Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Illinois Career Overview

As a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator, you hold a vital role within the healthcare and research sectors, bridging the gap between information technology and clinical science. Your responsibilities encompass managing and optimizing health information systems, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of patient care and medical research.

Key aspects of your role include:

  • Data Management: You are responsible for overseeing the organization, storage, and analysis of complex biomedical data. This includes electronic health records (EHR), research databases, and other healthcare-related information.

  • Collaboration: Working closely with healthcare professionals, researchers, and IT specialists is essential. You facilitate communication and collaboration among these groups to ensure that information flows seamlessly and supports clinical and research objectives.

  • Quality Improvement: Your efforts contribute to initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes and enhancing research capabilities. By implementing best practices in data governance and informatics protocols, you help ensure that healthcare providers have access to accurate and timely information.

  • Technology Implementation: You play a key role in the implementation and optimization of health information systems and tools. Your input is critical in selecting technologies that meet the needs of healthcare organizations and improve overall efficiency.

  • Compliance and Security: You must stay informed about healthcare regulations and ensure that all data management practices comply with legal and ethical standards. This not only protects patient information but also safeguards the integrity of research findings.

Overall, as a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator, you make significant contributions to the advancement of healthcare through effective data management and the application of informatics principles. Your role fosters innovation in patient care and scientific discovery, making it an integral part of modern healthcare systems.

Biomedical Informatics Coordinator Salary in Illinois

Annual Median: $75,620
Hourly Median: $36.36

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

Required Education To Become a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Illinois

To become a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator, you typically need a solid educational foundation, which includes the following degree programs:

  • Bioinformatics: A degree in bioinformatics provides you with knowledge in biology, computer science, and data analysis, enabling you to work with biological data and develop software tools to enhance health outcomes.

  • Biomedical Sciences: This program offers an understanding of the biological principles underlying health and disease. You will learn about the applications of biomedical research in healthcare, which is essential for coordinating informatics projects.

  • Health Information Management: A degree in health information management equips you with the skills to manage patient data and health information systems, ensuring data quality and compliance with healthcare regulations.

  • Medical Informatics: This program focuses on the application of informatics in medicine, integrating knowledge of clinical practice and technology to improve the quality of patient care.

  • Biomedical Technology: A degree in biomedical technology prepares you for the development and management of medical technology and devices, incorporating aspects of data management and analysis within clinical settings.

In addition to these degree programs, you may also consider pursuing certifications relevant to biomedical informatics to enhance your qualifications and expertise in the field.

Best Schools to become a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Illinois 2024

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL

In-State Tuition:$4,559
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,473
Admission Rate:44%
Graduation Rate:74%
Total Enrollment:49,600

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX

In-State Tuition:$8,815
Out-of-State Tuition:$36,239
Admission Rate:63%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:74,014

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

In-State Tuition:$4,478
Out-of-State Tuition:$19,810
Admission Rate:41%
Graduation Rate:76%
Total Enrollment:68,346

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

In-State Tuition:$12,900
Out-of-State Tuition:$30,600
Admission Rate:66%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:50,637

University of North Texas Health Science Center

Fort Worth, TX

In-State Tuition:$8,750
Out-of-State Tuition:$26,600
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:2,337
Biomedical Informatics Coordinator Job Description:
  • Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics.
  • Apply bioinformatics tools to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data.
  • May build and maintain databases for processing and analyzing genomic or other biological information.

Biomedical Informatics Coordinator Required Skills and Competencies in Illinois

  • Data Management: You need proficiency in organizing, analyzing, and interpreting healthcare data. Familiarity with databases and data integration techniques is essential.

  • Technical Proficiency: Understanding of health informatics systems, including electronic health records (EHR), clinical decision support systems, and data mining tools.

  • Communication Skills: You must effectively communicate complex information to a variety of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, IT professionals, and administrative staff.

  • Project Management: Skills in managing multiple projects, adhering to timelines, and coordinating with diverse teams are vital for successful implementation of informatics initiatives.

  • Problem-Solving Abilities: You should be adept at identifying issues related to data interoperability, system functionality, and user needs, proactively seeking solutions.

  • Clinical Knowledge: A strong understanding of healthcare processes, medical terminology, and clinical workflows helps you align informatics initiatives with the needs of the healthcare environment.

  • Analytical Thinking: You are expected to analyze trends in healthcare data and derive actionable insights to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

  • Regulatory Awareness: Knowledge of HIPAA and other regulatory requirements is important to ensure data security and compliance within healthcare settings.

  • Team Collaboration: Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is essential, as you will often work alongside clinicians, IT specialists, and administrators to achieve organizational goals.

  • Adaptability: Being flexible in a rapidly evolving field is important as you may need to adjust strategies quickly based on new technologies, regulations, or organizational needs.

Job Duties for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators

  • Analyze or manipulate bioinformatics data using software packages, statistical applications, or data mining techniques.

  • Extend existing software programs, web-based interactive tools, or database queries as sequence management and analysis needs evolve.

  • Maintain awareness of new and emerging computational methods and technologies.

Technologies and Skills Used by Biomedical Informatics Coordinators

Analytical or scientific software

  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • The MathWorks MATLAB

Object or component oriented development software

  • Perl
  • R

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Figuring out how to use new ideas or things
  • 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 Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Illinois

The job market for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators in Illinois is currently dynamic, influenced by the rapid advancements in healthcare technologies and the increasing need for data management in clinical settings.

  • Demand: There is a strong demand for professionals in biomedical informatics, driven by the ongoing digital transformation of healthcare systems. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of leveraging data to improve patient outcomes, streamline operations, and enhance research capabilities. This trend creates a robust demand for skilled coordinators who can integrate clinical data with informatics solutions.

