[su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]<\/p>\n
How is Computer Science Used in the Medical Field?<\/h2>\n
It’s easy to think of healthcare jobs as just doctors, nurses, etc. But, without computers, the healthcare system wouldn’t run as smoothly. Computer science is used on a daily basis, not only to keep things functioning but to continue to make progress.<\/p>\n
Once you realize just how much computers are used in the medicine, it’s easy to get excited about the possibility of a rewarding career. Whether you already have a computer science degree or you’re considering taking one, using it in the healthcare industry is a fantastic idea. You could work on something that could potentially change the face of medicine for the future as we know it.<\/p>\n
Now that you know computer science plays a vital role in medicine, you’re probably curious about the different career options. There are job choices that allow you to work with computers and contribute to the healthcare industry in a significant way.<\/p>\n
IT Professionals in Hospitals<\/h3>\n
If you’ve been to a hospital at some point in your life, it’s hard to ignore how many computers are being used everywhere. Nowadays, hospitals, doctor’s offices and more use complex networks to keep everything in order.<\/p>\n
Computers and networks are used in medical facilities every day. They are used for things like scheduling. They can also be used for storing patient information. Or, letting staff members know other important information. These networks are also used for communication. As you can imagine, with so much stored on computers, it would be devastating if something were to go wrong.<\/p>\n
Many hospitals have IT expert on their staff, or they work with a professional from an IT company. Most busy hospitals and offices want to make sure their computers and systems are operating efficiently at all times. So, general ‘checkups’ are often done on systems.<\/p>\n
There is so much more to being an IT professional in a hospital than you might think. Unfortunately, many people who study computer science believe that they have to work for a large company or within the business industry. If more computer science graduates realized the opportunities in healthcare as IT professionals, they would jump at the chance for a job.<\/p>\n
Aside from making sure all systems are working each day, they can provide the following services:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Troubleshooting<\/strong>: Unfortunately, systems do go down sometimes. Glitches occur, and things aren’t always perfect. As an IT professional in medicine, it’s so important to get things up and running again as quickly as possible. You’ll be able to troubleshoot software and programs in ways that others can’t, even if you’re dealing with third-party systems.<\/li>\n
- Teaching<\/strong>: Computer science graduates are often quite good at showing others how to use software programs. You can use your skills to teach\/train a medical staff how to use different programs. This will help to ensure that errors happen less often and there likely won’t be as many problems with the program.<\/li>\n
- Updating<\/strong>: Technology changes and advances all the time. It’s the job of an IT professional to make sure software and hardware are both up-to-date in medical offices. Hospitals can’t run on old computers or other equipment. They also need fast, reliable networks. Keeping up with these changes is a big part of the job.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Software Developer<\/h3>\n
There are computer science jobs in healthcare that can help many people but are more behind-the-scenes. One of the best examples of this is a software developer. It’s easy to associate developers with things like big businesses or digital programs. But, the medical industry uses (and needs) software developers to make progress.<\/p>\n
As a software developer in the medical field, you can create a variety of different programs that can help people for years to come.<\/p>\n
![\"IT](\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Hospital-Software-Researcher.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nSoftware engineers help to create programs that can be used in hospitals and clinics to make the lives of doctors a bit easier. But, they also work on programs that make it easier for patients to get the care they need.<\/p>\n
Some examples of current programs in place in the medical industry include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Scheduling portals<\/strong> \u2013 These help doctors in big hospitals and small practices keep their schedule in order. Programs like this can do everything from keeping doctors on task to letting them know more about the patients they are seeing.<\/li>\n
- Patient information<\/strong> \u2013 In a world that is going ‘green’ in as many ways as possible, many medical offices have turned away from paper files and charts. Instead, patient information and records are stored in software programs and across networks. Software programmers help to develop the programs that can make this possible.<\/li>\n
- Diagnosing<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Better software is continuously being created. It is used for diagnosing and treating patients. Specific programs can help put together a treatment plan and make it more transparent for the patient. This can do wonders for the patient’s peace of mind, and make the physician’s job a bit easier.<\/li>\n
- Patient care<\/strong> \u2013 Software benefits don’t end in the hospital. So much technology is currently available. Because of this, medical software advancements have become more mobile than ever. Mobile and even wearable devices have become available to patients at home. These devices can help patients stay on track with their treatment. They do everything from reminding them to take medication to monitor their heart rate and blood pressure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As you might expect, programs like these (and many more) are consistently going through updates and upgrades. Medical facilities will always need software developers and programmers to move forward and keep getting better. The more technology that becomes available, the more people can be helped. It may be doctors that work one-on-one with patients, but software programmers give them many resources to do that.<\/p>\n
Hospital Software Researcher<\/h3>\n
A different side of software development is research. Researchers that work for hospitals or universities often develop the technology used for scientific journals. When that technology is needed, it can be put to good use because it has already been developed and recorded.<\/p>\n
The interesting thing about this type of research is that it’s quite broad and ‘general.’ It doesn’t necessarily focus on a specific product. Instead, it encompasses a broader idea that can be used for different products and solutions.<\/p>\n
The exciting thing about this type of research is that it’s made available to the public once it’s complete. This is because it’s funded by the government, through various grants.<\/p>\n
Researchers who do this type of work have accomplished ways to improve surgeries and have developed new medications. They continue to develop new technologies that can be used in a variety of different ways. If you want to work in a hospital environment and produce some of the best techniques and cures of tomorrow via computer science, this is a great job opportunity.<\/p>\n
Privately-Funded Programmer<\/h3>\n
Some computer programmers find work as researchers in private organizations. But, their research still focuses on healthcare. This research is mostly done by medical supply companies. These companies develop programs and products that are then sold to hospitals, clinics, etc., throughout the world.<\/p>\n
The work done in these facilities has made a massive impact in the world of medicine. Things like robots and medical software are often developed thanks to privately-funded businesses. Plus, as more medical facilities buy the products, these companies can use that money for even more research, programming, etc.<\/p>\n
Your work will be kept private by the company you work for, so if you develop something, your name won’t be attached. But, you can take pride in knowing the products you help to create can make a big difference in healthcare technology.<\/p>\n
To work for a privately-funded organization, most employers need you to have a Master’s degree in computer science. But, Bachelor’s degrees are sometimes accepted, depending on your experience.<\/p>\n
Informatics Nurse<\/h3>\n
- Patient information<\/strong> \u2013 In a world that is going ‘green’ in as many ways as possible, many medical offices have turned away from paper files and charts. Instead, patient information and records are stored in software programs and across networks. Software programmers help to develop the programs that can make this possible.<\/li>\n
- Teaching<\/strong>: Computer science graduates are often quite good at showing others how to use software programs. You can use your skills to teach\/train a medical staff how to use different programs. This will help to ensure that errors happen less often and there likely won’t be as many problems with the program.<\/li>\n
![\"Computer](\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/computer-science-healthcare-jobs.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Types](\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/healthcare-computer-jobs.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n