Health Level Seven Launched Break the Code Program
The initiative aims to address a growing demand for over 1 million skilled workers in FHIR technology by 2031.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Internships
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Health Level Seven International has introduced Break the Code, a free workforce development program designed for university students. The program aims to bridge the global gap for skilled professionals fluent in FHIR standards.
Why it matters
The healthcare industry faces a projected deficit of over 1 million skilled FHIR workers within the next five years, making standardized training critical for future health IT integration.
The program has secured commitments from 45 academic institutions across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Students are expected to dedicate 3 to 4 hours per month to the two-semester curriculum.
The players
Health Level Seven International
This is a non-profit organization that develops international standards for the transfer of clinical and administrative health data.
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
This body oversees the accreditation of health informatics and information management education programs globally.
The details
Participants engage in industry expert sessions, microlearning modules, and guided building checkpoints to earn official HL7 credentials. The curriculum requires students to build a SMART on FHIR application in the fall, followed by an application of FHIR to AI in the spring.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: HL7 officially announced the launch of the Break the Code program.
October 2026: The inaugural cohort of students begins the two-semester program.
Market Landscape
This program aligns with the broader industry trend of prioritizing specialized technical training to close the health IT skills gap. It positions HL7 as a central architect in standardizing workforce capabilities against the rapid integration of AI and data exchange technologies.
University students enrolled in participating programs can access professional training and official credentials at no cost. This provides a direct pathway for students to gain industry-recognized skills in FHIR and AI-integrated healthcare technology.
The takeaway
The surge in demand for FHIR expertise reflects the intensifying need for standardized data interoperability in the digital health sector. Students interested in health IT careers should leverage these industry-backed credentials to differentiate themselves in a competitive job market.
Further reading
Learn more about professional development in Internships.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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