The University of Arizona’s College of Health Sciences is expanding partnerships to address Arizona’s healthcare workforce shortage, especially in rural areas. “The University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman Center for Rural Health reports that 93% of all physical therapists work in urban areas.”

The initiative collaborates with hospitals and clinics to attract health professionals to underserved areas. Efforts also include creating interdisciplinary clinical opportunities, broadening access to health professions like physical therapy, and fostering retention of graduates within Arizona.

These partnerships offer students hands-on clinical experience, preparing them to meet community needs post-graduation in areas such as diagnostics and treatment skills.

Directing the initiative is Nancy Johnson, PhD, a former CEO at El Rio Health, previous faculty member in both the U of A College of Nursing and College of Medicine – Tucson and now the Director of Clinical partnerships at U of A College of Health Sciences.

For more on how UoA Health Sciences is supporting their graduates and the healthcare workforce read the full article UofA Health Sciences website: Bridging health care education and workforce needs