Where Are the Health IT Jobs?

A recent national search on the HIMSS JobMine© indicates that at least 10 states have multiple positions open in the double digits with Illinois leading the way at 24 followed by Florida at 16. The total number of positions nationwide, again, according to the HIMSS JobMine©, is 257.

So, let’s look a little closer at the positions open in Illinois and cross-reference these with the demands of the ONC Workforce Development Certificate Program.

At first glance, HIMSS is hiring four positions, three of which are based in Illinois: a Coordinator, Global Interoperability, a Coordinator, Informatics, a Web Content Manager, and one position that is not restricted by location: Sr. Director, Professional Development.

Breaking down the job requirements for the Coordinator, Global Interoperability position, candidates need to have earned a BS/BA degree with a minimum of three (3) years of proven experience with project management, coordination of multiple projects, groups and related activities with technical content. So, graduates of the ONC Workforce Development Program may have the experience required for this position coupled with coursework in project management through the certificate training program.

Project management or “Implementation Manager” is one of the six positions that the certificate focuses on. I say “may have the experience required” because each candidate’s skill sets and abilities are different and need to be explored.

Looking at another position, the Epic Healthcare IT Consultant Analyst Trainer, requires up to 80% travel, a BS preferred; a combination of experience and education will be considered. So again, the ONC Workforce Development Program has “Trainers” as one of the six competencies focused on in the program, and, the candidate may have the skill sets and abilities desired of the hiring organization.

Based on these very brief analyses, and in my opinion, the jobs are out there. It takes work for the job seeker to “make the case” that he or she may be qualified for a position. And that’s just the first step since the next step is to get one’s resume in front of the recruiter.

It’s through these efforts that HIMSS is working behind the scenes to develop and build out the HIMSS Career Services programs to meet the needs of job seekers and hiring organizations as the industry seeks to implement the systems needed to use healthcare information technology in a meaningful way.

Share your thoughts and experiences on finding jobs in health IT…here on the HIMSS Blog.

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2 Responses to Where Are the Health IT Jobs?

Glen F. Marshall says:

May 11, 2011 at 9:53 am

I have seen multiple Health IT job postings across multiple forums and social media. While most of the jobs are good opportunities, it is not clear how many are career positions.

I characterize a Health IT career in the order stated: Health first, IT second. A career opportunity invites a life commitment to something larger then one’s own technical skill-set.

In contrast, non-career positions stress specific technology skills or familiarity with vendors’ products.

The difference will become very clear in interviews. The appeal of either choice varies among applicants, of course, but I favor health career commitments, even if the initial pay is lower, as the longer-term payoff is much more satisfying.

- JoAnn Klinedinst says:
  
  May 11, 2011 at 9:03 pm
  
  Thanks, Glen, for your comments. I agree with your comments about “health” first followed by “IT” second. And, from my personal perspective, I planned on staying in healh IT five years and now I’m approaching my 25th year.