Learn more about a career as a health care analytics manager

Health care analytics managers help respond to health care questions by taking an analytical approach, applying statistical knowledge and data modeling to generate high-quality information that helps direct an organization’s operational decisions. They extract pertinent data, review system structures and manage technology.

Applying technical intelligence to organized, detail-oriented processes can help health care analytics managers effectively collect and analyze data sets. The results of their analysis can then positively inform high-priority objectives within their organizations. In health care, this could mean addressing issues with any systems that affect employee efficiency and patient experiences.

Having the right educational background to ensure a broad skill set encompassing both health-related information and technology can be integral for a successful career as a health care analytics manager. An advanced degree, such as a Master of Advanced Study in health informatics, can help to provide a competitive edge when applying to positions. Such a degree can offer an innovative focus on information technology, computer science and information handling to improve health care. Courses may concentrate on clinical informatics as well as areas within clinical workflow and modern health technology. Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, an online health informatics program can prepare graduates for opportunities in a wide range of health care settings.

Health care analytics managers are responsible for a variety of tasks from a project’s inception to its conclusion. A typical day in this position could include any of the following tasks based on the stage of the project:

• Measuring key metrics such as patient outcomes and experiences to locate areas needing review.
• Creating and testing procedures to collect patient and operational data, analyze information and conduct research.
• Conducting quality tests on systems.
• Documenting procedures, methodologies and criteria to be reviewed and updated as needed.
• Communicating test results to relevant departments and leadership.
• Providing recommendations if system inefficiencies or defects are present upon review.
• Implementing analytics-based solutions for processes and programs.
• Instructing staff on new systems and procedures, including information technology compliance.

In addition to the project management side of the position, a health care analytics manager may also regularly perform more standard managerial business tasks. These may include:

• Assessing financial risks for proposed systems changes.
• Monitoring a technical team to complete objectives on time.
• Delivering progress reports with quality information and actionable items to upper management and key stakeholders.

This dual-management role requires a well-organized individual to effectively balance both technical demands and business-related tasks.

A closer look at the professional landscape of health care analytics managers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 27% increase in analytics job opportunities at the managerial level, well above the national average for all occupations. This is primarily attributed to the rising number of companies seeking efficiency and cost savings through analytics in key areas, such as operations.

The average salary for a health care analytics manager is $93,000, according to Payscale.

It takes a variety of skills to succeed as a health care analytics manager, ranging from management-related competencies to those that will help you perform more technology-based analysis.

A bachelor’s degree is generally required to be considered for this position. However, an advanced degree, prior experience in analytics and professional certifications may also be beneficial. One such certification option is the Certified Analytics Professional credential offered by INFORMS. There are eligibility requirements that include a certain level of experience and education. Less experience is required if you have a master’s degree. You will need to showcase credibility, pass an exam and commit to the CAP® Code of Ethics to earn the credential. This certification focuses on the seven domains of analytics:

1. Business problem framing.
2. Analytics problem framing.
3. Data.
4. Methodology selection.
5. Model building.
6. Deployment.
7. Lifecycle management.

It’s also valuable to remember the importance of having well-developed soft skills in areas such as:

Interpersonal, written and oral communication: These skills help health care analytics managers effectively share information within their organizations. Proper communication may also help convince top executives of the viability of your suggestions.

Analytics and critical thinking: Health care analytics managers collect vast amounts of data. They need to be able to discern what data is most relevant to the objectives of the project at hand.

Finally, it is important for health care analytics professionals to stay motivated to continually learn. Reviewing statistical studies, technological advances and regulatory standards and trends can help managers stay up-to-date on findings in the field. This helps to ensure that their data-based recommendations are innovative and cutting-edge.

Learn more about your potential career as a health care analytics manager

Whether you have previously worked in health care or are considering entering the field, developing the right qualifications to prepare for a career as a health care analytics manager is important. Earning an advanced degree can help equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the role. The online Master of Advanced Study in health informatics from Arizona State University works to enhance your use of information technology, data science and the efficient handling of information and resources as you work toward a health care analytics manager career in this rapidly growing field.

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