Rural and urban differences in employment and vacancies in ten allied health professions

Few studies examine rural and urban differences in supply and demand for allied health professionals. This research examined ten allied health professions for rural and urban differences in employment and vacancies across four types of hospital settings. Based on data from a Georgia workforce study, significant differences in employment rates were noted for medical technologists, medical laboratory technicians, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and social workers. Significant size x location differences in vacancy rates were found for registered nurses and respiratory therapists. This study suggests that rurality and hospital size may impact levels of employment and vacancies in selected professions, and that a detailed workforce analysis is needed by profession, employment sector, and geographical area to establish a clear picture of health care services needed by the population.