Clinical Health IT Developer in Virginia Career Overview

As a Clinical Health IT Developer, you play a significant role in the intersection of healthcare and technology. Your work focuses on creating and maintaining software systems and applications that enhance the delivery of healthcare services.

Key aspects of the job include:

  • System Development: You design and implement electronic health records (EHR) systems that facilitate accurate patient information management and streamline workflows for healthcare providers.

  • Integration: You ensure that various health IT systems are interoperable. This involves linking EHRs with laboratory systems, radiology information systems, and other healthcare technologies to improve communication and data sharing.

  • User Experience: Your role emphasizes the user interface and user experience of healthcare applications. You work on making systems intuitive and user-friendly for medical staff, which leads to better adoption and patient care outcomes.

  • Compliance: You are responsible for ensuring that all health IT solutions meet regulatory standards and industry best practices. This is essential in maintaining patient privacy and protecting sensitive health information.

  • Data Analysis: Your analytical skills contribute to the development of tools that assist healthcare providers in data analysis, helping them make informed decisions based on patient trends and outcomes.

  • Collaboration: You often collaborate with healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and stakeholders to understand the specific needs of clinical settings and translate them into effective technical solutions.

The role of a Clinical Health IT Developer is integral to facilitating efficient healthcare delivery and advancing patient care through technology. Your contributions not only improve operational efficiencies but also enhance the overall quality of healthcare services provided to the community.

Clinical Health IT Developer Salary in Virginia

Annual Median: $108,350
Hourly Median: $52.09

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Clinical Health IT Developer in Virginia

To become a Clinical Health IT Developer, you will need a solid educational background and relevant training in specific fields. Below are the degree programs that are typically required:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Bioinformatics

    • This program combines biology, computer science, and information technology. It provides a foundation in data analysis and management within healthcare contexts.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Health and Medical Administrative Services

    • This degree focuses on the administrative management aspects of healthcare organizations. It prepares you for roles that involve overseeing health information systems and ensuring compliance with regulations.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management

    • This program emphasizes the management of health information systems and the use of data for patient care. It covers topics such as electronic health records, coding, and data analysis.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Technology

    • This degree centers on the technological aspects of health information. You will learn about health IT systems, data management, and the integration of technology in healthcare settings.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer and Information Sciences

    • A degree in this field provides a comprehensive understanding of computer systems, programming, and software development. It equips you with the technical skills suitable for developing health IT applications.

Further education, such as a Master's degree in any of these areas or a related field, may enhance your qualifications and career prospects. Additionally, obtaining relevant certifications can be beneficial for advancing in the Clinical Health IT Developer role.

Best Schools to become a Clinical Health IT Developer in Virginia 2024

#1Fulton County

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

In-State Tuition:$10,258
Out-of-State Tuition:$31,370
Admission Rate:17%
Graduation Rate:93%
Total Enrollment:45,296
#2DuPage County

DeVry University-Illinois

Naperville, IL

In-State Tuition:$14,392
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,392
Admission Rate:43%
Graduation Rate:43%
Total Enrollment:26,384
#3Washtenaw County

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

In-State Tuition:$17,454
Out-of-State Tuition:$56,941
Admission Rate:18%
Graduation Rate:93%
Total Enrollment:51,225
#4Suffolk County

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

In-State Tuition:$59,100
Out-of-State Tuition:$59,100
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:91%
Total Enrollment:30,013
#5Merrimack County

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091
#6Dallas County

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TX

In-State Tuition:$14,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$39,776
Admission Rate:85%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:31,570
Clinical Health IT Developer Job Description:
  • Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems.
  • May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

Clinical Health IT Developer Required Skills and Competencies in Virginia

  • Technical Proficiency
    You should possess a strong understanding of programming languages relevant to health IT, such as Java, Python, or C#. Familiarity with database management systems like SQL is essential for managing healthcare data effectively.

  • Knowledge of Healthcare Standards
    Understanding healthcare standards and regulations, such as HIPAA, HL7, FHIR, and DICOM, is important. This knowledge is vital for ensuring data privacy and interoperability within health information systems.

