Clinical application specialists are individuals who manage the computer software that their companies use to track medical-related data. These individuals can work for hospitals or even health care equipment businesses. A person who wishes to join this field needs to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in the area of business administration or information systems, as well as complete an internship to gain hands-on experience. People in the clinical application field must have solid communication skills and enjoy working with technology equipment.
A clinical application specialist has the duty of making sure that the software that a medical facility uses is as updated as possible. This type of professional implements computer program enhancements in addition to troubleshooting these systems to pinpoint technical problems that need to be addressed. As a result, these specialists have to be good at solving problems and understand the lingo of computerized reports that display glitches after tests are run. They also must be able to provide continual support for computer users, responding to a myriad of technical requests patiently and in a timely manner.
People in this career area additionally need to have solid teaching skills. They are responsible for not only installing computer software and hardware such as printers, but also for training employees on how to most effectively use the company’s computer systems. In addition, a clinical application specialist gives various organization employees expert advice regarding which new technological improvements on the market would best assist them in their daily activities.
Maintaining relevant field knowledge also is critical in this field. Colleges and universities offer continuing education courses that allow a clinical application specialist to keep his or her skills regarding health care industry software or business computer programs current. These specialists can take advantage of educational seminars available at their medical facilities as well. Some health care establishments require for these professionals to be certified in the companies’ particular areas of expertise before they are hired. For instance, computer experts who work in the ophthalmic field must achieve certification in this specialty area through the appropriate professional association.
Solid interpersonal communication skills are extremely relevant in this industry as well. A clinical application specialist needs to be able to collaborate with computer software vendors to check the status of program updates created to help new software work well with older systems, for example. He or she also creates reports detailing his or her work and presents them to members of management when requested.