If you own any electronic devices these days, you probably use at least one app. Although application development professionals are always in demand, there’s also a growing need for skilled people who can support the software the developers create. Whether you’re an application specialist in a business environment or an application specialist for medical devices, your job description may include troubleshooting and testing software, as well as supporting and training end users.

Job Description

Application specialists support and troubleshoot software, typically working with both end users and developers. The application specialist job description includes helping troubleshoot issues, analyzing systems, auditing or verifying data and testing and evaluating. They may work with specialized applications or cloud solutions that need to be customized to an organization’s unique environment.

Clinical application specialists support software specific to the medical field. They work with healthcare professionals to ensure that they are fully trained on the equipment and software they use to do their jobs. An application specialist in medical devices works with equipment manufacturers to train field representatives and answer any questions they have.

Education Requirements

The application specialist resume will typically include at least a bachelor’s degree, especially if you plan to work for a large corporation. Many of these positions will substitute education for experience, though, especially in a market where talent is scarce. Getting at least an associate’s degree in a technology-based field can give you an edge over the competition.

If your application specialist job description is in a specialized field, though, you may find that a degree in a clinical field is an advantage. Being able to understand medical terminology alongside a technology background could push up demand for your services. Whether you work in a business or clinical setting, you’ll be expected to have good customer service, as well as strong written and oral communication skills.

Industry

Application specialists usually work in an office environment, supporting end users and interacting with developers. The application specialist job description sometimes includes working after hours or being on call to handle any emergencies. Some application specialists may find they’re required to travel to support other offices.

Clinical application specialists will most likely be found working in hospitals and medical practices, although they also may put in some work time in traditional offices. Travel may also be required in this field, along with being on call for support after-hours.

Years of Experience and Salary

The application specialist resume can vary widely, making it tough to predict future salary. The average annual pay is $60,000, but that covers a range from $46,000 to $86,000. Education and experience also plays a role in how much an application specialist earns.

For specialized areas, though, the position can have higher pay. An application specialist for medical devices earns, on average, $71,887, with a range from $49,000 to $97,000. Factors affecting pay include education level and whether you have specialized education and experience in the medical field.

Job Growth Trend

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics lumps application specialists in with all computer support specialists, which includes those who troubleshoot devices and networks. The field of information technology is always on the rise, and computer support specialist positions are no exception. BLS predicts growth of 11 percent in the field through 2026, which is faster than average across all jobs.

Those with an application specialist resume in the clinical field will see growth that is about average. Although there will be more devices used in the medical field to diagnose and treat patients, medical professionals will also become more comfortable with using these devices, leading to the possibility of a reduced need for daily support.