With the current demand for well-trained health IT professionals expected to rise even more, New York’s Department of Education is hoping to produce students that will be well prepared. Next year it’s launching a health IT school that combines four years of high school with a two-year technical school. It’s part of a wider initiative to ensure students are qualified for the jobs available when they enter the workforce.
A description of the program from the New York Department of Education’s website said Microsoft and New York-Presbyterian Hospital are the lead industry partners.
It will specialize in IT solutions in the healthcare industry. Classes will emphasize computer information and systems management as students train through internships for healthcare-related technology careers with Microsoft systems and acquire experience in New York-Presbyterian Hospital’s information technology operations.
Market Trends to Watch for Health Systems and Their Specialty Pharmacies
The future looks bright for the integrated specialty pharmacy model – for health systems, providers, and most importantly, for patients.
Dr. Steven J. Corwin, the CEO of New York-Presbyterian, said: “having a strong information technology workforce is integral to hospitals’ ability to deliver high quality healthcare…The program will also make a difference in the lives of many New York City students — giving them marketable and coveted skills and a promising career in health care.”
Last year Gartner projected that big data alone would spur the creation of 1.9 million jobs. A big pain point is there will not be enough skilled professionals to fill the demand. In response, more universities are offering masters degrees and certification programs in healthcare informatics.
[Photo credit: The concept of education from BigStock Photos]