29 Jan Health IT Job Spotlight: Healthcare Systems Analyst
The digitization of hospitals and doctors’ offices has created a high demand for computer systems analysts. These experts are charged with several important tasks, two of which are of paramount importance. First, they implement computer system requirements by defining and analyzing system problems. Second, they design and test standards and solutions.
In addition to possessing serious technical chops, systems analysts must have superior personal communication and interpersonal skills. They provide technical, analytic and administrative support for the hospital or office, so being able to communicate effectively is a key skill.
Typical Responsibilities of a Systems Analyst
- Define application problems by interfacing with key stakeholders
- Evaluate procedures and processes
- Develop solutions by preparing and evaluating alternative workflow ideas
- Manage solutions by establishing specifications
- Coordinate production with programmers
- Validate results by testing programs
- Ensure operation by training client personnel and providing support
- Provide written documentation
- Accomplish information systems and organization mission by completing related results as needed
- Keep technical knowledge up to date by participating in trainings, professional development seminars, and maintaining professional connections
How to Get Hired as a Systems Analyst
What qualifications should a systems analyst already have? In many cases, a bachelor’s degree is necessary, but some employers are satisfied with equivalent work experience. There are a few areas of specialization for a systems analyst: finance and laboratory. Both of these typically require additional training and knowledge of finance or laboratory programs and applications.
Other standard qualifications may include:
- Healthcare background
- 3-5 years experience working in application support
- Software implementation experience: Design, Documentation, Testing, Maintenance, Development Process, Requirements, Architecture
- Excellent communications and interpersonal skills
- Strong process improvement skills and sometimes certifications in LEAN or Six Sigma
- Some understanding of healthcare applications software and processes
If you have experience with systems analysis and are thinking of looking for a new job, now is a terrific time. Most industries have seen an upsurge in hiring over the past several months, but the healthcare industry is in the greatest need of talent.
The typical salary range for a Healthcare Systems Analyst ranges from about $59,000 to $96,000 depending on location, size of enterprise, and your qualifications. Candidates with the most desirable skills and experience will naturally be able to command a higher salary, and in some cases, hospitals experiencing a severe talent drought may even offer a signing bonus.
Be sure to check out our job postings to discover which companies are hiring Healthcare Systems Analysts right now.