Clinical Analyst Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a clinical analyst. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a clinical analyst.
Who is a Clinical Analyst?
The clinical analyst, also called a clinical data manager, is a professional health agent and one of the most essential staff of a health and medical organization. They carry out so many assignments which comprise installing and managing computer systems within a clinical setting. Clinical as a term simply implies pertained or is related to the medical facility, that is associated with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. An analysis is a process of breaking down a sophisticated topic into modest and minor parts, to facilitate its comprehension and assimilation of it. And any individual that carries out an analysis is designated as an analyst. A clinical analyst is thereby defined as a professional healthcare data agent, who functions to verify the veracity of scientific investigations and all pieces of information gathered. They are professionals whose work is to manage, optimize and install computer systems. They make sure that these systems are properly functioning; and also see that they are adequately upgraded and maintained from time to time. They are also referred to as clinical data managers and clinical data analysts.
A clinical analyst is responsible for installing new software and training staff, who would be making use of this software in carrying out their daily task. They may also develop training brochures or manuals to fasten and enhance ongoing training for the employees. They assist in giving intensive care to all parts of the hospital’s clinical data. They, however, work on improving the correctness and efficacy of the site’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
Furthermore, it is the duty of a clinical analyst to ascertain that all protocols and procedures are accurately followed and maintained, thereby improving and enhancing the quality of care and caution. They are faced with the responsibility of figuring out the solution to various difficulties, by first finding the origin of the problem, and troubleshooting the fix as deemed necessary, whether as a result of a technical issue or as a result of user error.
A clinical analyst function is the major human component in clinical intelligence. They supervise the correct and actual extraction of information from databases for clinical trials. They build and manage databases for medical establishments and organizations and work generally in a clinical environment. Clinical analysts thereby see to it that these pieces of information and data collected are accurate and free from mistakes. It officially lies on them to prepare the findings of clinical business intelligence to present them in form of reports to stakeholders, management, and interested parties. In order to operate succinctly, they should collaborate with other related sectors such as clinical operations and clinical strategy, to discern areas that need to be assessed to see that adequate measures are taken, and to ascertain that the analyzed data are helpful.
Besides these, other responsibilities which are fitting of a clinical analyst abound. Examples are the processing, verification, capturing, and protection of data collected and making sure that all pieces of clinical information are recorded and documented in a detailed manner. And subsequently reported to the appropriate quarters. They mentor staff on the use of particular computers, train new data analysts, and oversee the activities of clinical analyst novices on the usage of relevant software, which will in turn assure productivity in the long run. They are often respiratory therapists, chemists, medics, or pharmacists. They are people who possess in-depth assimilation of the workflow and structure of a particular environment and are capable of relating to the differences of an area.
Clinical Analyst Job Description
Below are the clinical analyst job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a clinical analyst job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
Every profession is faced with myriads of responsibilities. These responsibilities stand out mainly as criteria for employment. The responsibilities of any profession is very vast and range from what he or she ought and what they ought not to do. As a clinical analyst, the primary duty is simply, to install and optimize computers for health care facilities and sectors. They complete tasks that involve the analysis of user processes, needs, and problems, to advance already existing computer systems, and also inspect the capability of the existing systems to seek other areas in need of improvement. Therefore, considering a career as a clinical analyst, the following job descriptions should be put into consideration:
- Planning, building, and installing computer systems, their corresponding database, and software, to preserve information related to clinical analysis.
- Analyzing clinical information to utilize workflow, and make sure that technical documentation is well processed.
- Capturing and processing clinical information, with entry, verification, and preservation of data.
- Tutoring of medical and health staff on how to make proper use of computer systems and software, and to adequately obtain information for subsequent analysis.
- Training and overseeing data technicians on technical processes used to ascertain accuracy and productivity.
- Carrying out regular upgrades on computer systems, and adequate maintenance to enhance productivity.
- Dialoguing with medical staff to obtain necessary data for categorization requirements.
- Providing training equipment and manuals for users.
- Accessing various sources to obtain data in order to aid in generating efficient reports.
- Meeting internal/external customer requirements.
- Ensuring that the customer service is efficient and are rendering timely services to client’s complaints and inquisition.
- Performing intensive checks to reduce errors in billing and insurance rejections.
- Delivering feedback or reports to clinical and course coordinators and on students and clinical agencies.
- Taking active roles in the developing of processes and guidelines for medical records to maintain functions.
- Building new system designs and processes using techniques such as data modeling, structured analysis, and data engineering.
- Documenting proceedings from tests.
- Assisting staff and computer users when there is a need especially when there is a program glitch.
- Expanding of computer systems to serve fresh and new purposes.
- Recommending better and more efficient software packages to the management.
- Meeting with clients to evaluate their needs and to explain to them how the system works.
- Writing new codes to correct coding issues.
- Enabling the share function for users to share information via link in a network of all computer systems.
- Contributing to the decision-making on the purchase of new computer systems, by providing a return of investment feedback to the management.
- Aligning with the policies and guidelines of the organization, and with the federal, state, and local laws.
