Q: I heard that thousands of new health information technology professionals might be needed for the future. How would I get training to become one? It seems like a great way to combine my love for computers with my desire to be in health care.

A: You ask a very timely question. Very recently Health and Human Services awarded $144 million in Recovery Act Funds to universities, community colleges and research centers to training these professionals and to teach health care providers and hospitals how to effectively use electronic health records.  Training programs will be offered for 12-month or less certificate and master’s degree level programs.