There are many career paths to explore the intersection of healthcare and technology. Combining interests of helping people through applying technical knowledge and skills, you can still impact the patient experience without being directly in a clinical setting. This page will guide you through the paths and roles available in this field and help you explore options.
You can also explore our Career Communities related to these professions: Healthcare & Wellbeing, Scientific Research, or Technology, Data & Analytics.
Explore Major Guides related to common academic paths that help prepare you for these careers including but not limited to: data science, statistics, computer science, information science and biology.
Career Path Examples
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Health Informatics
Health informatics is the modern combination of information technology, healthcare as a business, and the patient experience. Health informatics is about organizing and analyzing the electronic data available to improve outcomes for individual patients, the facility, and entire organizations. Learn more about the profession here.
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatic professionals focus on the application of computer technology toward large quantities of data. The aim of bioinformatics is to analyze genetic data to advance gene-based research and treatments. These professionals use 3D models to test the efficacy of new drugs. Learn more about the profession here.
Biostatistics
A biostatistician is someone who applies mathematics and statistical methods to answer questions in medicine, public health, biology and similar fields. In other words, biostatisticians help the medical field make data-driven decisions through mathematical analysis. Compare the above career paths to biostatistics to understand the differences in how these professions use data to inform and drive varied decision-making.
Education Background
Undergraduate Degree
- No specific major required.
- Recommended coursework in data science, statistics, computer science, and information science to develop required analytical and technical skills.
- Patient care experience is not required, but can be useful to better understand the patient experience.
- Explore how UW-Madison’s majors and certificates fit with interest areas.
Use the Guide to view a list of majors to filter by your interests.
Graduate Programs
- Learn about common curriculum in programs for health informatics and bioinformatics here.
- Exploring graduate programs and any prerequisites can be useful when considering undergraduate major options.
Coursework requirements vary, consult and search for programs here
General Information
Position Titles – click on titles to learn more about each type of role.
Common Employers
- University Research Labs and Institutes
- Biotechnology Companies – Ex. Promega, Exact Sciences
- Healthcare Software – Ex. Epic
- Government – Local, State, & Federal
- Consulting Firms
Common Companies
- UW Health
- Oak Street Health
- Mount Sinai Health System
- Epic Systems
- Oracle Health
- NIH, CDC, FDA, ORISE, ORAU
Building Skills, Networking, & Interviewing
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Building Skills, Knowledge, & Tasks for these Paths
Desired Skills & Knowledge
- Data Analysis, Design, Management
- Problem Solving
- Communication: writing and presenting
- Computer Programming (Ex. Python, SQL and R)
Tasks
- Design and validate clinical databases
- Process clinical data
- Generate data queries
- Develop project-specific data management plans
- Monitor work productivity or quality
- See more here
Statistical Analysis Techniques:
Data Visualization, Experimental Design, Linear Regression
Tools: SQL, Excel, Tableau, Python, etc…
Building Technical Skills Through Research Experience
Finding research opportunities on campus
- Research labs by department – Finding Campus Research
- Search for lab and research opportunities at UW Student Jobs
- UW Research Centers categorized by Career Community
Finding internships, jobs, and fellowships
Networking
Explore HW, SR, and TDA alumni – see Network with Alumni section of these career community hubs.
Networking tips, especially LinkedIn alumni search on SuccessWorks’ page and SuccessWorks Career Conversations Student Gallery
Note: it is recommended to complete the above networking module or meet with a career advisor before reaching out to alumni to ensure you are ready to follow through!
Future Alumni Mentor Form – be a future resource to other students and stay connected to UW-Madison
Interviewing
SuccessWorks’ Interviewing Tips and Pre-Health/Med Interview Prep
Google search for other specific jobs and graduate program interview questions/prep