Contrary to popular belief, hospitals and health systems are proving to be fertile ground for technology careers. Forty U.S.-based health systems earned spots on Forbes’ list of top employers for tech talent, attracting professionals with mission-driven work, career growth opportunities and innovative IT programs.
The survey, conducted by Forbes in partnership with market research firm Statista, included more than 25,000 technology professionals employed at organizations with at least 1,000 staff members. Respondents evaluated their employers on factors such as salary, professional development opportunities, workplace flexibility, openness to ideas and technological progressiveness.
Healthcare is not always seen as a top destination for technology professionals, but CIOs from several listed organizations said mission-driven work, career development and an innovative culture are key draws.
At Columbia, S.C.-based Prisma Health, Rich Rogers, senior vice president and CIO, told Becker’s the organization emphasizes competitive compensation, career growth pathways, remote and hybrid flexibility, and a clear strategic vision. He added that giving tech teams opportunities to see their impact on patient care—for instance, in pediatric oncology units—reinforces their sense of purpose.
Detroit-based Henry Ford Health CIO Geoff Patterson cited culture and purpose as differentiators.
“Technology plays an incredibly important role in care delivery, and our IT team knows their work is truly helping people achieve the best health outcomes possible,” he told Becker’s.
The system encourages innovation in areas such as data science and cybersecurity while fostering an environment where team members feel valued and connected to the mission.
Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health CIO Brad Remer highlighted programs that immerse IT staff in clinical settings.
“One of the most effective strategies has been our reverse rounding program, where IT teams spend time alongside frontline caregivers to see firsthand how technology supports patient care,” he told Becker’s. “These clinical immersion sessions have created powerful connections between clinicians and IT professionals, reinforcing the purpose and impact behind the work our teams do every day.”
The system also hosts “ask me anything” sessions to boost transparency and alignment. As a result, Mr. Remer said, Sanford Health’s Employee Net Promoter Score rose 74 points to an industry-leading +55.
Cincinnati Children’s CIO Tony Johnston emphasized training, ongoing education and flexible work arrangements, including full-time remote options for most staff. Leadership also emphasizes innovation and connecting every employee’s role to the hospital’s mission to care for children.
Kristin Myers, executive vice president and chief digital officer of New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health, said the organization’s rapid digital transformation creates opportunities for tech professionals to drive meaningful change.
“Healthcare is inherently mission-driven, and for many tech professionals, the biggest draw is the chance to make real impact—shaping solutions that directly save lives, advance equity and improve the health of millions,” she told Becker’s. “What sets Northwell apart is the scale and pace of our transformation as we are expanding rapidly, investing in digital innovation, and reimagining how care is delivered across our communities.”
Lisa Stump, executive vice president and chief digital information officer for New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System and dean of information technology for Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, echoed this view.
“The culture of Mount Sinai is one that embraces innovation in service to our people, our patients, and our world,” she told Becker’s. “When I talk with my teams, and directly ask them, ‘what keeps you here?’ It is that mission to serve and help people and to leverage cutting edge technology in that service.”
For tech workers, these strategies appear to be paying off, making health systems increasingly competitive destinations in the technology job market.
