About the quiz

Roles Explained:

After analyzing the type of work done for healthcare IT, I bucketed them into 5 distinct roles. Keep in mind, you can have most, if not all, interests and/or strengths, however the quiz picks out the most prominent based on your answers.

• The Builder - Structure, precision, and systems mindset.

• The Guide - Connecting people through empathy, communication, and teaching.

• The Strategist - Big picture thinking and solutions for a lasting impact.

• The Bridge - The translator between clinical and technical teams.

• The Explorer - Curious and driven to improve healthcare through innovation.

Ideal Role + Current Strengths = Your Career Combo

The Career Combo comes from the specific combination of what your Ideal Role is and what your Current Strengths are. The idea is to paint a clear picture of where you want to go, and how you can leverage your strengths to get there. There are 25 unique combinations possible, and the intent of each unique title is to provide a tangible reference point and/or make you think and reflect further.

• Ideal Role - what you’re aspiring to become. What is interesting you the most at the moment. The curated content builds up this trait.

• Current Strengths - your current safe space and/or expertise. The curated content leverages this strength to reach your Ideal Role.

• Career Combo - the unique title you’re given as a result of the quiz. A tangible reference point to work toward.

General Healthcare IT Questions

Do I need to learn how to code?

Not likely unless you plan to create and develop new software or programs from scratch. Also, AI exists now, and “vibe-coding” is taking off (proceed at your own risk). Anyway, I haven’t written a single line of code in my entire career. Most of what’s needed in Healthcare IT is getting teams to understand each other, work together, configure workspaces for clinicians, create reports, integrate technologies, improve patient outcomes, and create a better digital experience for our patients. There is room to learn about SQL, HL7, FHIR, and about “standardized languages” such as LOINC, SNOMED, and more, however no coding.

Do I need an advanced degree to get into Healthcare IT?

Not necessary but extremely valuable for one key reason: practicum/internship. If you decide to pursue an advanced degree in the field, make sure it requires some sort of “practicum” or internship to complete the degree (mine required 300 hours). During those hours, you have the ability to stand out and position yourself for a quicker transition into a Healthcare IT role as hiring managers and colleagues get to see your motivation, drive, and work ethic in this time.

Is it extremely challenging and difficult to work in Healthcare IT?

Not extremely. Not always at least! Don’t let the challenge scare you though, it can be incredibly rewarding, and as with any career there will be some challenges; there is plenty of teamwork and collaboration. No one individual can do it all, and the amount of teamwork needed may surprise you. Remember group projects in school? Those continue in life and especially in this field of work! Sometimes the challenges come with building out a complex configuration, sometimes it’s getting multiple people to agree and work toward the same goal and outcome, other times it’s getting budget approval for a necessary integration! It all depends what role and capacity you’re functioning in.