Flaticon Icon

Do you like...

  • being organized

  • helping people

  • working with data, computers, and information

  • reading about health, science, diseases, and treatments

But don't like...

  • touching anyone

  • seeing blood and gross stuff

  • smelling bad odors water smell bad GIF by Poo~Pourri

    ...then a Health Information Specialist might be a good career option for you!

What Is A Health Information Specialist?

Health records worker filing

Health Information Specialists are stewards of health information.

They ensure the accuracy, usefulness, integrity, and protection of patient health information throughout a healthcare organization.

They have skills in:

  • data management

  • information policy

  • information systems

  • administrative and clinical workflows

Work Settings & Environment

Flaticon Icon Health Information Specialists do mostly computer and paperwork in clean office environments with relatively low noise.

They can be found in:

  • Hospitals

  • Clinics and doctor's offices

  • Insurance or pharmaceutical companies

  • Registries (cancer, trauma, vaccination, device registries)

  • Law or governmental offices

  • Research institutions

They may also work in home offices.

How Much Education And Training Do I Need?

Flaticon Icon Training

Most Health Information Specialists obtain a 2-year degree.

  • Associate's Degree

  • Bachelor's Degree

  • Master's Degree - Informatics

Flaticon Icon Certifications

Certifications bring greater credibility to the profession. The U.S. and Canada offer similar certifications.

  • Health Information Technicians

  • Certified Professional Coder

  • Registered Health Information Administrator

Show Me The Money

Flaticon Icon

Health Information Specialists earn a good income with good health benefits if they work in a hospital setting. Physician's offices may offer slightly less but have more opportunities for flexible and part-time work.

In the U.S. Flaticon Icon

According to the American Health Information Management Association, Salary ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 (US) per year.

In Canada Flaticon Icon

According to the Canadian Health Information Management Association, Salary ranges from $40,232 to $67,075 (CAD) per year.

Take Action

Flaticon Icon Where can I find more information about this job?

License:

Your feedback matters to us.

This Byte helped me better understand the topic.

Get support to take action on this Byte