Depending on the size of the organization, a hospital’s IT department can be massive with multiple departmental directors. Technology is evolving quickly, so it isn’t surprising that IT roles are too. This past fall I noted that the role of Implementation Director was emerging. Now I see another position growing in popularity and necessity: the Director of Applications.

We’ve all heard the catch phrase, “There’s an app for that.” Well, apparently you need someone to manage those apps.

What exactly does a Director of Applications do? The Director of Applications is responsible for the development and implementation of information technology applications (clinical, business, etc…) as well as providing analysis and programming activities to improve business processes. Standard managerial responsibilities include managing staff, budgeting, reporting and providing overall direction and guidance. Establishing benchmarks and assuring these goals are met within the IT department is another aspect of this position.

A strong knowledge of IT, applications and project management is essential. Since identifying the organization’s needs is a major part of this role, a thorough understanding of and over five years prior experience working in a healthcare or hospital environment is required, with at least three years in a leadership position.

All of the various directors in an IT department have to work together in order to run a tight ship and a number of the job descriptions are similar. For example, a Director of Implementation requires a skill set not unlike that of a Director of Applications, which means there are options in expanding your health IT career -- and this is a beautiful thing.

E.J. Fechenda is the Audience Data Manager for MedTech Media. Since 2008 she has helped manage Healthcare Finance JobSpot and Healthcare IT JobSpot - now merged with HIMSS JobMine. She is not a Human Resources professional, nor a healthcare expert, but over the years she's accumulated a lot of feedback and insight from both job seekers and employers alike. Each week E.J. will deliver a blog based on this information. One week will be employer focused and the next week, job seeker focused.