  • Growth Potential: The biomedical informatics field is expected to experience significant growth over the next several years. As healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies continue to adopt electronic health records (EHRs) and other data-driven technologies, the need for dedicated professionals to oversee these systems will increase. Roles in this area may expand into new specialties, including personalized medicine and telehealth, further contributing to job growth.

  • Geographical Hotspots: Within Illinois, certain regions are particularly promising for biomedical informatics careers.

    • Chicago: As a major healthcare hub, the city hosts numerous hospitals, research institutions, and health technology companies, providing ample opportunities for biomedical informatics professionals.
    • Peoria: Home to several healthcare organizations and academic institutions, Peoria is emerging as a center for biomedical informatics roles, particularly in research-driven environments.
    • Champaign-Urbana: The presence of the University of Illinois and its research initiatives offers significant opportunities in innovation within biomedical informatics.
  • Industry Sectors: Various sectors are actively seeking biomedical informatics coordinators, including:

    • Hospitals and healthcare systems
    • Academic and research institutions
    • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
    • Health technology firms
  • Networking and Professional Organizations: Engaging with local professional organizations and networks can be beneficial for those looking to enter or advance in the biomedical informatics field. Illinois hosts several networking events, conferences, and workshops that can enhance visibility and provide access to job openings.

Overall, the job market for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators in Illinois is on an upward trajectory, offering promising opportunities for those willing to engage in this evolving field.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Illinois

  • American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
    Website: amia.org
    AMIA is a leading organization in the field of biomedical informatics. It offers resources, educational programs, and networking opportunities for professionals.

  • National Library of Medicine (NLM)
    Website: nlm.nih.gov
    The NLM provides access to numerous biomedical databases, tools, and research publications. It is a valuable resource for staying informed about the latest developments in biomedical informatics.

  • HealthIT.gov
    Website: healthit.gov
    This site provides information about health information technology initiatives, standards, and regulations. Resources available here can help you understand the role of informatics in healthcare delivery.

  • Bioinformatics.org
    Website: bioinformatics.org
    This is an online community dedicated to bioinformatics and computational biology, featuring articles, job postings, and an array of educational resources.

  • International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA)
    Website: imia-medinfo.org
    IMIA is a global organization promoting the advancement of medical informatics. It offers conferences, publications, and collaborative opportunities.

  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
    Website: nih.gov
    The NIH provides extensive research databases and funding opportunities relevant to biomedical research and informatics.

  • National Academy of Medicine (NAM)
    Website: nam.edu
    NAM publishes reports and research focusing on improving health care through evidence-based practices, including the use of informatics.

  • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
    Website: ahima.org
    AHIMA offers certifications, continuing education, and resources focused on health information management, which overlaps significantly with biomedical informatics.

  • Journal of Biomedical Informatics
    Website: journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-biomedical-informatics
    This peer-reviewed journal publishes research articles in the field of biomedical informatics, covering various topics relevant to your career.

  • LinkedIn Learning
    Website: linkedin.com/learning
    LinkedIn Learning offers several online courses in biomedical informatics and related subjects to enhance your skills and knowledge in this field.

  • Coursera
    Website: coursera.org
    Coursera features courses from universities worldwide covering biomedical informatics, health data analytics, and health information technology.

  • University of Illinois at Chicago - Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences
    Website: bhi.uic.edu
    UIC offers academic programs and resources specifically tailored to those interested in biomedical informatics.

These resources will help you stay informed and connected as you pursue a career as a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Illinois

  • What is a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator?
    A Biomedical Informatics Coordinator manages and analyzes health informatics systems to improve patient care and research outcomes. You will oversee data management, facilitate collaboration among healthcare providers, and ensure compliance with regulations.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator?
    Typically, you will need a bachelor’s degree in health informatics, information technology, or a related field. Many positions prefer candidates with a master’s degree and relevant certifications, such as Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) or Certified Informatics Professional (CIP).

  • What skills are important for a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator?
    Key skills include:

    • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
    • Familiarity with healthcare data standards and regulations
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
    • Proficiency in data analysis and database management software
    • Knowledge of clinical workflows and patient care processes
  • What are the primary responsibilities of a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator?
    Your main responsibilities will include:

    • Developing and implementing data management practices
    • Coordinating with IT and clinical staff to ensure efficient data access
    • Analyzing health data to drive decision-making
    • Training staff on new informatics tools and systems
    • Ensuring compliance with privacy and security regulations
  • Where can I find job opportunities as a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Illinois?
    Job opportunities can be found through:

    • Healthcare organizations, hospitals, and clinics in Illinois
    • Job boards specific to the healthcare industry
    • Professional associations, such as the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
    • Networking within local healthcare and technology communities
  • What is the job outlook for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators?
    The job outlook is favorable, with a growing demand for data-driven decision-making in healthcare. The increasing adoption of electronic health records (EHR) and telehealth initiatives contributes to the need for skilled informatics professionals.

  • What is the salary range for a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Illinois?
    The salary range typically varies based on experience, education, and the specific employer. As of now, the average salary in Illinois ranges from $70,000 to $100,000 annually, with potential for higher earnings in managerial roles or specialized positions.

  • Are there professional organizations I should consider joining?
    Yes, professional organizations such as:

    • American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
    • Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
    • Illinois Health Information Technology and Exchange (IL-HITEC)

    These organizations provide networking opportunities, resources, and industry updates.

  • Is continuing education important in this field?
    Yes, continuing education is essential to stay current with evolving technologies, regulations, and best practices in biomedical informatics. Consider pursuing relevant certifications and attending workshops or conferences to enhance your skills.

  • What career advancement opportunities are available for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators?
    With experience and further education, you may advance to roles such as Director of Informatics, Chief Information Officer (CIO), or specialized positions in clinical research or data governance.