Are careers in bioinformatics generally research oriented? I'm in the process of earning my bachelors in applied computer science. I was considering a career in this field, because I've always had an interest in biology as well as IT. However, I have little interest in pursuing a PhD. Northeastern and DSU both offer a DL masters in bio/health informatics that I'm interested in pursuing. Would I be wasting my time to go this route if I'm not interested in obtaining a PhD?
I think Health Informatics IT is not the same as Bio Informatics. Health IT is more oriented with IT systems that serve Health care providers record management, databases. Electronic delivery of X-rays, Health record management of patients in hospitals and pharmacy IT services. It is also deployed in cardio - monitoring and vitals monitoring systems etc. I have less familiarity with Bioinformatics. I see this as you mentioned more related to molecular biology and the application of technology to this field. Bioinformatics now entails the creation and advancement of databases, algorithms, computational and statistical techniques, and theory to solve formal and practical problems arising from the management and analysis of biological data. An undergraduate education is often just the beginning for those pursuing a career in biotechnology. But many undergraduate programs let students elect a biotech concentration. Get as much lab experience as possible. This is often a key to gaining biotech employment. If you are a student, you may even want to consider an unpaid summer internship to help with experience. http://www.bioplanet.com/planetforums/index.php The University of California, Irvine provides a graduate program in biotechnology with five major areas of concentration, including stem cell research and gene structure. The University of Virgina offers a doctoral program in biotechnology. There are a certain number of entry-level biotech positions available for those who earn a bachelor's degree. But to really advance in your career, a comprehensive master's or doctoral program to develop your skills.
You can look at the programs offered by the University of Maryland Uuniversity College, the University of Illinois-Chicago, Northwestern University and Capella University.