Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Minnesota Career Overview

As a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator, your role is integral to the integration of healthcare and data science. You will focus on effectively managing medical data systems and facilitating the use of informatics to improve healthcare outcomes.

  • You play a key role in implementing and optimizing electronic health records (EHR) systems, which are vital for streamlining patient care and enhancing communication among healthcare providers.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure that data is accurately captured, stored, and analyzed, which supports clinical decision-making, research, and policy development.

  • Your work may involve collaborating with healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and researchers to identify needs and develop solutions that enhance data flow and usability within healthcare environments.

  • You will also be tasked with monitoring compliance with healthcare regulations and standards, ensuring that patient data is protected while being utilized effectively for public health improvements.

  • Part of your role includes educating staff on informatics tools and best practices, empowering team members to leverage technology in their daily operations.

  • By facilitating data-driven insights, you contribute significantly to improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and advancing medical research initiatives.

This career connects the dots between technology and patient care, making it essential in today’s advanced healthcare landscape.

Required Education To Become a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Minnesota

To become a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator, you will need to pursue specific educational qualifications and training relevant to the field. The following college degree programs are commonly recognized as pathways to this career:

  • Bioinformatics: A degree in bioinformatics offers a solid foundation in both biology and information technology, emphasizing the analysis of biological data through computational methods.

  • Biomedical Sciences: This program typically covers a broad range of topics related to human health and disease, which is essential for understanding the medical context of informatics.

  • Health Information Management: This degree focuses on the management of patient data and may include training in health data systems, regulations, and compliance, all of which are important for coordination roles.

  • Medical Informatics: A specialized program that blends healthcare and technology, medical informatics prepares you to oversee the use of data and information systems in clinical settings.

  • Biomedical Technology: Training in biomedical technology provides practical experience with the tools and technologies used in healthcare, along with a grasp of the underlying scientific principles.

Each of these programs typically leads to a bachelor's degree, with many professionals pursuing further education such as a master’s degree in a related field to enhance their qualifications. Real-world experience through internships or relevant work positions may also be beneficial in conjunction with your academic background.

Best Schools to become a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Minnesota 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 Minnesota

  • Analytical Skills: You must be able to evaluate complex data sets and interpret findings to improve healthcare outcomes. Strong analytical skills help you identify trends and implement effective solutions.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with health informatics tools, electronic health records (EHR), and data management systems is essential. You need to be adept at using software applications that support biomedical data analysis and information exchange.

  • Project Management: Demonstrating strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is important. You should be able to plan, execute, and oversee initiatives that enhance biomedical informatics processes.

  • Communication Skills: You are required to effectively convey technical information to diverse audiences, including healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and administrative staff. Both written and verbal communication skills are critical for reporting findings and facilitating discussions.

  • Problem-Solving Abilities: The capacity to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement solutions in a timely manner is important. Your role often requires you to address challenges that arise during data integration and system implementation.

  • Knowledge of Regulatory Standards: Understanding HIPAA and various healthcare regulations is essential. You need to ensure compliance with legal requirements related to data privacy and security.

  • Interpersonal Skills: You should build strong relationships with colleagues across disciplines. Collaboration with healthcare providers, researchers, and technologists is vital for successful project outcomes.

  • Attention to Detail: You must pay close attention to data accuracy and quality. Your work depends on the integrity of the information processed and analyzed.

  • Adaptability: The healthcare landscape is continuously evolving, and you should be open to learning and adapting to new technologies and methodologies in biomedical informatics.

  • Leadership Skills: If tasked with leading projects or teams, you will need to inspire, motivate, and guide others in achieving strategic objectives within the realm of biomedical informatics.

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 Minnesota

The job market for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators in Minnesota is currently characterized by strong demand, particularly as healthcare organizations increasingly adopt data-driven approaches to improve patient care and operational efficiency. Here are key points to consider:

  • Growing Demand: Healthcare institutions are recognizing the importance of integrating informatics into their operations. This has resulted in heightened demand for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators who can manage and interpret complex health data effectively.

  • Sector Growth: The healthcare sector as a whole is experiencing substantial growth, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development projecting continued expansion in healthcare roles, including informatics positions, due to an aging population and advances in medical technology.

  • Workforce Shortage: There is a relative shortage of qualified candidates in the field of biomedical informatics. This shortage provides significant opportunities for professionals entering the market, as employers are actively seeking individuals with the right expertise.

  • Geographical Hotspots: Certain areas in Minnesota are more favorable for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators due to the concentration of healthcare organizations. Key locations include:

    • Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area: Home to major hospitals, research institutions, and healthcare technology companies, this region boasts numerous opportunities in biomedical informatics.
    • Rochester: Known for the Mayo Clinic, Rochester offers a burgeoning environment for biomedical informatics professionals, particularly in clinical data management and analytics.
    • Duluth: This growing healthcare hub is also showing promise for informatics roles, as organizations look to enhance their data utilization capabilities.
  • Diverse Opportunities: Biomedical Informatics Coordinators can find positions across various sectors, including hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions. This diversity allows for specialization in areas such as clinical informatics, public health informatics, and laboratory informatics.

