Clinical Health IT Developer in Oklahoma Career Overview

As a Clinical Health IT Developer, you play a vital role in the intersection of healthcare and technology. Your primary responsibility involves designing, developing, and implementing software systems that support healthcare providers and enhance patient care.

Key aspects of the role include:

  • System Implementation: You work with clinical systems to ensure they meet the specific needs of healthcare facilities. This includes integrating electronic health records (EHR) and other health information technology solutions.

  • Software Development: Utilizing your coding and programming skills, you create applications that streamline clinical workflows, making processes more efficient for healthcare professionals.

  • User Support and Training: Providing training and ongoing support for healthcare staff is essential. You ensure that users can effectively utilize the technology to improve patient outcomes and data management.

  • Compliance and Security: You help ensure that healthcare IT systems comply with regulations and standards, such as HIPAA, safeguarding sensitive patient information against breaches and ensuring data integrity.

  • Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals: Your role often involves collaboration with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff to understand their workflows and pain points, allowing you to develop tailored technology solutions that meet their needs.

  • Continuous Improvement and Innovation: The healthcare industry is constantly evolving. You are tasked with staying updated on the latest healthcare technologies and trends, continually refining and enhancing systems to better serve patients and providers.

By integrating advanced technologies into clinical settings, you help enhance the overall efficiency and quality of care in healthcare organizations. Your contributions significantly impact the effectiveness of healthcare delivery, ultimately leading to better patient health outcomes.

Clinical Health IT Developer Salary in Oklahoma

Annual Median: $99,590
Hourly Median: $47.88

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 Oklahoma

To become a Clinical Health IT Developer, you must acquire specific educational qualifications and training. The following degree programs are relevant for this career pathway:

  • Bioinformatics
    This program focuses on the intersection of biology and computer science. It equips you with the skills needed for managing and analyzing biological data, which is critical in developing health informatics applications.

  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
    This degree provides a foundation in healthcare administration. You will learn about the organization and management of healthcare services, including information systems that support medical operations.

  • Health Information Management
    This program covers the collection, analysis, and protection of medical information and data. You will gain expertise in the management of health information systems, crucial for developing and maintaining clinical applications.

  • Health Information Technology
    This degree emphasizes the technical aspects of managing health information systems. You will learn about electronic health records and health IT applications, which are essential for implementing technology in clinical settings.

  • Computer and Information Sciences
    Pursuing this degree will provide you with a solid understanding of computing, systems analysis, and software development. Skills acquired in this program are directly applicable to creating and optimizing health IT solutions.

Each of these degree programs will enable you to build a strong foundation for a career as a Clinical Health IT Developer. Consider pursuing relevant internships or certification programs in addition to your degree to further enhance your qualifications.

Best Schools to become a Clinical Health IT Developer in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma

  • Technical Proficiency
    Possess a strong understanding of healthcare information systems, including Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Health Information Exchange (HIE) platforms. Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript is essential for effective software development.

  • Data Management Skills
    Demonstrate the ability to design, integrate, and manage databases effectively. Proficiency in SQL and knowledge of data modeling techniques are important for ensuring accurate data storage and retrieval.

  • Knowledge of Healthcare Regulations
    Understand healthcare laws and regulations, including HIPAA, to ensure compliance in software development. Familiarity with standards like HL7 and FHIR is also beneficial for integrating systems across various platforms.

  • Analytical Skills
    Utilize strong analytical abilities to assess complex problems and identify effective solutions. Being able to interpret data and generate reports will enhance decision-making processes in clinical settings.

  • Attention to Detail
    Maintain meticulous attention to detail to ensure software accuracy and security. This is particularly important in environments where patient data is handled to prevent errors that could have serious implications.

  • Project Management Abilities
    Exhibit project management skills to oversee the development lifecycle from conception to deployment. Familiarity with Agile or Scrum methodologies can enhance efficiency in achieving project goals.

  • Communication Skills
    Possess strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals, IT teams, and stakeholders. The ability to translate technical jargon into understandable terms for non-technical staff is critical.

  • Problem-Solving Skills
    Approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, using logical reasoning to troubleshoot issues as they arise. Your ability to adapt and find innovative solutions will contribute to the success of IT projects.

  • User-Centric Design Experience
    Understand the importance of user experience (UX) in healthcare applications. Skills in user interface (UI) design and usability testing will help create intuitive software that meets the needs of healthcare practitioners and patients.

