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Chief Information Officer - Career Profile |
Career OverviewA chief information officer is responsible for the operation of the information technology (IT) facilities within a healthcare organization. This may include such diverse responsibilities as overseeing and structuring data analysis and entry, developing protocols and procedures for handling data, working with vendors and contractors to upgrade or develop IT equipment, management of the IT budget as well as working with other managers and supervisors within the healthcare facility.
The chief information officer must have an excellent ability to work with others both as a manager and as part of the management team. A good understanding of both healthcare systems as well as business management is required. The chief information officer usually is an individual with extensive experience within the IT or management aspects of a healthcare facility and with the necessary educational background.
The chief information officer may be responsible for developing training programs for new and existing IT staff as well as for managing and maintaining staffing records, production levels or other required documentation. The responsibility for managing all aspects of the IT program including teleconferencing, internet, phones, imaging and office automation can also fall under the responsibilities of the chief information officer.
A chief information officer may have several assistants in larger hospitals or healthcare facilities that manage the various aspects of the IT program. In that instance the chief information officer acts as the coordinator and overseer of all the various assistants and acts as the liaison between the governing board or management and the various department managers.
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Career RequirementsA chief information officer requires a minimum of a Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Computer Science or a related field. Most hospitals or healthcare facilities require a Masters level in the one of the above fields or Public Health, Hospital Administration or related field.
A good background in healthcare IT is also a requirement for most positions. In addition experience in strategic planning, business development, healthcare development, personnel administration, accounting or other related area is considered to be highly desirable.
Chief information officers should also be familiar with the various software systems used in hospitals and healthcare systems including development, design and programming as well as evaluation and feasibility studies of programs used.
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Job OutlookWith an increase in the number of hospitals, long-term care facilities and healthcare research facilities there has been an increase in the demand for both entry level and experienced chief information officers. The demand for professionals in the management of healthcare facilities is expected to increase over the next few years as the number of positions on the market exceeds the current number of qualified individuals.
The US Department of Labor predicts that this trend will continue to rise until at least the year 2014.
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Career TrackWith the increase in positions available there is the ability for Bachelor level mid-management IT people with several years of experience to move into the chief information officer jobs as they become available. With advancement to a Master’s level the option to move directly into available positions is even easier without the requirement for extended experience.
Many chief information officers become consultants to smaller healthcare facilities that cannot afford to staff a chief information officer position. This consultation option is particularly available in smaller, more rural areas that are less developed. Some long-term care facilities and smaller clinics may also only require a consultant or part-time chief information officer.
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CompensationA chief information officer with a Bachelors level degree and at least two years of administrative experience will average a yearly income of $84,000 to $100,000 per year. A Masters level chief information officer with more than five years experience in management is capable of earning $140,000 plus per year.
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