How to become an informaticist

Is becoming an informaticist right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do informaticists do?

Still unsure if becoming an informaticist is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become an informaticist or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

How to become an Informaticist

Becoming an informaticist involves a combination of education, experience, and continuous professional development. Here is a general guide on how to pursue a career as an informaticist in different domains:

  • Educational Background: Start by obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Informatics, or in a field related to the specific domain of informatics you are interested in. For example, Health Informatics, Computer Science, Nursing, Information Systems, or other relevant disciplines.
  • Consider Advanced Degrees: Many informaticists pursue master's or even doctoral degrees to deepen their knowledge and increase their career opportunities. Look for programs specific to the informatics domain you are interested in.
  • Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Seek internships or entry-level positions in the specific domain to gain hands-on experience. This could include roles in healthcare settings, financial institutions, educational institutions, or other relevant industries.
  • Stay Updated on Industry Tools: Familiarize yourself with the specific tools and technologies commonly used in your chosen domain. This may involve learning about electronic health record systems, financial software, or educational technology platforms.
  • Explore Relevant Certifications: Depending on the domain, there may be certifications that can enhance your credentials. For example, certifications like CPHIMS (Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems) for health informaticists.
  • Join Professional Organizations: Connect with professional organizations related to your chosen domain, such as HIMSS for healthcare informaticists, or EDUCAUSE for educational informaticists. Attend conferences and networking events to build connections in the industry.
  • Apply for Informatics Positions: Look for job opportunities in your chosen domain. This can include positions with titles like Health Informaticist, Financial Informaticist, Educational Informaticist, etc.
  • Tailor Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant education, skills, and experiences in informatics and the specific domain you are targeting.
  • Professional Development: Some industries offer specific professional development programs. Explore these opportunities to enhance your skills and stay competitive in your field.

Certifications
Certifications can enhance the credibility and expertise of informaticists across various domains. Here are some certifications that are relevant to informaticists working in different fields:

  • Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS): Relevant for health informaticists. Validates knowledge and competency in healthcare information and management systems.
  • Certified Health Informatician (CHI): Offered by the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA). Recognizes expertise in health informatics and related domains.
  • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Valuable for informaticists involved in project management or agile development methodologies. Offered by the Scrum Alliance.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP): Suitable for informaticists engaged in project management across various domains. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Relevant for informaticists focused on information security, including those in healthcare, finance, and other domains. Offered by (ISC)².
  • Certification in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS): Offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Focuses on expertise in healthcare privacy and security, important for health informaticists.
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): Suitable for informaticists involved in data analytics across various industries. Offered by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS).
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Relevant for informaticists involved in information systems auditing and control. Offered by ISACA.
  • Certified Professional in Electronic Health Records (CPEHR): Focuses on electronic health records, suitable for health informaticists. Offered by Health IT Certification (HITC).
  • Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI): Recognizes expertise in health informatics. Offered by the American Society of Health Informatics Managers (ASHIM).
  • Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP): Suitable for informaticists involved in data management across various domains. Offered by the Data Management Association International (DAMA).
  • Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ): Relevant for informaticists contributing to healthcare quality improvement. Offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).
  • Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB): Valuable for informaticists involved in process improvement across different domains. Offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
  • Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP): Suitable for informaticists in various industries emphasizing information technology. Offered by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).