Health information technology merges two of the nation’s fastest growing industries: Healthcare and information technology. Some experts consider healthcare information technology to be the world’s fastest growing IT sector. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected job opportunities will be highly favorable for heath information technology professionals in the coming years. Health IT jobs are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected an 18.6% employment growth from 2006 to 2016 for health information management (HIM) professionals. Health information management is one of the nation’s fastest growing occupations.

Healthcare information technology focuses on managing and utilizing health information of patients. Healthcare IT places an emphasis on computers and digital technology. The healthcare industry is pushing to move the health information technology field to a highly useful, sophisticated database matrix. The strong push provides excellent opportunities for technologically savvy people.

Health information managers spend a lot time working with computers and software, managing and securing patients records and complying with federal mandates for electronic storage of patient information. Health information managers ensure patient records are complete and accurate. They also ensure the databases are secure.

Formal training is vital for health information technology jobs. It’s essential to take a program that provides the latest in health information technology. For those too busy to attend campus during the week, numerous schools offer online healthcare IT degrees.

Healthcare information management bachelor’s degree programs prepare students for healthcare information administration and management positions. These positions offer high salaries. Health information management bachelor’s degree programs provide training in operating and maintaining information technology systems and dealing with equipment and situations unique to the healthcare industry. A master’s degree may be required for upper-level positions in HIM.

Graduates from a bachelor’s degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam to obtain a professional credential. The credential is not required in the health information management industry, however according to All Healthcare Degrees, RHIA managers earn about $15,000 a year more than managers who don’t have the credential.

The fast growing field of health information technology offers excellent opportunities and good salaries for technologically savvy people. The education requirements can often be fulfilled at home with a computer and access to the Internet. The field offers in demand and rewarding careers that pay well.

Brian Jenkins writes about health information technology for Braintrack.com.