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Health Information Technology Specialist: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you a computer whiz? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment? Then you may want to consider a career as a health information technology specialist.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Emerging Occupations

Health Information Technology Specialist

This is an emerging occupation. It may have evolved from an existing occupation or appeared in response to consumer needs or technological advances.

In general, health information technology specialists plan, develop, test and use software. They capture, manage and display health care-related records and databases. They study health care data.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Clinical Informatics Specialist, Clinical Information Systems Specialist, Health Information Analyst, Health Information Technician, Health Information Technologist, Medical Information Systems Specialist, Medical Information Systems Technician

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 1122: Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management*
  • 2171: Information Systems Analysts and Consultants*

2006 NOC-S

  • B022: Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management*
  • C071: Information Systems Analysts and Consultants*

2011 NOC

  • 1122: Professional occupations in business management consulting*
  • 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants*

2016 NOC

  • 1122: Professional occupations in business management consulting*
  • 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants*

2021 NOC

  • 11201: Professional occupations in business management consulting*
  • 21221: Business systems specialists*

2023 OaSIS

  • 11201.00: Professional occupations in business management consulting*
  • 21221.00: Business system specialists*

*This NOC group is considered similar to the Health Information Technology Specialist occupation. Because this occupation is only similar to the NOC group, related details and labour market information may not be accurate.

Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Health information technology (HIT) specialists work with health care-related software and information technology (IT). This technology is designed to capture, manage, and display health-related records, databases, and information.

Health information applications can improve the level of care hospitals and clinics provide. They can also reduce administrative costs and provide records that may be needed in legal cases.

In general, HIT specialists perform the following duties:

  • help address IT requirements in the health care sector
  • provide clinical subject matter expertise throughout the design, planning, and roll-out phases of new and updated technologies
  • make sure software or IT solutions meet user needs
  • help acquire software or IT systems
  • work with stakeholders to identify, understand, and document required concepts and clinical care processes
  • develop, customize and test software or IT
  • use or install software or IT solutions and help clients or co-workers do the same
  • maintain software or IT systems
  • respond to requests for patient information and affidavits
  • maintain privacy and confidentiality of patient information
  • administer the health information system database
  • help develop education and training procedures
  • advise and train senior hospital management, physicians, and other health care workers
  • provide information to assist in sound decision making
  • follow standards (such as HL7 and DICOM) to ensure electronic health information systems are compatible.

HIT specialists use software or IT systems such as:

  • communication protocols for the secure transmission of health care data
  • electronic patient record systems (regionally, provincially, territorially, or nationally)
  • clinical and administrative decision support systems
  • classification systems using standardized terminology and coding
  • case management systems
  • access and referral systems for health care services
  • patient monitoring systems
  • digital imaging and image processing systems
  • Internet and mobile technologies to engage and assist patients in their own care
  • telehealth technologies to support remote diagnosis and treatment
  • public health surveillance and protection systems
  • methodologies and apps for data analysis, management, and mining
  • clinical and administrative data warehouse and reporting systems
  • performance management systems
  • business, financial, administration support, and logistics systems.

HIT specialists often work closely with Health Information Management Professionals and system developers (see the Computer Programmer occupational profile).

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Strength Required Strength requirements vary

Health information technology specialists work mainly in office settings. They spend most of their time working with computers. Hospitals and clinics tend to operate at a fast pace. Those working in and around hospitals or clinics may feel the increased stress levels of these settings. With shared information services departments between health care facilities, travel may be required.

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Health information technology specialists need to possess:

  • creativity
  • the ability to think analytically
  • the ability to solve problems
  • the skills to work on their own and with a multidisciplinary team
  • the skills to organize and prioritize competing demands
  • speaking and writing skills
  • the ability to manage stress and maintain poise
  • a strong client focus.

They should enjoy answering questions and problem solving.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Professional occupations in business management consulting*

2016 NOC: 1122

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Health Information Technology Specialist occupation.

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 133 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 23, 2023 and Oct 22, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Analyze and provide advice on the managerial methods and organization of an establishment
Tasks: Propose improvements to methods, systems and procedures
Tasks: Conduct research to determine efficiency and effectiveness of managerial policies and programs
Tasks: Plan the re-organization of operations
Attention to detail
Tasks: Conduct quality audits and develop quality management and quality assurance standards
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Excel
Excellent written communication
Organized
Excellent oral communication
Tasks: Analyze and provide advice on the managerial methods and organization of an establishment 105
Tasks: Propose improvements to methods, systems and procedures 94
Tasks: Conduct research to determine efficiency and effectiveness of managerial policies and programs 93
Tasks: Plan the re-organization of operations 76
Attention to detail 72
Tasks: Conduct quality audits and develop quality management and quality assurance standards 62
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Excel 52
Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication 51
Construction Specialization: Organized 50
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication 48

Information systems analysts and consultants*

2016 NOC: 2171

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Health Information Technology Specialist occupation.

