How Business and IT Professionals Can Successfully Transition Into Health Informatics

As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, organizations are seeking professionals who can bridge the gap between clinical knowledge, business strategy and technology. If you're an experienced business or IT professional looking to transition into a rapidly growing, meaningful industry, earning a health informatics master's degree could be a strategic next step. 

This interdisciplinary field combines data, systems thinking and healthcare insight to drive improvements in patient care, operational efficiency and information management. Many professionals enter this field from roles such as business analyst, operations manager, compliance coordinator, IT technician or cybersecurity specialist. 

Why Health Informatics?

Health informatics is one of the fastest-growing sectors within the booming healthcare industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers — including roles in informatics — is projected to grow 29% from 2023 to 2033, far outpacing the average for all occupations. The BLS reported 2024 median annual salary for professionals in this category was $117,960. 

This growing demand is fueled by the healthcare industry’s ongoing need to manage data, optimize operations and improve outcomes in cost-effective, technology-enabled ways. 

What Is Health Informatics?

Health informatics is the science of using data, information systems, and technology to improve patient care, streamline healthcare delivery and support public health. It sits at the intersection of: 

• Business and operations 

• Information technology and data analytics 
• Healthcare systems and clinical processes 

Professionals in this field analyze data trends, implement healthcare technologies and drive strategic decision-making to enhance care delivery. 

Is Health Informatics a Fit for Business Professionals?

Simply put – yes! Many students pursuing a master’s in health informatics come from business, management, IT or consulting backgrounds. Their skills in systems thinking, communication, project management and strategic planning translate well to health informatics roles. 

Key transferable skills include: 

• Understanding of business operations and technology workflows 

• Ability to analyze and visualize data for decision-making 

• Consulting skills to align technology with user needs 
• Experience integrating people, processes, and systems 

While a clinical background can be helpful, it’s not required. A quality health informatics program will provide the healthcare-specific context and training needed to succeed. 

Building Healthcare Knowledge Without Clinical Experience

If you're entering the healthcare space for the first time, don’t worry — master’s programs are designed to build foundational healthcare knowledge. You’ll learn how policies, processes, and systems function across the healthcare landscape and how to use data to improve outcomes. 

For example, The University of Scranton’s master’s in health Informatics offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes: 

• Healthcare policy and systems management 

• Business intelligence and data analytics 

• Information technology in healthcare 
• Communications and leadership in health informatics 

The program also offers opportunities to focus on a specific area of expertise, with specializations in Data Analytics and Health Leadership. 

Career Outlook and Opportunities

With a master’s degree, you can pursue a variety of health informatics careers depending on your interests and background, such as: 

• Health informatics analyst 
• Clinical systems manager
• EHR implementation specialist 
• Healthcare data consultant 
• Privacy or compliance officer
• Population health data analyst 

These roles can be found in hospitals, health systems, insurance companies, consulting firms, public health organizations and tech companies supporting the healthcare sector. 

Prepare for a High-Impact Career with Scranton’s MS in Health Informatics

Whether you're pivoting from business, IT or another field, The University of Scranton’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics provides a flexible, career-focused path to enter this dynamic industry. 

Taught by expert faculty with real-world experience, the program emphasizes both technical and leadership competencies — including data analysis, communication and healthcare systems thinking. In addition to on-campus courses, the online format allows working professionals to learn on their own schedule without sacrificing quality. 

Be a Part of Healthcare’s Digital Transformation

As healthcare continues to rely more on data, analytics and integrated systems, the need for health informatics professionals will only grow. With the right training, you can position yourself at the forefront of this revolution — helping to shape the future of care. 

Learn more about how the University of Scranton can help you transition into this high-growth field.

Explore the online MS in Health Informatics program today!