Data plays a key role in the provision of health care in the U.S. and around the world. Collecting and analyzing data about clinical trials, pharmaceutical products and treatment outcomes can lead to improvements in patient care and health care management. Clinical data analysts are responsible for collecting, interpreting and sharing this data in meaningful ways.
A clinical data analyst’s salary and job duties can vary based on their specific role, geographic location, level of experience and education. For those who are considering a career as a clinical data analyst, earning a Master of Public Health degree is an excellent way to gain the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a competitive job market.
A clinical data analyst is a health care informatics specialist who derives value from vast quantities of clinical data, including electronic health records (EHRs), administrative data, health surveys, clinical trial data, patient and disease registries, and insurance claims data. The insights that a clinical data analyst imparts can help health care organizations lower their operational expenses, optimize the care they provide and improve their patients’ outcomes.
While clinical data analysts focus on health care, their employers span numerous industries. The most common work environments for clinical data analysts are clinics, pharmacies and hospitals. However, telecommunications, education and health insurance companies depend heavily on their insights as well.
Clinical data analysts’ specific duties can vary from one facility or industry to the next based on their employer’s needs, such as whether they are seeking current public health research or ongoing clinical trials. All clinical data analysts, regardless of their employer, share the following five key responsibilities:
Health care datasets are vast and scattered throughout numerous systems, departments and facilities. Clinical data analysts collect data from various sources and analyze it. For example, these individuals often collect clinical trial data, then perform statistical analyses of the data. They also collaborate with professionals in other departments to verify the integrity of the data and shore up any inconsistencies.
Cost-to-benefit and return-on-investment (ROI) analyses help companies make better decisions about the equipment and software they purchase. Often, clinical data analysts develop their own specialized software and systems that are specifically designed to meet the needs of their employers.
Clinical data analysts may be required to standardize their data collection and interpretation processes across departments, facilities or organizations. They work in tandem with researchers to compile error-free data according to good clinical data management and clinical practices.
Clinical data analysts assist doctors, nurses, pharmacists and researchers with technical issues related to the collection, analysis, storage and sharing of clinical data, particularly in proprietary software developed specifically for the organization. This technical assistance can improve satisfaction across the board.
From earning a degree to participating in an internship or apprenticeship, aspiring clinical data analysts should consider the following requirements.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in a field like health care management or computer science can provide an excellent foundation for a future career as a clinical data analyst. Pursuing a degree in a relevant field of study and taking courses that focus on software in the health care industry, health informatics and data privacy can prepare candidates for future education as well.
As technology continues to improve, the data collected by health care organizations will grow more complex. As a result, many employers prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree. Enrolling in a Master of Public Health (MPH) program with a health informatics concentration can help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to work with modern information systems and technologies in a way that improves health care as a whole. Holding an MPH degree also gives candidates the opportunity to pursue more prestigious certifications.
Although certifications are optional, they demonstrate an individual’s expertise and mastery of clinical data analysis. Most clinical data analysts first pursue the registered health information technician (RHIT) credential from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This credential can benefit individuals working in any setting that uses patient data.
After earning the RHIT credential, some clinical data analysts go on to earn the certified health data analyst (CHDA) designation, also from AHIMA, which demonstrates mastery of health-related data practices, organizational knowledge and communication skills.
Clinical data analysts had a median annual salary of about $74,400 as of February 2024, according to the compensation website Payscale. Entry-level clinical data analysts had a median salary of roughly $62,000 annually, while those with five to 10 years of experience had a median salary of around $86,000. Depending on their employer, clinical data analysts may be offered bonuses or profit sharing income, especially as they gain experience.
Factors that may influence a clinical data analyst’s salary include their level of education, certifications and geographical location. Analysts living in large metropolitan areas tend to earn more than their counterparts working in less populated locations.
Clinical data analysts play a key role in helping health care organizations mine and analyze vast amounts of data, allowing them to improve their profits, enhance their operations and deliver better outcomes to their patients.
Enrolling in Augusta University Online’s Master of Public Health program with a Health Informatics concentration can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to improve the delivery, quality and safety of health care. Learn more about how our program can help you promote better health in a dynamic, high-tech health care environment.
Recommended Readings
MPH Requirements, Curriculum and Career Opportunities
Addressing Health Disparities in Public Health
Augusta University Online Aims to Become National Model of Excellence in Online Education
Sources:
AHIMA, Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)
Any Instructor, “What Is a Clinical Data Analyst? Role, Skills, and Duties”
Hevo, “Clinical Data Analyst: 9 Critical Aspects”
Indeed, “How to Become a Clinical Data Analyst (With Skills Plus Salary)”
Indeed, “RHIT vs. RHIA: What’s the Difference?”
Journal of Big Data, “The Use of Big Data Analytics in Healthcare”
Payscale, Average Clinical Data Analyst Salary