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 188 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 23, 2023 and Oct 22, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Design, develop and implement information systems business solutions
Tasks: Provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management and service delivery
Tasks: Confer with clients to identify and document requirements
Tasks: Conduct reviews to assess quality assurance practices, software products and information systems
Tasks: Assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware
Tasks: Develop policies, procedures and contingency plans to minimize the effects of security breaches
Tasks: Develop and implement policies and procedures throughout the software development life cycle
Attention to detail
Client focus
Team player
Tasks: Design, develop and implement information systems business solutions 164
Tasks: Provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management and service delivery 162
Tasks: Confer with clients to identify and document requirements 157
Tasks: Conduct reviews to assess quality assurance practices, software products and information systems 147
Tasks: Assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware 129
Tasks: Develop policies, procedures and contingency plans to minimize the effects of security breaches 122
Tasks: Develop and implement policies and procedures throughout the software development life cycle 111
Attention to detail 95
Construction Specialization: Client focus 87
Construction Specialization: Team player 80
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Most emerging occupations develop from more than one occupation. People working in this occupation may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.

In general, HIT specialists require a bachelor’s degree in a health-related discipline. They may also be hired with a health information management (HIM) diploma. For a list of schools offering accredited HIM programs, visit the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) website. Work experience in the following fields is an asset:

  • computer science
  • information technology
  • management
  • social sciences
  • health sciences
Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Bay River College
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Health Information Technology Specialist occupation.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Certification Not Regulated

Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.

Professional certification for health information technology specialists is available through Digital Health Canada. To earn certification as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems-Canada (CPHIMS-CA), candidates must:

  1. complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field
  2. complete 5 years of associated experience, including 3 years in health informatics, or complete a graduate degree plus 3 years of associated experience, including 2 years in health informatics
  3. complete and pass the CPHIMS and Canadian Supplemental exams.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Emerging occupations typically are the result of:

  • An increased human need
  • Technological advances
  • Greater specialization within an occupation

Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation, but future demand for it is unknown.

Many health information technology specialists work in large consulting firms. They provide services to hospitals and individual physicians and their staff. Others work in information services in public or private health care institutions. These include hospitals, clinics and care homes.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Professional occupations in business management consulting
2016 NOC: 1122*

78.4% of people in this occupational group work in:

Information systems analysts and consultants
2016 NOC: 2171*

79.9% of people in this occupational group work in:

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Health Information Technology Specialist occupation.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Professional occupations in business management consulting*
2021 NOC: 11201
High
Demand
17,300
Employed
Business systems specialists*
2021 NOC: 21221
High
Demand
3,300
Employed

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Health Information Technology Specialist occupation.

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

Explore emerging workplace trends in Alberta that could affect this occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Professional occupations in business management consulting*
2016 NOC: 1122
2.6%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
408
New Positions
Information systems analysts and consultants*
2016 NOC: 2171
2.5%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
674
New Positions

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Health Information Technology Specialist occupation.

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, no current provincial salary data is available for this occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Professional occupations in business management consulting*

2016 NOC: 1122

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Health Information Technology Specialist occupation.

Average Wage
$51.25
Per Hour
Average Salary
$99,558.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 1122 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $20.19 $60.89 $37.83 $36.98
Overall $25.14 $88.56 $51.25 $49.90
Top $30.00 $126.69 $65.26 $59.13

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $99,558
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing $74,626
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $115,967
Educational Services $90,535
Health Care & Social Assistance $97,877
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) $79,435
Public Administration $97,772

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
28%
28%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
15%
15%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
2%

Information systems analysts and consultants*

2016 NOC: 2171

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Health Information Technology Specialist occupation.

Average Wage
$45.60
Per Hour
Average Salary
$90,533.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.3
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2171 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $21.90 $55.07 $35.33 $34.21
Overall $27.67 $63.22 $45.60 $45.67
Top $32.26 $81.63 $54.92 $53.87

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction
Manufacturing
Information, Culture, Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $90,533
Oil & Gas Extraction $115,141
Construction $103,316
Manufacturing $72,145
Information, Culture, Recreation $84,515
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing $83,049
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $88,840
Educational Services $85,632
Health Care & Social Assistance $90,018
Public Administration $92,701

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
37%
37%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
17%
17%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
5%
5%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related High School Subjects
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Information Processing
  • English Language Arts
  • Health, Recreation and Human Services
    • Community Care Services
  • Mathematics
  • Science
    • Biology
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Business, Management and Administrative Studies
  • Clerical and Administrative Support
  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Health Care and Medical Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Alberta Network for Health Information eXchange website: www.anhix.com

Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) website: www.echima.ca

Digital Health Canada website: www.digitalhealthcanada.com

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) website: www.servicealberta.ca/foip

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca

National Institutes of Health Informatics (NIHI) website: www.nihi.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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