  • Analytical Skills
    You need to analyze complex health data and systems to identify areas for improvement. Strong analytical skills will help you troubleshoot issues and make informed decisions to enhance healthcare delivery.

  • Problem-Solving Abilities
    Being able to think critically and approach problems methodically will enable you to devise effective solutions for system-related challenges within healthcare settings.

  • Attention to Detail
    Precision is necessary when developing and maintaining clinical applications. Your ability to attend to details ensures that coding errors are minimized and that health IT solutions function correctly.

  • Communication Skills
    Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. You will often collaborate with healthcare professionals to gather requirements and provide support.

  • Project Management
    You should be able to manage time efficiently and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously. Familiarity with project management frameworks can help in delivering projects on time and within scope.

  • Team Collaboration
    Since you will often work in cross-functional teams that include healthcare providers, administrative staff, and IT professionals, you should be adept at collaborating effectively with diverse groups to achieve common goals.

  • Adaptability and Continuous Learning
    The healthcare and technology landscapes are continually evolving. A willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, technologies, and methodologies is essential for long-term success in this field.

  • User Experience (UX) Design Understanding
    A basic understanding of UX principles can help you create more user-friendly health IT applications that accommodate the needs of healthcare providers and patients alike.

Job Duties for Clinical Health IT Developers

  • Apply knowledge of computer science, information science, nursing, and informatics theory to nursing practice, education, administration, or research, in collaboration with other health informatics specialists.

  • Design, develop, select, test, implement, and evaluate new or modified informatics solutions, data structures, and decision-support mechanisms to support patients, health care professionals, and their information management and human-computer and human-technology interactions within health care contexts.

  • Translate nursing practice information between nurses and systems engineers, analysts, or designers, using object-oriented models or other techniques.

Technologies and Skills Used by Clinical Health IT Developers

Medical software

  • Epic Systems
  • eClinicalWorks EHR software

Object or component oriented development software

  • Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
  • Perl

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Reading work related information

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Clinical Health IT Developer in Virginia

The job market for Clinical Health IT Developers in Virginia is characterized by a growing demand as healthcare organizations increasingly adopt information technology solutions to improve patient care and streamline operations. The following aspects highlight the current landscape:

  • High Demand for Health IT Solutions: With the ongoing emphasis on electronic health records (EHR) implementation and management, there is a strong need for qualified Clinical Health IT Developers who can integrate clinical practices with advanced technology.

  • Growth Potential: The healthcare sector is evolving rapidly, influenced by regulations such as the 21st Century Cures Act, which encourages interoperability and patient access to health information. This shift is driving the demand for health IT professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth in the health information technology field to be faster than the average for other occupations, indicating a favorable outlook for Clinical Health IT Developers.

  • Emerging Technologies: As telehealth, artificial intelligence, and data analytics continue to emerge within the healthcare sector, opportunities for Clinical Health IT Developers are expanding. Employers seek professionals who can adapt these technologies to improve clinical workflows, patient engagement, and health outcomes.

  • Geographical Hotspots: Certain areas within Virginia offer more robust opportunities for Clinical Health IT Developers. Notable locations include:

    • Northern Virginia: Home to numerous healthcare providers and tech companies, this region experiences high demand for health IT solutions due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., and a wealth of government contracting opportunities.
    • Richmond: As a central hub for healthcare organizations, Richmond presents a mix of opportunities across hospitals, health systems, and private practice settings, focusing on improvements in health information management.
    • Charlottesville: Housing prominent medical institutions like the University of Virginia Health System, this area offers unique chances for developers specializing in clinical applications and health informatics.

  • Industry Growth Factors: Factors driving job growth in the Clinical Health IT sector include the increasing focus on value-based care, the need for improved patient data management, and a shortage of skilled workers in the health IT field. This creates a competitive yet promising environment for job seekers.