  • Continuous Learning Attitude
    Display a commitment to ongoing education and staying current with technological advancements and industry trends. Engaging in professional development opportunities will enhance your skill set and keep you competitive in the field.

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 Oklahoma

The job market for Clinical Health IT Developers in Oklahoma is experiencing a positive shift, driven by the increasing digitization of healthcare and the need for innovative technological solutions. Here are the key factors influencing the current landscape:

  • High Demand: With the growth of electronic health records (EHR) systems, telehealth applications, and data analytics in healthcare, there is a robust demand for skilled Clinical Health IT Developers. Healthcare organizations are prioritizing the development and enhancement of IT solutions to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

  • Growth Potential: The healthcare technology sector is expected to continue expanding as more facilities adopt advanced IT systems. This expansion is creating numerous opportunities for developers who can navigate the complexities of healthcare regulations and ensure compliance with standards such as HIPAA.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Oklahoma City: The state's capital is home to several major healthcare providers and hospitals, creating a significant number of job openings for IT professionals. The convergence of healthcare and technology initiatives is particularly evident here.
    • Tulsa: This city has a growing number of health technology startups and established healthcare institutions looking for developers proficient in health IT systems.
    • Norman: With the presence of the University of Oklahoma and various healthcare facilities, Norman is emerging as a smaller but promising location for Clinical Health IT jobs.
    • Lawton: The city’s healthcare sector is also expanding, leading to opportunities in health IT as local providers seek enhancements in their IT capabilities.

  • Impact of Telehealth: The rise in telehealth services, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, has accelerated the need for Clinical Health IT Developers who can create and maintain secure virtual care platforms. This shift is opening doors for remote work arrangements as well.

  • Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Partnerships between healthcare organizations and universities in Oklahoma are fostering innovation and development in health IT. This collaborative environment can offer pathways for aspiring developers to gain hands-on experience through internships and projects.

As you navigate the job market, consider these dynamics, locations, and growth drivers to better position yourself for opportunities in the Clinical Health IT Developer field.

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 Oklahoma

Utilizing these resources will enhance your knowledge and support your professional development as a Clinical Health IT Developer in Oklahoma.

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

  • What does a Clinical Health IT Developer do? A Clinical Health IT Developer specializes in creating and maintaining software applications and systems used in healthcare settings. This includes electronic health records (EHRs), patient management systems, and telehealth applications, aimed at improving health data management.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Clinical Health IT Developer? Typically, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is required. A background in healthcare or a healthcare-related degree can also be beneficial. Knowledge of programming languages, databases, and healthcare regulations (such as HIPAA) is essential.

  • Are there certifications that can enhance my career as a Clinical Health IT Developer? Yes, obtaining relevant certifications like Certified Health Informatics Systems Professional (CHISP) or Health Information Technology (HIT) certification can enhance your qualifications and may improve your employability in the field.

  • What programming languages should I learn? Familiarity with programming languages such as Java, C#, Python, or JavaScript is advantageous. Knowledge of SQL and other database management languages is also important for handling health data.

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

    • Software development and programming
    • Knowledge of health IT standards and regulations
    • Problem-solving and analytical thinking
    • Strong communication skills to collaborate with healthcare professionals

  • What is the job outlook for Clinical Health IT Developers in Oklahoma? The demand for Clinical Health IT Developers is expected to grow as healthcare facilities increasingly adopt technology to improve patient care and operational efficiency. The ongoing digital transformation in healthcare will continue to create job opportunities in this field.

  • What type of work environment can I expect? Clinical Health IT Developers typically work in offices within healthcare organizations, technology firms, or healthcare consulting companies. Remote work opportunities are also available, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the acceptance of telecommuting.

  • How much can I expect to earn as a Clinical Health IT Developer in Oklahoma? Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and specific job roles. Generally, Clinical Health IT Developers in Oklahoma can expect to earn a salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 per year, with potential for higher earnings in larger healthcare organizations or specialized roles.

  • Are there opportunities for advancement in this career? Yes, career advancement is possible. With experience, you can move into senior developer positions, project management roles, or health IT consultancy. Further education or specialized certifications can enhance advancement opportunities.

  • What are some common employers for Clinical Health IT Developers? Common employers include hospitals, health systems, private medical practices, health information technology companies, and government agencies focused on public health and technology.

  • Is experience in the healthcare industry necessary? While not always required, having experience or knowledge of healthcare processes and terminology can be beneficial. Understanding the clinical environment helps in developing effective health IT solutions.