A 10-year-old boy is brought to the nearest critical access hospital with a broken arm. He’s met in the emergency room by a physician assistant. Over the next few hours he’s seen by an x-ray technologist, has blood drawn, which is analyzed by a medical technologist and weeks later his doctor sends him to a physical therapist for rehabilitation.
From the person who draws blood, to the one who takes x-rays, to the one who guides the rehabilitation, they are all allied health professionals. Combined, allied health professionals make up 60 percent of the health care workforce.
“These individuals provide fundamental services within our health care system. They help to increase access, decrease costs and provide information physicians use in diagnosis and treatment,” said Kyle Meyer, Ph.D., associate dean of the School of Allied Health Professions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Dr. Meyer and five leaders from the school will discuss the significant role allied health professionals play in health care during an outstate visit to five greater Nebraska communities – North Platte, Alliance, Chadron, Scottsbluff and Sidney – Sept. 20-22.
The tour also is an opportunity to thank community members for the important role they play in welcoming allied health students who come to their communities for rural clinical rotations. Community members also are encouraged to discuss ways in which the school can address local health care needs.
The UNMC School of Allied Health Professions has 11 health profession education programs in three major divisions: radiation science technology, laboratory science and primary care. Currently there are 379 students enrolled in the school, 84 percent of whom are Nebraska residents.
“Workforce shortages exist in many of the allied health professions. It is estimated that by 2018 there will be a need for more than 190,000 additional allied health professionals, especially physician assistants, physical therapists and radiation therapists,” Dr. Meyer said.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.
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