Study calls for more health care professionals

Art Nadler

Friday, Dec. 4, 1998 | 11:22 a.m.

Nevada's universities and community colleges need to pump up the volume in their efforts to meet growing health-care demands throughout the state, a recently released study reports.

The Health Care Education Committee of the University and Community College System of Nevada was given copies of the health-care education study today. It was conducted at the state's two universities and four community colleges.

Curricula for 34 health-care categories were surveyed at UNLV, the University of Nevada, Reno; the Great Basin College, Elko; Community College of Southern Nevada and Western Nevada Community Colleges in Fallon and Carson City.

The study was conducted by John Packham, health care planning and research coordinator for the system. The study recommends, in part, expanding programs in dentistry, pharmaceuticals, physical therapy, registered nursing, dental hygiene, home health care and optical services.

"We will need around 6,000 nurses by 2006," Packham said, adding that the demand is being fueled by Southern Nevada's population boom.

The most dramatic need, Packham said, is for dental hygienists. In 1997-98, 31 students graduated from the system, and currently there is an estimated need for 110 hygienists.

"I would call that a substantial gap," he said.

Pharmacy needs are another area where demand is substantial. Currently, the study showed that there are about 1,000 pharmacists statewide. By 2006, the demand will nearly double, Packham said.

Fields in which the universities and colleges are keeping up with demand are dietitians and nutritionists, emergency medical technicians, nursing aides, occupational therapy assistants and aides, speech-language pathologists and physical therapy assistants and aides.

Packham said the universities and colleges needs to continue producing graduates in these fields.

The study also recommends that the Legislature fund a director to oversee health-care studies within the two universities and four community colleges. Packham said such a director would coordinate research, do feasibility studies and assess the health-care needs of the state.

Besides the Health Care Education Committee, Packham said his study will be presented to UNLV, UNR and the community colleges. He's hoping to get feedback before a final draft is submitted to the Legislature.