How to Use Your IT Degree for a Job in Healthcare

Information technology (IT) and healthcare may not seem like two related industries at first glance, but IT is an extremely versatile degree that prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed to enter a variety of fields.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in pursuing an IT degree for a position in the healthcare industry:

What is IT and Why is it Important for Healthcare?

IT leverages technology for various businesses and organizations to help prevent, manage and solve problems through networking, computer science, programming, data storage and more.

Earning your degree in IT can simultaneously prepare you to enter the healthcare field. Technology plays an important role in healthcare, helping to improve overall patient care by providing accurate records that increase patient safety and help healthcare providers better treat their patients. The growing role of telehealth is also changing how nurses deliver patient care. A degree in IT prepares you for a variety of jobs that can apply to healthcare, including:

• IT support specialist
• Computer and information systems managers
• Systems analyst
• Network architect

How to Start a Career in IT and Healthcare

To get a position as an IT professional, you’ll likely need some sort of formal education.

Herzing University’s IT degree programs are offered 100% online, which allows students to pursue their career goals at their own pace and at home. Students can choose to earn an IT certificate in as few as 8 months, an associate in information technology in as few as 16 months, or bachelor’s degree in as few as 32 months. Both pathways provide the skills and knowledge you need to work in technology. 

Additionally, Herzing’s IT programs are transfer-friendly. Students sometimes can transfer up to 90 approved credits which prevents them from having to retake courses.

Not only is the IT industry growing, but there’s also room to advance your degree. If you want to advance your career, Herzing’s IT pathway allows students to earn up to 12 credits toward their Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Herzing offers several MBA degree concentrations including technology management and data analytics.

All of Herzing’s IT degrees also prepare students for sought-after certifications including CompTIA Security+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). While certifications aren’t always required by employers, they offer a competitive advantage that differentiates you from other applicants.

In addition to earning your degree and completing the necessary certifications, it also helps to hone communication, strategic thinking, leadership and problem-solving skills that will help you succeed in both the IT and healthcare fields.

Other Ways to Enter the Healthcare Industry as an IT Professional

There are a few other similar technology degree programs that are just as in-demand as IT within the healthcare industry:

• Technology management: If you’re interested in pursuing a managerial role, Herzing’s technology management bachelor's degree program is a good place to start. It typically takes about 36 months to complete, and upon completion, you can be ready to apply for jobs including IT project manager, data processing manager, information systems manager and more.
• Cybersecurity: Patient data needs to be protected, which is why cybersecurity plays such a crucial role in the healthcare industry. Within Herzing’s cybersecurity degree program, you’ll take courses in ethical hacking, network defense, cyber law and ethics and more.
• Computer networking: With a degree in computer networking, you can land a variety of jobs, including network and computer systems administrator, computer and information systems manager, computer network architect and computer systems analyst. Herzing’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Networking prepares you to configure and protect computer networks for hospitals, universities, businesses and more.