect Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data architects and administrators made a median annual salary of $117,450 as of May 2023. Entry-level professionals, many of whom hold a bachelor’s degree, may expect a lower salary potential than more experienced or educated professionals.
How to Become a Data Architect
Given the nature of healthcare data, professionals aspiring to become data architects must acquire some very niche skills. Thankfully, there are many programs and resources available to meet the requirements.
Education Requirements
Data architects almost always start with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field. However, earning an MSHI Healthcare Analytics makes for a much more competitive candidate in the field.
Certificates
When a degree program isn’t the right fit for a professional, certificates offer a viable alternative. The most desirable certificates are recognized by SAS for their quality and relevance, as seen with this Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Analytics.
Desirable Skills
Effective data architects must bring a diverse range of skills to their job. These include a mix of technical and business — especially administrative — skills to help manage the balance between data architecture standards and organizational demands.
Data architects must know how to:
- Communicate analytical information to various stakeholders.
- Use in-depth management software systems like Microsoft SQL Server.
- Use and interface with several programming languages, including C++ and Python.
The Growing Demand for Data Architects in Healthcare Analytics
According to the BLS, the data architecture field is expected to grow by at least 8% by 2032. The field of healthcare analytics itself is growing quickly, as more healthcare organizations are moving toward a holistic data-driven approach to improving patient care. In this increasingly competitive field, data architects must be ready to apply their knowledge and skills to a variety of systems-level applications, including:
- Integrating disparate sources of data.
- Framing data warehouses and troubleshooting solutions.
- Designing and implementing data-driven solutions in support of business intelligence.
If you’re interested in autonomy and an exciting work environment, data architecture might just be a fit for you.
*National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of hiring companies or job titles, and program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.
