3 answers
Cayla
Student
Cumming, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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How should I go about navigating a career in health informatics?
How do I go about getting a health informatics B.S? I was thinking of getting a CPPM in order to get a job and experience while I do a bachelors degree in health informatics.
I have never thought about going to college because it was never something I thought I could afford but I’ve been given the opportunity to explore my options. I am almost 24 so I feel like I wasted a lot of time. I have no experience in the medical field besides it being my pathway in high school. But I’m super enthusiastic and a dedicated hard worker, and I know I can do it.
I also wanted to minor in accounting because it is something I’m interested in and I feel it would give me an advantage in knowledge when it comes to processing data and stuff like you would do as a health informatics specialist. And then it would open up side gigs like maybe helping people with their finances.
I’m very excited for the future but my head is spinning. I have a big decision to make.
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1921
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Cayla !
Great question and I am very happy for your opportunity to attend college and prepare for a wonderful career ! I do not know what a CPPM is, but I can give you some information about working while you are in college and you may not have to apply and wait for a job off campus because you can possibly get a job on campus while you are in college. Don't let that stop you from getting any certifications that you're interested in, though.
It's never too late to start and everyone has their own timeline, so I applaud your decision. Your first step is to look at colleges that offer a major in Health Informatics. I wouldn't worry too much about a minor just yet. See what the colleges are offering. Some of your major courses may have a heavy demand, you can take accounting hopefully at the same college but you don't have to minor in it, but you can if your schedule and course load allows for it. You can think about a minor after your first semester. You will also have to take General Education required courses in addition to your major courses, so take it one step at a time and focus on the major and choosing a college first. There may be specific Accounting courses within your major so explore this before declaring a minor. Always consult with the on campus Academic Advisor.
Health Informatics is actually a component of some majors. You can get a Bachelors Degree at Macon State College and the Medical College of Georgia for Health Information Administration which has a Health Informatics component. Darton State College has a Health Information program but it's not mentioned if it's for a Bachelors Degree. This is an intricate major because some colleges offer a program and some offer the Bachelors Degree so you will need to research this online and choose which college would be best for you. There are also Athens Technical College and Atlanta Technical College to also read about and see if their programs are a diploma, certification or a Bachelors Degree. So your very first step would be to decide which college would offer a Bachelors Degree in Health Informatics or Health Information Administration. Once you have that established, you can look at the courses you will be required to take and inquire about any project work you'd be required to do outside of classroom time.
You can also apply for some financial assistance to help you with college costs, too. You can apply for Federal Financial Aid and choose the Work Study Option among the other options. If you get Work Study, you can obtain a job on campus and won't have to leave campus to go to a job. You can ask people at your Major Department about doing a Work Study job in that department. Do not hesitate to obtain any certifications that you want to do, but consider the ease and quickness of the on campus Work Study opportunity which will save you time. Also look into Scholarships and Grants that you may be qualified for by doing a search online.
You have absolutely not "wasted time". You have done other things and now it's your time to be a student. Please realize that you've had a very valuable life and it's now on to new things. Everyone's life experience is different and you are now entering a new chapter of your life. That is fabulous ! Also remember that everyone started out not having experience in the health field. That's why college is there - to provide the knowledge and the opportunities for projects and experiences.
I hope this is helpful to start you on your research for what to do and I wish you all the best !
Great question and I am very happy for your opportunity to attend college and prepare for a wonderful career ! I do not know what a CPPM is, but I can give you some information about working while you are in college and you may not have to apply and wait for a job off campus because you can possibly get a job on campus while you are in college. Don't let that stop you from getting any certifications that you're interested in, though.
It's never too late to start and everyone has their own timeline, so I applaud your decision. Your first step is to look at colleges that offer a major in Health Informatics. I wouldn't worry too much about a minor just yet. See what the colleges are offering. Some of your major courses may have a heavy demand, you can take accounting hopefully at the same college but you don't have to minor in it, but you can if your schedule and course load allows for it. You can think about a minor after your first semester. You will also have to take General Education required courses in addition to your major courses, so take it one step at a time and focus on the major and choosing a college first. There may be specific Accounting courses within your major so explore this before declaring a minor. Always consult with the on campus Academic Advisor.
Health Informatics is actually a component of some majors. You can get a Bachelors Degree at Macon State College and the Medical College of Georgia for Health Information Administration which has a Health Informatics component. Darton State College has a Health Information program but it's not mentioned if it's for a Bachelors Degree. This is an intricate major because some colleges offer a program and some offer the Bachelors Degree so you will need to research this online and choose which college would be best for you. There are also Athens Technical College and Atlanta Technical College to also read about and see if their programs are a diploma, certification or a Bachelors Degree. So your very first step would be to decide which college would offer a Bachelors Degree in Health Informatics or Health Information Administration. Once you have that established, you can look at the courses you will be required to take and inquire about any project work you'd be required to do outside of classroom time.
You can also apply for some financial assistance to help you with college costs, too. You can apply for Federal Financial Aid and choose the Work Study Option among the other options. If you get Work Study, you can obtain a job on campus and won't have to leave campus to go to a job. You can ask people at your Major Department about doing a Work Study job in that department. Do not hesitate to obtain any certifications that you want to do, but consider the ease and quickness of the on campus Work Study opportunity which will save you time. Also look into Scholarships and Grants that you may be qualified for by doing a search online.
