What Is a Healthcare Data Analyst?
Healthcare data analysts develop, analyze, model, and document healthcare information related to insurance claims and costs. They use software and statistics to provide data support, perform research, and improve information quality and accuracy. These specifically trained analysts provide actionable knowledge that doctors, clinical researchers, and decision-makers can use.
Many of these workers spend a great deal of time sitting and viewing computer monitors. Jobs are typically full-time, and some evening or weekend hours may be needed.
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree preferred |
| Degree Field | Health informatics, health information management |
| Experience | 2-5 years of related experience |
| Licensure and Certification | Certification is available through AHIMA but is optional |
| Key Skills & Expertise | Ability to work independently, strong organizational skills, computer skills, analytical, mathematics and communication skills |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $63,869 |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029)** | 8% (for all medical records and health information technicians) |
Sources: Job postings from multiple employers (March 2020), American Health Information Management Association, *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Do Healthcare Analysts Do?
Healthcare data analysts collect and interpret data from multiple sources, such as electronic health records, cost reports, or insurance billing claims to help health organizations improve the quality of care offered and economic business operations. As data is one of the most vital fields of information available to businesses, having employees who can collect, accumulate, restore, and present that data in cohesive and coherent ways is crucial. Below is a list of key skills required for the healthcare analyst career path.
- Use data modeling - writing code that models real-world processes and workflow
- Perform export, transform, and load (ETL) processes - this is the knowledge to take information from one system and be able to move it to another
- Knowledge of structured query language (SQL) - this refers to the ability to speak to and manipulate databases through code
- Use data analysis - examining and exploring data in the enterprise data warehouse to ensure its clarity
- Narrate visualizations - provide a logical flow of data, incorporate multiple meanings to create a larger vision
- Possess business intelligence (BI) in reporting - the ability to present data in an understandable and intuitive way for individuals not versed as technical users
How to Become a Healthcare Data Analyst
Let's go over some of the steps to entering this field.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree program in health information management or health informatics can help prepare students for a career in health data analysis, and many employers prefer that healthcare data analysts have earned an undergraduate degree. Some schools offer programs that combine health information management and informatics. These programs may include coursework in anatomy and physiology, healthcare laws and ethics, medical terminology, database design, electronic medical records, coding procedures, and health information technology. Most schools require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
Step 2: Gain Work Experience
Most healthcare data analysts need at least two years of healthcare-related work experience. A position in medical economics, health information technology, medical office administration, or managed care finance can provide the software and data management skills necessary for a health data analysis position. Once candidates have the required experience, they can seek employment at health benefits or data information companies, as well as state public health centers.
Step 3: Become a Certified Health Data Analyst
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offers a certified health data analyst (CHDA) exam that provides distinction and proof of competency in the field. Healthcare data analytics certification requirements vary, but include having a bachelor's degree combined with three years of professional experience. Applicants must pass a written exam to become certified. Gaining certification can advance the career of a healthcare data analyst, setting them apart from others in their field.
Step 4: Advance Your Career
Although you do not need a certificate or graduate degree to become a healthcare data analyst, possessing one can greatly increase your prospect of getting hired, as well as qualify you for senior positions with greater salary opportunities. Health data analytics certification involves learning about acquiring, managing, analyzing, and transforming data into accurate information. Those who hold a healthcare data analyst certification are trained to balance the larger picture of strategic vision with the more detail focused items of everyday tasks.
If you are interested in a graduate program, a Master of Science in Health Analytics (MSHA) could prepare you for learning more advanced topics in the field. Most of these degree programs can be completed in two years if attending school full time. Course topics include practical machine learning, data visualization, and text mining. These programs offer options for specific focus in healthcare data analysis, such as what is needed to become a public health data analyst or the courses needed for a medical data analyst education. Many graduate degrees with medical data analyst training are available as online or hybrid learning methods.
Medical data analyst education and training requirements include a degree in health information management and on-the-job experience. Voluntary certification can also help an individual secure a job as a healthcare data analyst.