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The role often involves working closely with healthcare providers, IT specialists, and data analysts. As healthcare increasingly integrates with technology, the need for coordinators who can bridge these domains elevates job prospects.

  • Impact of Telehealth: The rise of telehealth services has further increased the demand for informatics roles. Coordinators are essential in managing the data and technology that support remote patient care, making it a valuable area of growth.

Overall, the environment for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators in Minnesota is robust and burgeoning, with ample opportunities for career advancement and specialization in an increasingly critical field in healthcare.

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

  • American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)

    • Website: www.amia.org
    • Description: A professional organization dedicated to the development of the science of informatics and its application in biomedical research, education, and practice.
  • HealthIT.gov

    • Website: www.healthit.gov
    • Description: This site offers resources on health information technology, including information on Electronic Health Records (EHR), interoperability, and the impact of health IT on healthcare quality.
  • National Library of Medicine (NLM)

    • Website: www.nlm.nih.gov
    • Description: As part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NLM provides access to a vast array of biomedical literature and resources, including resources in bioinformatics.
  • The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

    • Website: www.ahima.org
    • Description: An organization for health information professionals, AHIMA offers certifications, resources, and education on health information management and informatics.
  • Clinical Research Informatics Network (CRIN)

    • Website: www.crinformatics.org
    • Description: Focused on the advancement of clinical research informatics, CRIN provides networking opportunities, resources, and educational materials for informatics professionals.
  • The Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM)

    • Website: www.siim.org
    • Description: This organization promotes the effective use of imaging informatics and provides resources for professionals interested in imaging data management.
  • Bioinformatics.org

    • Website: www.bioinformatics.org
    • Description: A community-driven site that offers tutorials, articles, and other educational resources in the field of bioinformatics.
  • PubMed Central (PMC)

    • Website: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc
    • Description: A free digital repository that archives publicly accessible full-text scholarly articles in the biomedical and life sciences.
  • Minnesota Department of Health

    • Website: www.health.state.mn.us
    • Description: Provides information on public health initiatives in Minnesota, which may include policies and programs relevant to biomedical informatics.
  • The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)

    • Website: www.healthit.gov/oncdirector
    • Description: ONC leads the national effort to build a health information technology infrastructure, providing various resources and guidance for health IT professionals.

These resources can provide you with valuable insights, current research, and networking opportunities as you further your career as a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator in Minnesota.

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

  • What is the role of a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator? A Biomedical Informatics Coordinator works to improve healthcare delivery by managing and analyzing health data, implementing informatics solutions, and facilitating communication between healthcare providers and IT professionals. They ensure that information systems support clinical practices and research.

  • What educational background is required for this position? Typically, a bachelor’s degree in health informatics, biomedical informatics, computer science, or a related field is required. Many employers prefer candidates with advanced degrees, such as a master’s or Ph.D. in health informatics or public health, especially for higher-level positions.

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

    • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
    • Proficiency in data management and database systems
    • Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) and health information exchange (HIE)
    • Effective communication and teamwork skills
    • Understanding of healthcare regulations and compliance issues
  • What types of organizations employ Biomedical Informatics Coordinators? You can find opportunities in various settings, including:

    • Hospitals and healthcare systems
    • Government agencies
    • Research institutions
    • Health insurance companies
    • Non-profit organizations focused on public health
  • What are the job prospects for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators in Minnesota? Job prospects remain strong in Minnesota, as the demand for health informatics professionals continues to grow with the increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making in healthcare. The expansion of telehealth and digital health records also fosters demand for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators.

  • What are the typical job responsibilities of a Biomedical Informatics Coordinator? Responsibilities typically include:

    • Managing health information systems and data analytics projects
    • Collaborating with healthcare providers to enhance workflow efficiency
    • Developing protocols for data entry and management
    • Training staff on using informatics tools and systems
    • Evaluating and implementing new technology solutions to improve patient care
  • Are there certification options for Biomedical Informatics professionals? Yes, various certification programs are available, such as:

    • Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)
    • Certified Health Informatics Systems Professional (CHISP)
    • Health Informatics Certification through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
  • What is the salary range for Biomedical Informatics Coordinators in Minnesota? Salaries can vary widely based on experience, education, and the specific employer. In Minnesota, you might expect a salary range from approximately $70,000 to $110,000 annually, with the potential for higher earnings in senior roles or specialized settings.

  • How can I gain experience in this field? Building experience can be achieved through:

    • Internships or co-op programs during your education
    • Involvement in related projects during your studies
    • Networking with professionals in the field through informational interviews
    • Volunteering in healthcare settings or informatics projects to gain practical skills
  • What advancements or career paths are available in Biomedical Informatics? You can pursue various career paths, including:

    • Senior informatics roles such as Director of Informatics
    • Specializations in clinical informatics, public health informatics, or data analytics
    • Academic roles in teaching and research related to health informatics
    • Consulting positions with healthcare technology firms or advisory services