Health Information Technology
Workforce Training Program
Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) Roles:
The landscape of the American health care system is undergoing rapid
change as providers transition from paper to electronic health records
(EHRs) and strive to meet the criteria of ‘meaningful use’. This
transition requires a workforce with enhanced skills to successfully
implement, support, and maintain the EHR systems.
The Office of the
National Coordinator (ONC) for Health IT identified workforce roles that
require skilled professionals to support healthcare providers in the
transition to electronic health records (EHRs).
ONC Role 1: Clinician/Practitioner Consultant
This role is similar to the redesign specialist (role 4) but brings to bear the background and experience of a licensed clinical professional or public health professional.
Suggested Background: Individuals in this role will be licensed clinical professionals or public health professionals who bring into the role significant experience in federal, state or local public health agencies.
ONC Role 2: Implementation Manager
Workers in this role provide on-site management of mobile adoption support teams for the period of time before and during implementation of Health IT systems in clinical and public health settings.
Suggested Background: Individuals in this role will have experience in a health and/or information technology environment as well as some administrative or managerial experience.
ONC Role 3: Implementation Support Specialist
Workers in this role provide on-site user support for the period of time before and during implementation of Health IT systems in clinical and public health settings.
Suggested Background: Individuals training for this role will have a general background in information technology or information management.
ONC Role 4: Practice Workflow and Information Management Redesign Specialist
Workers in this role assist in reorganizing the work of a provider to take full advantage of the features of Health IT in pursuit of meaningful use of Health IT to improve health and care.
Suggested Background: Individuals in this role may have backgrounds in health care or information technology, but are not licensed clinical professionals.
ONC Role 5: Technical/Software Support Specialist
Workers in this role maintain systems in clinical and public health settings, including patching and upgrading of software.
Suggested Background: Individuals training for this role will have a general background in information technology or information management.
Workers in this role design and deliver training programs, using adult learning principles, to employees in clinical and public health settings.
Suggested Background: The previous background of individuals in this role includes experience as a health professional or health information management specialist. Experience as a trainer is desired.
Funded by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, US Department of
Health and Human Services. ARRA Grant #90CC07701