Is CIS the Same as Information Systems?

No, a clinical information system (CIS) is not the same as general information systems used in business or other industries. While both involve the use of software and databases to manage information, their scope, function, and context differ significantly.

Is CIS the same as information systems in computer science? Not functionally. A clinical information system is a specialized type of information system developed specifically for healthcare settings. Its purpose is to manage patient-related data, coordinate clinical workflows, and support regulatory compliance in hospitals, labs, and clinics. By contrast, general information systems in computer science or business manage financial records, logistics, customer relationships, and enterprise resource planning.

A CIS handles structured and unstructured clinical data including lab results, prescriptions, radiology images, vitals, and clinical documentation. It integrates with laboratory information systems (LIS), electronic health records (EHR), computerized physician order entry (CPOE), and decision support tools—components that have no equivalent in business IT systems.

While both CIS and general IT systems rely on databases, networks, user interfaces, and data models, a CIS must also adhere to healthcare-specific standards such as HIPAA, HL7, and CLIA. Additionally, downtime or data errors in a CIS can result in direct clinical consequences, whereas the risks in general business IT are largely operational or financial.

Ultimately, a clinical information system is a healthcare-specific subset of broader information systems. It shares core technical foundations with other platforms but is differentiated by its purpose, regulatory environment, and integration with clinical workflows.

Computer Information Systems Degree

A computer information systems major prepares students to design, manage, and secure digital platforms that support business operations. The curriculum bridges computer science and business, focusing on database management, systems analysis, programming, cybersecurity, and enterprise software applications.

While it does not focus exclusively on healthcare, this degree can provide a strong foundation for professionals interested in managing or supporting health IT environments, including roles within clinical information system infrastructures. Graduates gain expertise in system architecture, user experience, and data analytics—all critical skills for organizations implementing complex information systems, whether in corporate finance or clinical care.

Students pursuing a computer information systems degree often learn to evaluate business needs, translate them into technical requirements, and support scalable, secure information systems. Although clinical applications are not the primary focus, the technical competencies acquired—such as SQL database querying, systems integration, and cloud computing—are transferable to healthcare contexts when combined with domain-specific training.

Computer Information Systems Jobs

Graduates with a background in CIS often ask, what can you do with a computer information systems degree? The answer depends on the industry, but core roles include systems analyst, database administrator, IT project manager, business intelligence analyst, and network architect. Each of these roles supports the planning, development, and maintenance of organizational IT infrastructure.

In healthcare, these professionals may transition into roles supporting clinical information system platforms, helping hospitals configure and manage electronic health records, decision support systems, or integration engines that link lab and pharmacy systems.

So, what is the job of computer information system professionals in general? Their job is to align technology with organizational needs—ensuring systems are secure, efficient, and optimized for performance. In clinical environments, this can involve setting up interfaces between LIS platforms and hospital EHRs, ensuring data standards like HL7 are met, or supporting compliance with HIPAA and FDA regulations.

The versatility of the degree means CIS professionals can work in nearly any sector—finance, logistics, healthcare, education, or manufacturing. But those who understand both IT architecture and clinical workflows are particularly well-positioned in modern healthcare

Choosing the Right LIS

A high-performing laboratory information system must complement broader clinical information infrastructure. SCC’s SoftLab® is designed to function as a core diagnostic engine within enterprise health systems—delivering rapid, accurate results and full integration with EHR and CIS platforms.

The best LIS software ensures traceability, regulatory compliance, and interoperability across departments. SoftLab provides real-time specimen tracking, multi-instrument connectivity, and audit-ready documentation, allowing labs to support critical decisions without workflow bottlenecks.

Healthcare organizations looking to modernize diagnostics, reduce turnaround time, and align lab operations with system-wide goals rely on SoftLab for both stability and configurability.