New Study Shows Continued Shortage of Public Health Workers
Liz Perry for Leaders in Healthcare – April 28, 2008
Earlier this month, the Center for Studying Health System Change released study results showing local health departments are struggling to recruit, train and retain qualified workers.
The results, verified by the Department of Health and Human Services, showed influencing factors included inadequate funding, uncompetitive salaries and benefits, large numbers of retiring workers, insufficient supply of trained workers, and lack of enthusiasm for public health as a career choice.
The study look at six communities across the country, and found personnel shortages and deficits in key skill areas ranging from significant to severe proportions. The communities generally agreed that public health nurses are the most difficult personnel to recruit and retain.
Across the board, the study also showed shortages of workers with advanced degrees and public health training. Survey respondents acknowledged there are more schools of public health and training programs than existed a decade ago, and there is a need to generate enthusiasm for public health as a career. For those looking to change or expand their careers, public health offers unlimited opportunities due to the immense need in the field. Obtaining an advanced degree, such as a Master of Public Health degree, can increase these opportunities even further.