FAQs about careers in health informatics
This page has some frequently asked questions about careers in health informatics.
- What is health informatics?
- How can I start a career in health informatics? What qualifications do I need?
- Where can I train for a career in health informatics?
- Where can I do a course in clinical coding?
- What roles are there in knowledge and library services?
- How can a background in IT help me to get a job in the health sector?
- Are there opportunities for computer programmers in the health sector?
- Where can I find more information about careers in health informatics?
What is health informatics?
Health informatics is an umbrella term referring to staff in the NHS who collate, manage, interpret and present patient information. They also manage the computer, telephony and other communications systems.
How can I start a career in health informatics? What qualifications do I need?
Some posts require few academic qualifications while others may need postgraduate qualifications or professional membership.
Where can I train for a career in health informatics?
In some careers, you will be trained on the job and some may be available as apprenticeships. For others you may need to have particular qualifications/experience/training already. Visit our explore roles pages about the different roles in health informatics.
Where can I do a course in clinical coding?
The Institute of Health Records and Information Management and the Health and Social Care Information Centre can provide more information about clinical coding and how to gain a recognised qualification to work in the NHS.
Find out more about the National Clinical Coding Qualification (UK).
What roles are there in knowledge and library services?
There are a variety of roles available, depending on where you're based. For example, you might be based in a hospital in a physical library for healthcare staff and patients. Or you could work in an office as part of a virtual service using technology to manage resources and deliver training. Alternately your role may involve outreach where you work remotely or go into the community to ensure healthcare staff such as GPs and physiotherapists have access to the evidence and information they need to make decisions. Some posts require academic qualifications while others may need postgraduate qualifications or professional membership.
Find out more about working in knowledge and library services.
How can a background in IT help me to get a job in the health sector?
Many skills, for example website development, gained outside the health sector can be transferred across. Visit our role pages about careers in health informatics, and in particular, the section on information and communication technology.
There are also roles in information management that may interest you. It is essential to read the person specification for any job vacancy you are considering. Visit the NHS Jobs website to search for vacancies.
Are there opportunities for computer programmers in the health sector?
Yes, there will be some opportunities in programming. Visit the NHS Jobs website to search for vacancies.
If you have particular programming languages/skills, you might want to search on these specifically on the site.
Where can I find more information about a career in health informatics?
You can find more information about careers in health informatics by visiting our explore roles section