Gov. Jared Polis and a bipartisan group of Colorado lawmakers plan to dramatically expand health care education programs at higher education institutions in the state to combat persistent workforce shortages in health care. ing. Approximately 150 medical professionals graduate each year.
Polis joined legislators and higher education school leaders Monday afternoon at the Auraria campus in Denver to announce plans to increase opportunities for students who want to pursue careers in health care.
Along with opening a new medical school at UNC in Greeley, the state will build on medical programs at Metro State University in Denver, Colorado State University, and Trinidad State University to provide a variety of medical positions, including nurses, social workers, and medical professionals. There are plans to strengthen programs for professionals. Mental and behavioral health professionals and veterinarians. Planning for the program at the four schools has been in the works for the past three years.
“This will be a huge improvement for health care in Colorado,” Polis said. “There's no question about that.”
Investing in the state's health care workforce and reducing the cost of health care education is an ongoing priority for Polis and lawmakers, who plan to use $26 million in federal COVID-19 funding in 2022. created a program to provide free schooling to students pursuing a career as a certified nurse. Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant.
This is an ongoing story and will be updated.
