Pharmacists and Tech: How to Transition into Healthcare Informatics

More Than Dispensing—Time to Start Designing Systems

For decades, pharmacists have been viewed as the last line of defense for medication safety. But as healthcare becomes increasingly digital, pharmacists are finding themselves in a new role: not just verifying prescriptions, but designing the systems that manage them.

Healthcare informatics—a growing field that merges clinical practice with data, software, and system design—is calling more pharmacists than ever before. Whether it’s improving electronic prescribing platforms, optimizing medication tracking, or contributing to national health data systems, pharmacists bring unique value to the digital transformation of healthcare.

So how does a pharmacist make the leap from the counter to the code?

Why Pharmacists Are a Natural Fit for Informatics

Pharmacists are already experts in:

• Medication safety and accuracy
  
  
• Workflow efficiency in high-stakes environments
  
  
• Navigating clinical software systems
  
  
• Regulatory compliance and documentation
  
  
• Translating complex data into actionable clinical decisions
  

These skills align perfectly with the goals of healthcare informatics: improving patient outcomes through better use of health data and technology.

As medication-related errors, interoperability issues, and data overload continue to challenge healthcare systems, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to lead solutions.

What Exactly Is Healthcare Informatics?

Healthcare informatics is the field that integrates information science, computer science, and healthcare to improve patient care. It encompasses:

• Electronic health record (EHR) optimization
  
  
• Clinical decision support systems (CDSS)
  
  
• ePrescribing and medication reconciliation workflows
  
  
• Data analytics for population health and quality improvement
  
  
• Interoperability between pharmacies, hospitals, and insurance systems
  

Pharmacists working in this space may hold titles such as:

• Clinical informatics pharmacist
  
  
• Pharmacy informaticist
  
  
• Medication safety officer
  
  
• Health IT specialist
  
  
• Informatics project manager
  

Their mission? To make health technology safer, smarter, and more aligned with real clinical workflows.

Signs You’re Ready to Transition Into Informatics

You might be ready to pivot into healthcare informatics if you:

• Enjoy troubleshooting pharmacy software or EMR issues
  
  
• Have an interest in tech and system design
  
  
• Often find yourself suggesting workflow improvements
  
  
• Are frustrated by inefficient or unsafe digital tools
  
  
• Want to contribute beyond direct patient care
  
  
• Are curious about the “back end” of healthcare systems
  

Informatics appeals to pharmacists who are both analytical and creative—those who want to solve problems at a system level.

Educational Pathways: Do You Need Another Degree?

The short answer: not always—but it helps.

Many pharmacists enter informatics with on-the-job experience. However, formal education can give you a significant advantage. Options include:

• Master’s in Health Informatics (MHI or MS-HI)
  
  
• Certifications such as Board Certification in Informatics Pharmacy (BCIP)
  
  
• Certificate programs in clinical informatics or health IT
  
  
• Dual PharmD/MHI degree programs
  

Some pharmacists choose to take individual courses in programming, data analytics, or EHR systems to sharpen their skill set without pursuing a full degree.

Key Skills to Develop for Informatics Roles

To succeed in healthcare informatics, pharmacists should aim to build:

• Technical literacy: Understanding EMR systems, databases, APIs, and user interfaces
  
  
• Project management: Coordinating between IT, pharmacy, and clinical teams
  
  
• Data analysis: Basic skills in Excel, SQL, R, or Python can be useful
  
  
• Communication: Translating clinical needs into technical requirements and vice versa
  
  
• Change management: Leading system updates, software rollouts, and training initiatives
  
  
• User experience design: Making digital tools more intuitive for clinicians and patients
  

You don’t need to become a full-stack developer—but being “tech-comfortable” and solution-oriented will go a long way.

How to Start the Transition Without Quitting Your Job

If you're not ready to make a full leap, consider these entry points:

• Join your hospital’s EMR committee or medication safety team
  
  
• Volunteer to train others on new pharmacy software
  
  
• Lead or participate in system audits or upgrades
  
  
• Attend health informatics webinars or local conferences
  
  
• Connect with IT and informatics staff to shadow or assist on small projects
  
  
• Take on workflow improvement tasks and document outcomes
  

Over time, these experiences build a portfolio that demonstrates your readiness—even before you apply for a formal informatics role.

Where Pharmacists Work in Informatics

Pharmacy professionals are now found across a wide spectrum of digital health environments:

• Hospitals and health systems: Optimizing medication modules in EHRs, managing formulary updates, and designing alert systems
  
  
• Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs): Analyzing data to improve medication adherence and reduce costs
  
  
• Health tech startups: Designing apps, wearables, or platforms related to pharmacotherapy
  
  
• Government agencies: Shaping national electronic prescribing or health information exchange protocols
  
  
• Academia: Researching the impact of informatics on patient outcomes or teaching next-gen clinicians
  
  
• Consulting: Advising clients on software selection, implementation, or compliance
  

Your background as a pharmacist gives you credibility and insight in any of these domains.

Common Myths About Informatics Careers for Pharmacists

Myth 1: You need to know how to code.
Truth: Coding helps, but communication, clinical understanding, and workflow design are more important.

Myth 2: You have to leave clinical work entirely.
Truth: Many roles are hybrid, allowing you to stay involved in patient care while improving systems.

Myth 3: It’s a desk job with no patient impact.
Truth: Informatics decisions affect thousands of patients at once—your reach is wider than ever.

Myth 4: It’s only for hospital pharmacists.
Truth: Community pharmacists, researchers, and consultants can all contribute to tech innovation.

Building Your Brand as a Tech-Savvy Pharmacist

As you shift toward informatics, consider:

• Updating your resume to include digital tools you’ve used or optimized
  
  
• Publishing case studies or reflections on workflow improvements
  
  
• Attending digital health conferences like HIMSS or ASHP informatics tracks
  
  
• Connecting with mentors on LinkedIn who have made similar transitions
  
  
• Following healthcare tech news and startups to stay ahead of trends
  

Being visible and vocal in this niche is a powerful way to open doors.

The Future of Pharmacy Is Data-Driven

As healthcare grows more complex, pharmacy professionals are no longer just gatekeepers of medication—they are architects of safe and efficient systems. Informatics empowers pharmacists to extend their impact from one prescription to entire populations.

With the right blend of curiosity, communication, and courage, any pharmacist can step into the digital health arena—not just as a participant, but as a leader.

Because in the future of medicine, the best systems will be built by those who understand care from the inside out.