As the healthcare industry transitions to making the most of data collected through electronic medical records, the role of project managers continues to be critical.
Project managers who want to work within the healthcare industry and who also enjoy working with technology may find a fulfilling career working as an IT project manager in healthcare informatics.
Increased technology adoption is making it necessary for medical facilities to continue hiring project managers who can oversee the evolution of how technology impacts day-to-day operations as well as its impact on care. This challenging but potentially lucrative profession requires a proper education and proficiency in both project management and health informatics.
MASTER’S OF HEALTH INFORMATICS
Job Description of IT Project Managers
IT project managers typically oversee large, often complicated projects that involve technology. The specifics differ based on the industry, but generally, project managers aim to produce quality results with maximum efficiency, on time and on budget.
Project managers help improve business processes to ensure consistent, measurable results. Those involved with health informatics must manage records in such a way that the most up-to-date information is readily available to doctors, specialists, nurses and patients, so that better healthcare decisions can be made. This reduces costs and improves patient outcomes.
Career Outlook for Healthcare IT Project Managers Certified in Health Informatics
Industry experts anticipate a growth in the number of healthcare IT project managers as healthcare providers work to make the most of electronic health record systems and cutting edge technology that is quickly becoming available across the industry. Project managers with expertise in health informatics are needed to not only handle the implementation of these new systems, but the ongoing process of managing of records.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track project management professionals specifically, but it does track data for computer and information system managers. According to the BLS, positions in this category are expected to increase by 15% through 2032.*
Salary for Healthcare IT Project Managers
The salary of a healthcare IT project manager will vary based on a number of factors such as physical location, education, the type of healthcare facility and the exact scope of the job.
As this is an emerging field, the BLS has not yet published salary data specific to this profession. According to the BLS, computer and information system managers had a median annual salary of $169,510, as of May 2023.*
Those pursuing project manager positions should do personal research in their local markets for the most accurate, up-to-date salary information.
Healthcare IT Project Manager Education
Most project managers typically have earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field, and then attained certification as a project manager from the Project Management Institute. Typically, part of project management training involves gaining years of experience in the field, working under senior level managers.
Expertise in healthcare informatics can be acquired by earning a Master of Science in Health Informatics or a Graduate Certificate in Health informatics. Programs at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida include coursework in medical business models, basic statistics and clinical information systems. USF Health has the only 100% online program offered through a top medical school.
*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 degree program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research on specific employment information.
