Colorado and Healthcare Nursing Schools

The population of the state of Colorado is increasing due to its beautiful environment. Its marvelous scenery makes this state a desirable place to live, however as far as health care is concerned it is adding to an already existing problem. Colorado has critical factors that impact the need for health care workers in the state. The growing population challenges our abilities to meet the many demands of quality health care services among our communities. There is an extreme shortage of qualified health care professionals in Colorado, making it almost impossible to accommodate all the health care needs of the people.

Colorado consists of 64 counties. The majority of these counties are in rural areas. 47 counties out of the 64 are in these remote rural areas. Often health care services to patients have to be denied or delayed due to these shortages. Although Colorado is experiencing a tremendous shortage of practicing nurses in both rural and urban areas, 75% of these rural counties are served by and have only one Public Health Nurse that is often responsible for the entire county!

31 counties out of Colorado's 64 counties are designated as HPSA Health Professional Shortage Areas. 21 counties are partially dedicated and only 12 of the 64 are not! As you can see Colorado Needs quality health care professionals now and according to the National Center for Health Workforce these shortages are projected to increase over the next 3 years with over 6,428 health care positions to be filled. This is a growing concern that must be addressed.

Colorado is taking initiatives to help recruit talented individuals to promote Health care professionals in our population and implement programs that encourage the practice of Health care services in these rural areas. There is currently $9.4 million dollars in funding to be used for this purpose. This money will be used to encourage health care graduates and professionals to work in their field in Colorado's communities by providing housing to medical students and residents who work in the health care industry. Also these funds are available to provide loan repayment for their educational training. In addition $275,000 thousand dollars in grant money is available for 22 individuals who wish to pursue their Health Care Education. Other benefits as well as competitive wadges are readily available to health care professionals that are in such high demand in this state.

Health care worker shortages in Colorado extend beyond Nursing. Although Colorado is continually looking for experienced Registered Nurses in Specialty and Non Specialty areas, and have an enormous demand for LPNs, There is also a high demand for Pharmacists, Radiology Technicians, Occupational and Physical Therapists, Speech Pathologists, and Mental Health Care Professionals. The need for innovation and new technology in rural areas is also an important factor in recruiting qualified health care professionals. Colorado not only welcomes quality health care workers in every field but also needs them to care for their population.