You have absolutely not "wasted time". You have done other things and now it's your time to be a student. Please realize that you've had a very valuable life and it's now on to new things. Everyone's life experience is different and you are now entering a new chapter of your life. That is fabulous ! Also remember that everyone started out not having experience in the health field. That's why college is there - to provide the knowledge and the opportunities for projects and experiences.
I hope this is helpful to start you on your research for what to do and I wish you all the best !
Charanpreet Walia
Public Health Nurse
47
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Charanpreet’s Answer
Hello Cayla
Health informatics (HI) is an exciting and constantly evolving field, and I strongly recommend prioritizing core courses related to HI. Notably, many other professions, such as nursing, physician assistant (PA), and engineering, incorporate informatics into their degree programs. This means you will compete with students from similar backgrounds, all aiming for careers in HI.
To start on this path, I suggest meeting with a counselor from your chosen college to create a comprehensive 4-year plan, considering that obtaining a bachelor's degree typically takes 3-4 years. The college plan should also include opportunities for internships that complement your HI studies. Fortunately, many companies offer paid and unpaid internships, allowing you to gain valuable practical experience while completing your degree. This strategic approach ensures that you will have a competitive advantage upon graduating from the HI program.
I have seen the impressive success of students who took on student worker jobs in college. By dedicating 10-15 hours a week to tasks such as data entry, data analysis, and community promotional projects, they gained at least 2 years of industry experience by graduation. Many of them even secured employment before graduating. This approach is a proven path to launching a successful career in health informatics.
I wish you good luck!
Health informatics (HI) is an exciting and constantly evolving field, and I strongly recommend prioritizing core courses related to HI. Notably, many other professions, such as nursing, physician assistant (PA), and engineering, incorporate informatics into their degree programs. This means you will compete with students from similar backgrounds, all aiming for careers in HI.
To start on this path, I suggest meeting with a counselor from your chosen college to create a comprehensive 4-year plan, considering that obtaining a bachelor's degree typically takes 3-4 years. The college plan should also include opportunities for internships that complement your HI studies. Fortunately, many companies offer paid and unpaid internships, allowing you to gain valuable practical experience while completing your degree. This strategic approach ensures that you will have a competitive advantage upon graduating from the HI program.
I have seen the impressive success of students who took on student worker jobs in college. By dedicating 10-15 hours a week to tasks such as data entry, data analysis, and community promotional projects, they gained at least 2 years of industry experience by graduation. Many of them even secured employment before graduating. This approach is a proven path to launching a successful career in health informatics.
I wish you good luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6461
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Cayla!
To navigate a career in health informatics, consider these steps:
1. **Research:** Gather information about the field, including educational requirements, job roles, and potential career paths.
2. **Education:** Obtain a bachelor's degree in health informatics or a related field. Consider earning a CPPM to gain experience while pursuing your degree.
3. **Experience:** Seek internships or volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings to gain practical experience and build your network.
4. **Certifications:** Consider obtaining certifications like the Certified Health Informatics Professional (CHIP) to demonstrate your expertise.
5. **Networking:** Connect with professionals in the field through conferences, online communities, and professional organizations.
6. **Skill Development:** Develop strong technical skills, such as data analysis, programming, and healthcare information systems.
7. **Continuous Learning:** Stay updated on industry trends and advancements through professional development opportunities.
Regarding your specific questions:
* **Getting a health informatics B.S.:** Research accredited programs that align with your career goals. Consider online or hybrid options if they fit your lifestyle.
* **CPPM:** Earning a CPPM can provide valuable experience and skills, but make sure it complements your long-term educational plans.
* **Accounting minor:** While an accounting minor can be beneficial, focus on core health informatics coursework to build a strong foundation.
* **Side gigs:** Consider freelancing or consulting in areas like financial analysis or data management to supplement your income and gain experience.
Remember, starting a career takes time and effort. Be patient, persistent, and open to learning new things. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goals in health informatics.
God Bless You!
JC.
To navigate a career in health informatics, consider these steps:
1. **Research:** Gather information about the field, including educational requirements, job roles, and potential career paths.
2. **Education:** Obtain a bachelor's degree in health informatics or a related field. Consider earning a CPPM to gain experience while pursuing your degree.
3. **Experience:** Seek internships or volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings to gain practical experience and build your network.
4. **Certifications:** Consider obtaining certifications like the Certified Health Informatics Professional (CHIP) to demonstrate your expertise.
5. **Networking:** Connect with professionals in the field through conferences, online communities, and professional organizations.
6. **Skill Development:** Develop strong technical skills, such as data analysis, programming, and healthcare information systems.
7. **Continuous Learning:** Stay updated on industry trends and advancements through professional development opportunities.
Regarding your specific questions:
* **Getting a health informatics B.S.:** Research accredited programs that align with your career goals. Consider online or hybrid options if they fit your lifestyle.
* **CPPM:** Earning a CPPM can provide valuable experience and skills, but make sure it complements your long-term educational plans.
* **Accounting minor:** While an accounting minor can be beneficial, focus on core health informatics coursework to build a strong foundation.
* **Side gigs:** Consider freelancing or consulting in areas like financial analysis or data management to supplement your income and gain experience.
Remember, starting a career takes time and effort. Be patient, persistent, and open to learning new things. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goals in health informatics.
God Bless You!
JC.