Can N.J. Solve the Health Professional Shortage Puzzle?

The impending health care professional shortage promises to hit New Jersey harder than most, as the state produces the fewest new practicing physicians and has the third-oldest workforce, third-highest percentage of physicians over the age of 60 and second-lowest percentage under the age of 40.

The increasing number of patients being insured, coupled with the growing number of Americans over age 65 and needing more care, make it all the more important to increase the pool of available physicians, highly-qualified nurses and other health professionals.

The good news is the number of nurse practitioners and physician assistants is increasing. They are part of the solution if they practice to the limit of their licenses.

Here’s a look at how New Jersey colleges and hospitals plan to do their part to help…