As part of the new national Health IT push, several new projects are getting underway to train healthcare professionals in the use of electronic health records and other broadband powered innovations. Here is a look at four of new projects getting off the ground:

Ohio: The state has received a $7.5 million grant as part of a new national Health IT initiative. Tri-C and other regional community colleges will use the funding to train current and new Health IT workers. “There is going to be a tremendous ongoing need for people to be trained in how to develop, maintain and use electronic health record information systems,” said Jerry Sue Thornton, president of Cuyahoga Community College. “This funding allows us to build on the strengths of not only our local health care partners who are ahead of the curve on electronic medical records, but also a strong network of partners across a 10-state region to deliver this training.” Read the full story here.

Texas: Texas State University has been awarded a $5.4 million grant to train individuals in the Health IT sector. Students will take part in a one-year intensive training program and receive a certificate upon completion. "Training a cadre of new health IT professionals and breaking down barriers to the adoption of meaningful use of health IT are both critical to the national effort to use information technology to realize better patient care," said Dr. David Blumenthal, national coordinator for health information technology. Read the Texas Statesman Journal article here.

Virginia: Tidewater Community College has been awarded a $16 million grant to “unify health records electronically,” as part of a larger national effort. "We look forward to rolling up our sleeves with other colleges and our partners, all in the name of assuring health professionals apply, adopt and adapt to the best technological advances in health care," said TCC President Deborah M. DiCroce. Read the full story here.

Washington State: Bellevue College will receive a $3 million grant to take part in a regional training program for Health IT professionals. Read the story here.