MS in Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is an exciting field in medical research. Workers in bioinformatics are responsible for conducting extensive research and helping make great advancements in modern medicine. In order to enroll in a bioinformatics program, many schools require students to have work experience and bachelor’s degree. After getting an MS, students can elect to pursue their doctorate in bioinformatics or a related field, which qualifies them for even more advanced positions in this industry.

Requirements for Earning an MS in Bioinformatics

Requirements to work in bioinformatics can vary by state. Successful students generally complete the following steps:

Earn proper associate’s degree (requirements vary by state). Typically, students complete an associate’s degree in applied science in health information technology.
Earn proper bachelor’s degree (requirements vary by state). Students with a bachelor’s degree in health informatics can advance higher in their career.
Pursue continued education. Technology progresses so quickly that continuous study is necessary to remain competitive. Employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities as well as private training institutions offer continuing education courses to help workers learn the latest technology skills.

Average Salary and Career Data

The expected salary, career growth, and work environment for a bioinformatician is as follows:

Bioinformatics – Median expected salary: $73,000, according to Indeed.com’s most recent report.
Job Prospects – Employment is expected to grow faster than average because of the continued computerization of patient records and the need to ensure their security as required by law, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Setting – Bioinformaticians find employment in hospitals, private practices, home healthcare services, nursing care facilities, outpatient care, and consulting agencies.

Job Duties and Responsibilities for a Bioinformatician

A bioinformatician is typically responsible for the following job responsibilities:

Maintaining and securing all electronic patient records in a leadership capacity.
Keeping up with the most current computer and software technology as well as legislative requirements for patient records security.
Ensuring databases are complete, accurate and available only to authorized personnel.
Creating information policies and procedures to keep health care facilities running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.