A few questions!

[Xlorgguss]

Hi All,

I have been a fequent reader of the informatics threads for a while now.

I have a question about schooling as well as actual informatics in pracitce.

So to start I am looking to finish up my Bachelor's in Biology and do a fastrack program for my Bachelors in Nursing at the hospital I currently work at (a teaching hospital).

My first question is whether for the informatics component part if it would be most beneficial to do a Medical Informatics MS degree (that my school/employer offers) or do my MS in Computer Science. The MS in Computer Science is more for people with non Computer Science Bachelor's (aka me). Which would you believe would be most beneficial. I suppose it would depend on what I would like to do. I know that EPIC employs nurses and nurse practitioners. Though I am unsure of what their role is exactly. I would probably like a mix of training new staff and developing EMR systems. I have been working in a Microbiology lab alongside medtechs (I techically do the accesioning/login) but it has made me appreciated EMR and the unique challenges it offers.

Second question is I think that I would also like to get an advanced nursing degree (likely FNP, PMHNP, or ACNP). Would it be best to do the MS prior to this to allow me the opportunity to get some solid nursing experience prior to going for the NP? Or would I be fine to do my BSN take a year and practice and gain skills, then do an NP, and then the informatics component?

Thirdly, what does your day to day projects and practice include? Do you primarily work alongside nursing staff for training and ensuring everything goes smoothly or do you actually do maintenance on your systems. Please excuse my ignorance!

This is just such an exciting field. I would love to combine informatics with a clinical component and do it 50/50 or something like it.

Thanks for the input!

[mariafh]

I can give you my thoughts on one of your questions. The question of the MSCS versus MSMI. I myself have a MSCS, but the kind for BSCS continuing. The degree depends on much what you want to do. The MSCS is a highly technical software engineering degree. It is usually taken by people who plan to design and create software. It is one of the preferred degrees (and other technical degrees) by vendors who are looking for software engineers to develop software. The MSMI degree probably has a different focus. Of course, that depends on the program as I have seen much variation in medical informatics degrees. The MSMI degree most likely does not focus on software engineering and development, but more on the application of technology. Although it may have some software programming classes. It also has a medical focus with the MSCS degree does not. With the focus of the application of technology, the MSMI program might deal more with system implementation, training, IT architecture, etc. If you are not going to do software development, then a MSCS might not make sense. But do more of your own research and see what others have to say.

[Xlorgguss]

Thanks for the response! So it is my guess that the informatics is what I would likely go with. It is certainly more specialized. Whats also nice is the ability to focus your program with a concentration. I would imagine EHR development or Clinical Systems Integration would be my likely concentration. The program is through Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester. I would love to have input on designing and applying informatics to clinical practice. Anyone else have thoughts?

[mariafh]

My daughter goes to RIT. Loves it.