As the health information technology (IT) market experiences rapid growth, so must the professional workforce supporting these projects. Currently an estimated 40,000 more professionals will be necessary to fill the widening gap. This growth spurt will likely be occurring within federal, state and local government agencies as well as the vendor community.

A study by William Hersh, MD and Adam Wright, PhD entitled, "Characterizing the Health Information Technology Workforce: Analysis from the HIMSS Analytics™ Database", indicates the demand for a skilled IT workforce to support the health care industry's paper-to-electronic transformation is increasing. Health IT experts are necessary to design, develop and implement innovative user-friendly, patient-centric systems. Further, as ehealth projects and initiatives get underway and more precisely define system capabilities and functionalities there will be on-going upgrades, enhancements and maintenance.

Oregon Representative David Wu has authored a bill, H.R. 1467, aimed at addressing the need to ensure more health IT professionals. The 10,000 Trained by 2010 Act would provide funds for health IT education. The bill has been passed by the House and is awaiting considering in the Senate.

Gain more insight into state and local health IT at GovWin's 3rd Annual State & Local MarketView event on June 4, 2008 in Tysons Corner.