Not only is health information technology (IT) a fast-growing field, but it offers good wages and a high degree of job satisfaction, according to a new survey conducted by the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida.
USF partnered with online education facilitator Bisk Education to conduct the survey in collaboration with Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), a nonprofit that focuses on better health through IT.
Health IT is a new field with few reliable statistics, so the survey, which will be conducted annually, “aims to become the known source of information on the field,” according to a news release.
Health IT “is a broad concept that encompasses an array of technologies to store, share and analyze health information,” according to HealthIT.gov. “
The survey of 404 respondents from seven countries and 42 U.S. states compiled 51 data points.
Survey Data
Key findings of the survey included:
- Seventy respondents earned more than $130,000 annually, while more than 50 others earned between $101,000 and $130,000. Nearly 100 more IT professionals earned between $71,000 and $100,000. Approximately 60 respondents reported earning $50,000 or less.
- Job satisfaction was high, with 140 people saying they were “very satisfied” with their career, while just 18 said they were “very dissatisfied.” Another 100 were “somewhat satisfied.” The findings also revealed a correlation between level of education and job satisfaction.
- Results showed that IT professionals are typically well educated, with 200 professionals stating they had earned a bachelor’s degree, 100 people saying they had attained a master’s degree and 50 reporting they had completed a doctorate. Not surprisingly, the higher the degree, the higher the average pay. In addition, the higher the degree an IT professional attained, the higher their level of job satisfaction.
“This new data proves the value that continued education has on a health IT professional’s career. We look forward to continued growth of this profession,” Bisk Education President Mike Bisk said.
- Respondents shared that sense of optimism. There were 337 people who said they expect career growth over the next five years, compared to 41 people who were pessimistic.
“This survey is a valuable product that shows how people in this field are enjoying what they do and are proud of making a big difference in healthcare,” HIMSS said in a statement.
- Health IT professional tend to have long, stable careers. Roughly 120 of the respondents reported being in their current role more than 10 years, and another 60 said they were in the same position for six to 10 years. Less than 120 people had been in their position for two years or fewer.
- Very few job titles are alike. Of the 404 respondents, 303 of them reported unique job titles.
- Women have made huge strides in the field, as 204 of the respondents were women, compared to 172 men.
- Florida is booming in terms of health IT. More than a quarter of the respondents were based in Florida, with other hotbeds in Indiana, Washington, Pennsylvania and New Mexico.
