Health Informatics Specialists
Health informatics specialists combine nursing knowledge with computer systems expertise to design and improve healthcare software. They work in hospitals, clinics, technology companies, and health systems, applying their technical background to solve real clinical problems. The role involves both system development and staff training to ensure healthcare organizations can effectively use their technology.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against health informatics specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A health informatics specialist might spend a morning meeting with clinical staff to gather requirements for a new patient data system, then move to the afternoon reviewing code or documentation from developers. The week typically includes problem-solving sessions when the system encounters issues, testing new features with end users, and creating training materials for nurses and doctors. Much of the work involves translating between technical teams and healthcare workers who have different priorities and language.
Who this work suits
Holland code ICS. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy investigative work—digging into how systems actually function and why they fail. You also prefer structured, conventional approaches where clear processes and documentation matter. If you're detail-oriented and enjoy solving defined problems with technical tools and logical methods, this career suits your natural work style.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $101,020 | $134,630 | $135,380 | 1,850 |
| Washington | $100,800 | $129,410 | $161,730 | 24,120 |
| Massachusetts | $100,830 | $128,240 | $159,230 | 22,160 |
| Colorado | $101,330 | $127,750 | $163,310 | 6,230 |
| California | $101,150 | $127,720 | $160,440 | 59,060 |
| New Jersey | $91,500 | $122,890 | $161,000 | 16,520 |
| Oregon | $99,890 | $121,620 | $137,580 | 5,640 |
| Virginia | $92,490 | $120,840 | $150,680 | 23,190 |
| District of Columbia | $103,690 | $116,820 | $157,980 | 2,480 |
| Maryland | $87,360 | $113,610 | $147,460 | 15,340 |
| Delaware | $90,850 | $110,560 | $136,500 | 2,140 |
| Wyoming | $81,410 | $109,780 | $111,660 | 310 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist - Implementation Support Specialist (CHTS-IS) — American Health Information Management Association
- Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI) — American Health Information Management Association
- Consumer Health Information Specialization - Level I (CHIS) — Medical Library Association
- Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC) — ANA Enterprise
- Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP) — American Board of Imaging Informatics
- Certified Occupational Health Nurse - Case Management (CM) — American Board for Occupational Health Nurses
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against health informatics specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 15-1211.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.