Qualifications
There are so many qualifications necessary for embracing a particular career or profession, of which the acquisition of these qualifications aids one to make a success in such field. Taking up a career as a clinical analyst is a great decision, but only if you are able to meet up with the necessary criteria, or qualifications. Below are the qualifications needed for a clinical analyst.
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, nursing, life science, computer systems analysis, or any other related and relevant discipline.
- A master’s degree in information technology or any related field. Acquisition of this degree would give you an advantage over your competitors.
- Three-six years of experience in data management skills.
- The knowledge of programming languages may be required by some employers.
- Fluent speaking and good communication skills.
- Good writing skills.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Good organizational skills.
- The capability of working individually and independently, and also working with a team, hence, being team-oriented.
- In-depth knowledge of, cloud programs, Microsoft office, and other basic computer software.
- Basic knowledge of writing strategies.
- The ability to analyze one data using statistical software in accordance with laid down guidelines.
- Great leadership skills.
- Critical thinking skills, time management skills, and project management skills.
- Understanding the regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and other privacy mandates.
- Devotedness GCP (Good Clinical Practice) and other regulations and laws.
Essential Skills
Possessing certain skills are very paramount and relevant in order to adequately function in any profession. As a clinical analyst, there are various skills that would be needed of you in order to become successful or to even gain employment in an organization. These skills nourish your resume, and the complete acquisition of them makes you irresistible before your employer. These skills include:
- Computer skills in Microsoft office, word, excel, etc..
- Analytical skills.
- Critical thinking skills.
- Problem-solving skill.
- Reading and information processing skills.
- Decision-making skill.
- Skilled in writing codes.
- Efficient written and verbal communication skills.
- Organizational skill.
- Documentation skill.
- Creativity skills.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Time management skills.
- Teaching and training skills.
- Good negotiation skills and conflict resolution skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Clinical research skills.
- Project management skills.
- Empathetic skill
The above-listed skills are all necessary for a clinical analyst; they complement each other to build a strong and successful clinical analyst. Communication skill is indispensable. This is so because it assists the clinical analyst in reporting and giving feedback to the management, and other members of the organization; and to communicate effectively to contractors, vendors, and all levels of clients. There would also be a need to communicate with patients and other health experts to guarantee that the patients are well taken care of. This communication skill covers fluent speaking and writing which is an efficient verbal and writing skill.
As a clinical analyst, you should be a critical thinker, which involves the capability to investigate and analyze a particular situation and make a firm decision from the data gathered. A clinical analyst uses these skills to create treatment strategies for their patients, gather their data, and ascertain the best medical solution needed. Sometimes their tasks are very multiple, and thereby, there’s a need for organizational skills. A clinical analyst should be organized and be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and also on time. Since some of his or her tasks are sometimes tackled through research, there is a need for a clinical analyst to possess research skills a clinical.
Furthermore, empathy is a skill needed by a clinical analyst; it is the ability to comprehend another person’s feelings and point of view, and its necessity comes in its usage to calm down the mental and psychological state of a patient, thereby, making them feel safe. Clinical analysts should also be problem-solving and should have the capacity of resolving conflicts and complex issues. They should also ensure certainty and accuracy in data collection and data management, hence, being attention-detailed and data managing. Finally, you should be able to work comfortably in a team-oriented environment.
How to Become a Clinical Analyst
Stages are involved in whatever you wish to achieve, and the same is applicable to careers. When the thought of embracing a particular profession comes, the first step to take is make research and find out the various steps needed in becoming what you intend to become. Below are the steps toward becoming a successful Clinical Analyst:
To begin a profession as a clinical analyst, you would first need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, nursing, computer science, healthcare management, or other relating fields. You can optionally consider obtaining a master’s degree in your already studied course.
Furthermore, you should gain some years of work experience. This should be for a minimum period of two years in a statistical data analysis job. Which could take place in hospitals, healthcare facilities, clinical facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and so on. During this period, you can develop your skills, especially your project management skill. Enroll in an internship programme while in a higher institution.
Earn also a certification from relating firms, for instance, American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This certificate involves a blend of work and academic experience.
Register your work and update your resume, and finally, apply for a job in an open position in the same profession.
Where to Work as a Clinical Analyst
- Every profession deals with its own area of expertise and specialization and which are the considering factors by people when seeking for a career to embrace. As a clinical analyst, you can get employed in the following workspace:
- Colleges and universities involving in clinical research and healthcare activities.
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnological firms.
- Consulting firms.
- Government health departments.
- Clinical research organizations.
- IT companies that engage in the production of data management services.
- The work of a clinical analyst can be either full-time or part-time, depending on the number of staff in a particular company, or the already laid down guidelines and principles, and can be required to make travels often.
Clinical Analyst Salary Scale
The work of a clinical analyst can be very rewarding, depending on so many factors which may include, the financial strength of the company you are working for, the location, your educational level, years of experience, and so on.
In the United States, a clinical analyst earns approximately $71,183 annually as of May 2022 but falls between $63,360 and $80,901. In the United Kingdom, they can earn an average of £38,476 and can earn up to £47,803 annually. In China, clinical analysts earn an average of ¥ 334,800 which can grow up to ¥510,000. In Nigeria, they earn ₦1,920,000 annually (lowest) and ₦6,444,000 (highest).
