Doctors and healthcare providers are in a race to improve their infrastructure by building data centers and hiring more tech professionals who specialize in the sector. While already in strong demand, health IT professionals will be needed even more as the federal deadline to implement changes looms. According to Accenture, hospitals have a staggering amount of work to do if they hope to complete their work on time.

When it comes to healthcare IT resources to support EMR implementation, there is a significant gap in qualified personnel. Over the next year, it is estimated that 90 percent of hospitals will invest to install/upgrade EMRs, driving even greater competition for top IT talent.

Among the bigger employers, UnitedHealth Group lists nearly 175 jobs in Minnesota and Connecticut on Dice. It's looking for Java and .NET developers, business and security analysts, as well as data warehouse specialists. In Scottsdale, Ariz., Coventry Health lists development, consulting, and implementation positions. MicroStrategy needs professionals throughout the Midatlantic region. -- Dino Londis