A relatively new position in the executive ranks of many corporations, a CTO, or Chief Technology Officer, is responsible for overseeing development of new technologies and often works closely with the Chief Information Officer. A Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for solving organizational problems by adapting technologies that an organization already has or by acquiring new technologies.
The Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Information Officer play increasingly important roles in the day to day administration of hospitals and other healthcare facilities as electronic healthcare records become commonplace. The chief responsibility of both executive officers is the security of electronic records and the efficient management of the technology infrastructure of the hospital.
Top Responsibilities of a Hospital CTO
In a hospital organization, a CTO’s essential duties may include:
– Lead development initiatives under aggressive deadlines
– Establish policies, procedures, and SOP (standard operating procedures) for the use of new technologies to meet hospital goals
– Recruit talent related to the development of new technologies
– Define development standards and methodologies
– Manage the hospital’s department of Information Technology
A hospital CTO may also work closely with a hospital CIO, or in some cases report to the hospital CIO, to assist in the effective use of newly developed software, networking solutions, and other technological developments.
Educational Requirements for a Hospital CTO
While educational and experience requirements can vary wildly from hospital to hospital, a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university is generally required. 5 to 10 years of experience in software development or a related field is also typically required.
Experience in a management role is generally required, and experience in some aspect of hospital administration is typically strongly preferred. Hospital Information Technology department managers with at least 5 years of experience are strong candidates for the position.
In addition to specific educational and experience requirements, individuals interested in becoming a hospital CTO must also possess the following “soft skills:”
– Strong communication skills, written and verbal
– Strong leadership skills
– Solid understanding of mathematical principles as they relate to development initiatives
– Ability to think creatively
How Much Do Hospital CTOs Make?
The median salary of a CTO at any type of organization in the United States is $194,639 as of May 2013. The lower 10% earn less than $110,000 and the top 10% earn more than $292,022. No specific data exists on the median salary of CTOs working at hospital organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the 2010 median pay for top executives of any type was $101,250 annually. National job growth for this position is projected to be 9% over the next decade, which represents slower growth than average. Nonetheless, the aging baby boomer generation may create additional job opportunities for younger professionals as current hospital Chief Technology Officers retire.
Responsible for the development and implementation of new technologies in a hospital, a hospital Chief Technology Officer is an important part of the modern hospital’s executive team. While educational and experience requirements are quite stringent, the median salary of a hospital CTO is commensurate.
Related Article: What Does a Medical Records Manager Do?
