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By: Maria Veras
Published On: August 16, 2022
When you think about healthcare-related professions, physicians and nurses often come to mind. However, in today's ever-evolving medical landscape, the tools used to provide optimal care are increasingly necessary. Health information management is one such area of specialization; it requires knowledge of biology, technology and security protocols in order to protect patient data while providing accurate diagnosis and treatments. If this combination interests you then consider enrolling for a Diploma in Health Information Management – it could be your ticket into a rewarding career!
Health Informatics, also known as Health information systems, combines informational science, computer science and healthcare and relies on information technology. Health information professionals organize and analyze health records to improve healthcare outcomes. A patient's medical history is key to ensuring an accurate diagnosis and treatment, which is why the storage and organization of such information is so important. Professionals in this field are critical to ensuring smooth communication between different health channels and healthcare personnel by building communication protocols in their facilities.
The field is wide and so far, covers these fields:
This is a continuously growing field. As medical technology advances so does the need for skilled health information workers. There is an estimated 0.8 percent growth in the years 2021-2026, and a 1.8 percent growth in the years 2026-2031. This means a great outlook for prospective jobs in the health information management industry.
As a Health Information Management professional, you can be employed by both public and private institutions, expanding your job prospects. The Health Information Management Diploma provides a great foundation for professionals to enter the field, while also having the potential to upgrade their education if they choose to.
Health Information Management (HIM) offers a variety of different career paths– from technical work, such as coding and billing, to management roles. As you can see from these job titles, the traditional roles of healthcare providers have expanded significantly in recent years. This new era has forced the creation of new specializations and trends project positions will continue to grow.
When deciding to make a career change, higher wages are the number one reason people decide to leave or remain in their position.
Statistics Canada reported that all eight categories of the economy that the data agency tracks rose, from food and energy to shelter costs and transportation. Higher wages are necessary to help combat the rising cost of inflation.
Health care professionals can earn a substantial income with earning potential is only being limited by your education, experience, and motivation.
An advanced degree like Ashton College’s Diploma in Health Information Management can help supplement the knowledge gaps you may have in your current work history. Another bonus of this program is that it is accredited by the Canadian College of Health Information Management (CCHIM).
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a Health Information Manager is $57,138 in Canada.
When evaluating the pros and cons of an advanced degree, career growth is also important to consider. People want to know their careers will have longevity and provide ongoing opportunities for expansion.
By constantly challenging yourself and learning new skills, complacency does not have the chance to creep in. Instead, you are forced to acquire new skills and ways of thinking.
While wages are affected by workers’ education, certification, and job responsibilities. Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2029, adding about 2.6 million new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics.
The thought of not having a job is frightening so when deciding to change your career path, job security is a crucial factor to consider. The most secure positions in the healthcare industry are careers that have high job growth rates. If there is a high rate of demand for healthcare professionals, then employers will actively search for individuals with skillsets specific to Health Information Management. Since the career opportunities in HIM provide different settings and job titles, transferring your skills from one position to the other is more seamless.
Many careers can fall under the health information management field, your specific duties will change depending on your job title. However, some of the everyday tasks you will be expected to complete include:
To be an effective communicator, one must not only have the ability to share information effectively but also listen attentively. This is especially true in healthcare where many professionals such as nurses, doctors and other medical staff need to communicate with each other daily. As a health professional, you may also be tasked with translating complex medical jargon for the public – something that can prove difficult without exceptional communication skills. Having excellent verbal and written abilities will help make this process smoother and easier.
For those with a natural gift for assessing situations and making swift decisions, Health Information Management might be the perfect profession. It requires not only collecting healthcare data but also having an understanding of how that translates from a business viewpoint. The main objective is to provide optimal care for patients as well as deliver efficiencies in the overall healthcare system – meaning fast-paced analytical capabilities are essential.
As a professional in the healthcare field, having compassion and passion for helping others is essential. There may be times when you will need to speak with patients who are facing difficult situations and your understanding can help ease their worry. Additionally, you could possibly even act as an advocate for various healthcare policies by engaging government officials or other influential people about pertinent concerns; it's at these moments that your empathy demonstrates just how serious the issues truly are.
In the Health Information Management field, it is essential to be able to effectively collaborate with others. You will need to connect and work with other healthcare professionals as well as participate in team projects. If you thrive while working with a group of people, then this career could be perfect for you. It takes skill and finesse to have your own ideas heard while still being open minded about what others bring forward – however those who are successful at leading these collaborations can excel immensely in this role.
Ashton College provides a fantastic two-year Health Information Management program that prepares graduates for a long, successful career in the field. If you are nervous about the more technical aspects of the field, no need to worry, this program covers a wide range of topics including medical terminology and examining health informatics.
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.
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