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Chief Information Officer |
Career OverviewThe chief information officer is an important part of the management team. Their focus is to hire, training and support the technical and information technology staff that is needed to keep the hospital communicating and running. The chief information officer is often responsible for working with various departments with regards to budget, expansions, staff development and data processing, entry and analysis throughout the hospital or healthcare facility.
A chief information officer must be very aware of the new trends and future directions of technology and is responsible for ensuring that the hospital has the necessary technology to keep optimally functioning.
This means the at chief information officer may be involved in purchasing computers, wireless communication systems, bedside computerized charts and record keeping, state of the art software programs as well as troubleshooting any problems with the existing systems. They may also be required to liaison with outside vendors and contractors during the purchase and installation of new technologies and systems within the facility.
Chief information officers are also key in developing policies and protocols around the various new technologies. Identity theft and confidentially with regards to data entry and exchange is usually a key component of the chief information officers job description.
A chief information officer usually works standard business hours although they may be required to be available additional hours when changes are being made in the various systems. They should be very comfortable with using, programming and training others to work with various technologies. Knowledge of hardware and software, as well as computers, communication tools and other computerized processes is also critical.
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Career RequirementsMost chief information officers have a Masters in Business Administration or Healthcare Administration with a major in a computing science or related field. They may also have a Master in Computing Science or Information Technology or related degree. The chief information officer usually will have extensive experience working in some aspect of information technology and may have experience working for ISP’s or other technology based companies.
As a senior management position the chief information officer usually be required to have at least 7 to 10 years of experience working in hospitals or healthcare facilities.
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Job OutlookThe demand for chief information officers is estimated to increase slightly more than some of the other senior management positions within the healthcare industry. This trend is occurring for two reasons, the first one is that more facilities are opening which creates new job positions and the second factor being the increase in the dependence on technology within the healthcare field.
According to the United States Department of Labor this trend should continue for the next several years in the same fashion.
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Career TrackOnce individuals reach the position of chief information officer there is little movement however some do choose to go into other management positions within the company. In addition some chief information officers may also decide to become consultants or be self-employed to help new hospitals or existing facilities upgrade their current systems.
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CompensationA chief information officer can anticipate earning between $100,000 and $300,000 in most cases. Some very large facilities or healthcare companies, especially those that are privately owned may pay significantly more than that. There is usually a bonus per year for chief information officers which can significantly increase the yearly salary.
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