UPMC partnering with 2 companies to launch health IT training program for the underserved

UPMC Health Plan, workforce development organization Partner4Work and Health IT Pittsburgh are launching a training program for health information technology.

The eight-week course will target individuals from underserved communities, according to a news release announcing the launch Tuesday.

Broadly, health information technicians organize and manage health data.

Participants in this program will train for tech-driven, customer service roles including database management, call cent e r operations and sales functions.

After completing the program, participants will work within UPMC Health Plan.

“With the need for skilled IT-focused individuals in health care on the rise, it’s important to have a local workforce of skilled professionals ready,” Dan LaValle, director of the Center for Social Impact at UPMC Health Plan, said in a prepared statement.

“This is imperative not only to UPMC Health Plan but it’s also urgent for the region.”

Employment for medical records and health information technicians is expected to grow 8% by 2029, compared to 2019 levels, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That demand likely will rise as the population ages and the use of health data and electronic records continues to expand, the BLS analysis said.

In Pittsburgh, Partner 4 Work developed the recruiting strategy, Health IT, an initiative of the nonprofit Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, provided the funding and UPMC offered job opportunities.

The health care system is targeting a 90% retention rate and will offer roles with an hourly rate of at least $15.

The first training cohort will include 15 individuals who will work in three groups of five members.