7 answers
8
Updated 709 views

How can I change to a career in IT, currently in Healthcare?

I have a degree in Sciences, I currently work in Health care

science healthcare information-technology career-transition scienctist
Answer This
8

6 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Nilanjana’s Answer

This is exciting. You might want to join the IT department at your current healthcare employer by putting in a transfer request. You would be able to bring in value with your core healthcare industry skills in the technology part of it. You can gain relevant IT experience there and build a career in IT.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jose Manuel’s Answer

Hey Mimidoo.

This is a really good question!

The first thing to understand is this: you’re not starting from scratch. Having a degree in Sciences and experience in healthcare already gives you skills that are extremely valuable in IT, things like analytical thinking, working with complex systems, documentation, following protocols, dealing with real world pressure, and understanding regulated environments. Those are huge.

Start the journey and make a difference.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Dinesh’s Answer

Hi Mimidoo,
I hope you are doing well!
Switching from healthcare to IT is very doable—healthcare actually gives you strong advantages (regulatory awareness, workflow knowledge, documentation, working under pressure). Here are the most practical paths and how to move into them.

Pick an IT path that fits your background - You don’t need to start as a software engineer. Many healthcare-to-IT transitions are fastest through these roles. Best-fit starting paths (fastest from healthcare):

Healthcare IT / Informatics (EHR-focused) – roles like EHR Analyst, Clinical Informatics Specialist, Implementation Specialist, Clinical Systems Trainer. Leverages clinical/workflow knowledge and is often the quickest transition.
Healthcare Data/BI Analyst – build skills in Excel + SQL + Power BI/Tableau to create reports and dashboards tied to quality, operations, and patient outcomes.
IT Support (entry route to broader IT) – start with Help Desk/Desktop Support and grow into systems/cloud.


Overall recommendation: Start with Healthcare IT/Informatics or Healthcare Data Analytics because they use existing healthcare knowledge and typically offer the smoothest, quickest entry into IT.

Dinesh recommends the following next steps:

Spend 8–12 weeks building core skills and create 2 small portfolio projects (e.g., a healthcare KPI dashboard or a workflow improvement/training guide).
Get experience while still in school/work: become an EHR “super user,” join quality/reporting projects, or shadow informatics/IT staff.
Update resume to highlight transferable skills: documentation, compliance (HIPAA), process improvement, training, triage/prioritization, teamwork.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Vianne’s Answer

Switching from healthcare to IT is definitely possible. With your science background, you already have skills in handling complex tasks and problem-solving, which are highly valued in IT. First, decide which area of IT interests you most, like coding, data, system management, or cybersecurity. This will help you focus on the right skills to learn.

While still working in healthcare, start learning these skills. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in Python, SQL, cloud basics, or networking, depending on your interest. Even small personal projects can enhance your resume. Certifications are also beneficial, especially if you don't have a formal IT degree, as they show your commitment.

Networking is key to getting started in IT. Many people find their first IT job through connections rather than just a resume. Reach out to friends, join online communities, attend meetups, or connect with people on LinkedIn. Once you land a junior role, it's easier to advance. Your quick learning ability from healthcare will be a great asset.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Godfrey’s Answer

Great question.
IT and healthcare have a lot of synergy.
In health care we have a lot of use of technology which includes and not limited to information technology and data analytics(Health data analytics).
Use of IT in health research,use of technology in health surveillance which may include use of drones to deliver medicines and vaccines in remote area among other IT use in health.
It's pretty easier to navigate from health care to IT career if one has person in IT and would still wish to have healthcare IT career.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mario’s Answer

Hi Mimidoo! Thanks so much for the post—it's really interesting! 😊

You can definitely connect the dots; health care utilizes a lot of technology like IT, electronics, AI, and machine learning, so you’re already halfway there! It’s true that it will be a challenging journey, but you already understand the importance of the human touch and interaction with customers, which is what matters most.

Start thinking about the problems and challenges in health care that you can solve more quickly and effectively with technology. Explore what tech background you might need—it's super exciting to see how you can link tech with health care!

Enjoy the journey; the world truly needs people like you!

Best,

Mario R
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Khushbu
0