This module provides information about the rural healthcare workforce. The context of rural healthcare workforce is provided, along with definitions of health professions shortage areas. National and Colorado data are presented, including possible solutions to enhancing the rural healthcare workforce.
Amy J. Barton, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF
Amy Barton is a Professor at the University of Colorado College of Nursing known nationally for work in nurse-led models of care, quality/safety, and rural health. She is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and Academy of Nurse Educators.
Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:
- Identify factors that influence rural healthcare workforce shortages.
- Define types of health professional shortage areas.
- Describe the current state of rural workforce shortages with national and Colorado data.
- Consider solutions to rural provider recruitment and retention.