Outlook for New Workforce Trainees

Dr. David Blumenthal announced last October that 50,000 new workers would be needed in the health information technology field. The Office of the National Coordinator established several grant programs designed to facilitate workforce training. Most of these training programs are due to kickoff this fall. So what is the job outlook for new trainees?

Interestingly, just last week, a report was released on previous federal jobs training programs. The results ranged from somewhat encouraging to downright discouraging. Time will tell how things will work out for the new HIT trainees. My advice to these students would be to take an approach of cautious optimism. For now, they should hold on to their day jobs (if they are employed.)

The programs are bound to be intensive. Until the national curricula are released, it would be too soon to judge if they cover subject matter in adequate depth to allow a graduate to function adequately in the real workplace. Most of the jobs I have seen posted on electronic bulletin boards require 5-7 years of experience in the field. Other barriers include a faltering economy that has impacted the health care field along with the rest of the economy. Cutbacks, hiring freezes, and even layoffs are occurring at hospitals and other health care organizations. Even employers with healthy balance sheets are taking a cautious approach towards hiring. Current employees are just being asked to be more productive.

There are potential employers on the horizon. This fall, many of the Regional Extension Centers will progress from the planning to the operations stage. Entry level jobs dealing with acquisition and implementation of ambulatory and inpatient EMRs should be created. Now that the final rules for certification, standards, and meaningful use have been published the way forward for the next two years is clearer. Clinicians and hospitals that have not already decided if they want to pursue the incentive funds that are available through Medicare and Medicaid programs will have to do so soon. Then the demand for new workforce trainees by the Regional Extension Centers, vendors, and consultants will be more accurately known.