“The Health Informatics specialism was a revelation to me. I had no idea that the NHS offered a graduate programme like this – it fits so well to what I set out to do. Now I work with a team where our sole focus is to help improve patient care. We look at intelligence, reports, workflows and more, to find answers to big, important issues. How exciting is that!”
Shariqa
Start your journey in Health Informatics
It is more important than ever that the NHS can use digital technologies and data effectively to deliver patient care today – and in the future. With the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), there’s so much more that can be achieved through the application of data and digital systems in the NHS.
Trainees will join the scheme at a time of growing demand for informatics and data analysis skills across the organisation. You will learn about healthcare policy and strategy, get involved in the design and implementation of digital systems and work on analytical and predictive intelligence to inform decisions. You’ll need strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in the potential of information technology. On placement, you may be involved in connecting healthcare data across NHS organisations, analysing A&E and outpatient data to recommend improvements in data management, and delivering online patient services.
Trainee insight
Stephen shares his experience as a Health Informatics trainee.
Read Health Informatics trainee blogs to find out more about life as a GMTS trainee
Qualifications
Trainees work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Analytics, delivered by University College London and the University of Manchester. Previous modules have included: Essentials of Informatics for Healthcare Systems, Principles of Health Data Analytics and Health Information Systems and Technologies.
Alongside your Data Analytics qualification, you will be completing the NHS’ Rosalind Franklin Leadership Development Programme which will introduce, develop and harness your leadership style and potential. This programme will be delivered through a blended mix of conference style, virtual workshops and small group learning.
Trainees will also participate in Action Learning Sets and attend a range of conferences throughout the Scheme which will allow them to work and develop together as a group, learning from leading experts within the health and social care sector and further afield.
Teaching is delivered during working hours, but trainees can expect to complete coursework and revision in their own time.
Career path
After graduating, trainees have joined NHS organisations in roles including: App Developer, Informatics Project Manager, Public Health Analyst/ Strategic Analyst, Information Analytics Lead and Digital Project/Programme Manager.
We’re looking for leadership potential. To help you achieve yours, every trainee is supported by a:
• Trainee Support Manager from the NHS GMTS team who provides overall holistic and pastoral support for the duration of your time on Scheme.
• Education Officer from the NHS GMTS team who will support you with planning and succeeding in the educational activity you complete outside of placements.
• Placement Manager for each placement you undertake who will be your day-to-day line manager.
• Programme Manager who oversees your development in placement for the whole of the Scheme.
• Buddy who will be able to support you from the experiences they have gained whilst on the Scheme, this is usually a trainee from a previous cohort.
Plus, a range of other NHS GMTS team members, NHS GMTS alumni, academic tutors from the higher education institutions and many more.