HIT talent shortage estimated at 50K+ (US)

Donna Cusano

EHR implementation and ‘meaningful use’…new clinical apps…yet billions in data breaches…and not enough trained IT people with healthcare expertise. 70% of CHIME (College of Healthcare Information Management Executives) surveyed back in the fall [TA 12 Oct] know they have the shortage and retention problems, but in the earlier article, it’s made clear that they also believe that they don’t have enough funds to hire. Will ‘intensive health I.T. curricula lasting six months or less in community colleges and 12 months or less at four-year universities’, Federally funded, fill the breach of 50,000 staff in the next five years? Why no emphasis on retraining HIT staff in new programs? And will there be the jobs for the newly trained? You be the judge. Health Data Management takes a look