By understanding these dynamics, you can better position yourself to take advantage of the opportunities available in Virginia’s Clinical Health IT landscape.

Top Related Careers to Clinical Health IT Developer 2024

Medical Software Integration Specialist
Health Data Analytics Coordinator
Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems Consultant
Digital Health Solutions Architect

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Clinical Health IT Developer in Virginia

  • HealthIT.gov
    Offers resources regarding health information technology, including policy updates, best practices, and training opportunities.
    Visit HealthIT.gov

  • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
    Provides resources on health information management, including certification programs, professional development, and industry news.
    Visit AHIMA

  • HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society)
    A global organization focused on the best use of information and technology in healthcare. They provide research, publications, and educational events.
    Visit HIMSS

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
    Offers research articles, studies, and updates on health informatics and technology developments.
    Visit NIH

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
    The CMS website provides information on regulations, tools, and programs relating to clinical health IT and EHR usage.
    Visit CMS

  • Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)
    A government body that promotes health information technology innovation and provides materials on certified health IT products.
    Visit ONC

  • Virginia Health Information
    Offers resources specific to Virginia, including health data reports and health IT initiatives within the state.
    Visit Virginia Health Information

  • American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
    Focuses on the application of informatics in healthcare, offering conferences, publications, and networking opportunities.
    Visit AMIA

  • ISACA
    Provides resources concerning IT governance, assurance, risk, and information security, with a focus on the healthcare sector's needs.
    Visit ISACA

  • LinkedIn Learning
    Offers a wide range of online courses related to software development, health informatics, and health IT certification preparation.
    Visit LinkedIn Learning

  • Coursera
    Features courses from leading universities on health informatics and IT development that may be useful for further education.
    Visit Coursera

Explore these resources to gain insights and further your knowledge in the Clinical Health IT Developer field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Clinical Health IT Developer in Virginia

  • What does a Clinical Health IT Developer do?
    A Clinical Health IT Developer designs, develops, and implements software solutions aimed at improving healthcare delivery. This involves working with electronic health records (EHR), patient management systems, and other health IT applications to streamline processes and enhance patient care.

  • What skills are important for a Clinical Health IT Developer?
    Key skills include:

    • Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C#, and Python.
    • Understanding of healthcare data standards (e.g., HL7, FHIR).
    • Experience with database management and data analytics.
    • Problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
    • Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance in healthcare, such as HIPAA.

  • What educational background is needed for this career?
    A bachelor’s degree in computer science, health informatics, or a related field is typically required. Some positions may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or certifications in health informatics.

  • Are certifications important for Clinical Health IT Developers?
    Yes, certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise. Relevant certifications include Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA), Certified Professional in Health Information Management (CPHIMSS), or any specialized certifications related to EHR systems.

  • What is the job outlook for Clinical Health IT Developers in Virginia?
    The demand for Clinical Health IT Developers is expected to grow due to the increasing adoption of health IT solutions in the healthcare sector. As more healthcare organizations invest in technology, job opportunities are likely to expand.

  • What types of employers hire Clinical Health IT Developers?
    Employers include:

    • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
    • Health IT companies and software vendors
    • Consulting firms specializing in health technology
    • Government health agencies

  • What is the typical salary range for a Clinical Health IT Developer in Virginia?
    Salaries can vary based on experience and location, but as of 2023, Clinical Health IT Developers in Virginia can expect to earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the projects.

  • What are common career advancement opportunities in this field?
    With experience, you can advance to senior developer roles, project management positions, or specialized roles such as health informatics director. Continuing education and professional development can also facilitate career growth.

  • How can I gain experience in Clinical Health IT Development?
    Look for internships or entry-level positions in healthcare IT, participate in relevant projects during your studies, or contribute to open-source health IT initiatives. Networking with professionals in the field can also provide mentorship and job opportunities.

  • What are the challenges faced by Clinical Health IT Developers?
    Common challenges include staying updated on evolving technology and regulations, managing complex data integration from various systems, and ensuring that software solutions meet the needs of both healthcare providers and patients.