The BLS Occupational Employment Projections for 2004-2014 state that computer
and mathematical science occupations are projected to add 967,000 jobs and grow
30.7% — faster than other professional occupational subgroups. The demand for
computer-related occupations should increase as organizations continue to adopt
and integrate increasingly sophisticated and complex technologies. Growth will
not be as rapid as during the previous decade, however, as the software industry
begins to mature and as routine work is increasingly out-sourced overseas.
Employment in this “information supersector” is expected to increase by 54.6%
for network systems and data communications analysts, by 46% for computer
software engineers, by 38.4% for network and computer systems administrators, by
38.2% for database administrators, by 31.4% for computer systems analysts, 23%
for computer support specialists, but by only 2% for computer programmers.
A major component of health care is the managing of information, including
patients’ medical records, which can contain massive amounts of data. The push
to digitize medical records will require a number of computer professionals for
implementation. First instituted by Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital of Harvard
Medical School, some facilities are providing patients with online access to
their medical records. (Neil Osterweil, CNN MedPage Today, Dec. 27, 2005)
Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct research
and facilitate the computer-related activities of firms. They direct the work of
systems analysts, computer programmers, support specialists, and other
computer-related workers. These managers plan and coordinate activities such as
installation and upgrading of hardware and software, programming and systems
design, development of computer networks, and implementation of Internet and
intranet sites.
A bachelor’s degree usually is required for management positions, although
employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a
core component. Computer and information systems managers must possess strong
interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills. Median annual earnings in
May 2004 were $92,570.
Computer programmers write, test, and maintain the detailed instructions, called
programs, that computers must follow to perform their functions. Programmers
also conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by
computer. Programmers write programs accord-ing to the specifications determined
primarily by computer software engineers and systems analysts. Programmers in
software development companies may work directly with experts from various
fields to create software.
The level of education and experience employers seek has been rising due to the
growing number of qualified applicants and the special-ization involved with
most programming tasks. Bachelor’s degrees are commonly required. The job calls
for patience, persistence, and the ability to work on exacting analytical tasks,
especially under pressure. Median annual earnings were $62,890 in May 2004.
Job tasks and occupational titles used to describe these workers evolve rapidly.
Computer scientists work as theorists, researchers, or inventors. Database
administrators determine ways to organize and store data. They identify user
requirements, set up computer databases, and test and coordinate database
systems. Network systems and data communications analysts are needed to design,
test, and evaluate systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area
networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets, and other data communications systems.
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for many jobs; however, some jobs may
require only a 2-year degree. Relevant work experience is also very important.
For more technically complex jobs, persons with graduate degrees are preferred.
Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer field that continuous
study is necessary. In May of 2004 median annual earnings of computer and
information scientists in re-search were $85,190, of database administrators:
$60,650, and network systems and data communication analysts: $60,600.
Systems software engineers work for companies that configure, implement, and
install complete computer systems. Computer software engineers often work as
part of a team that designs new hardware, soft-ware, and systems.
Most employers prefer to hire persons who have at least a bachelor’s degree and
broad knowledge of, and experience with, a variety of computer systems and
technologies. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer information
systems is typical. Most training authorities feel that program certification
alone is not sufficient. These engineers must have strong problem-solving,
analytical and communication skills. Median annual earnings in May 2004 were
about $74,980.
Computer support specialists provide technical assistance, support, and advice
to customers and other users. Network administrators and computer systems
administrators design, install, and support an organization’s local-area network
(LAN), wide-area network (WAN), network segment, Internet, or intranet system.
Systems administrators are the information technology employees responsible for
the efficient use of networks by organizations. Computer security specialists
may plan, coordinate, and implement the organization’s information security.
Due to the wide range of skills required, there are many paths of entry to a
job. Many employers prefer to hire persons with some formal college education. A
bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems is a prerequisite
for some jobs; however, other jobs may require only a computer-related
associate’s degree. Median annual earnings of computer support specialists were
$40,430 in May 2004, while network and computer systems administrators earned
$58,190 in May 2004. Starting salaries in 2005 ranged from $26,250 to $53,750
for help desk and technical support staff.
Computer systems analysts solve computer problems, plan and develop new computer
systems, or devise ways to apply existing systems’ resources to additional
operations. Because of the importance of maintaining up-to-date information,
systems analysts work on making the computer systems within an organization, or
among organizations, compatible so that information can be shared. Many systems
analysts are involved with networking.
Rapidly changing technology requires an increasing level of skill and
education on the part of employees. Companies look for professionals with a
broad background and range of skills, including technical know-ledge and
interpersonal skills. Many employers seek applicants who have at least a
bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or management
information systems (MIS). Median annual earnings of systems analysts were
$66,460 in May 2004.
Additional Computer career and job resources are presented in the paperback
version of
Health Care Job Explosion! 4th edition by Dennis V. Damp for this
occupational group. Resources include Job Ads, Job Hotlines, Job Fairs,
Placement services, Associations, Books, Directories and Internet (Web) Sites.
Your local library may have this book in their reference section or you can
purchase a copy for $19.95 plus shipping with all major credit cards from our
toll free service at 1-800-782-7424 (Orders Only). Also available at all major
bookstores. Also explore jobs at VA hospitals and other
federal government employment options.
Those interested in pursuing a career in computers and health care may want
browse the Digital Library at (http://www.acm.org/) and check out other
publications by the Association for Computing Machinery. The ACM Career Resource
Center has a section for students to network with professionals. Other
organizations and/or web sites include:
