Health Careers in Mississippi
The Need:
- Last in the nation in the number of physicians per person (2010)
- Between 2010 and 2020 the state is projected to need 6,250 new registered nurses
- All or part of every county in the state designated as medically underserved by the federal government (2009)
The Opportunity:
- Between 2010 and 2020 Mississippi’s health care work force is projected to grow by 17%
- 250 or more new Mississippi jobs are projected in each of the following fields:
- Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
- Physical Therapists
- Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
- Respiratory Therapy Technicians
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Addressing the Need:
Mississippi has the lowest number of physicians per capita in the nation. Almost half of all Mississippians lack access to a primary care physician; 56 percent of the state’s primary care physicians practice in only four counties. Clearly, this limited access to care for our citizens contributes to many of the negative health status indicators plaguing the state. It also fails to capitalize on the ability of healthcare to serve as an economic driver within our communities.
Publications
News
Mississippi high school juniors have a summer opportunity to learn about medical and science careers while earning 3 hours of college credit at Mississippi State University.
The Rural Medical and Science Scholars, or RMSS, program will be held in Starkville June 8-20 this year. It is designed to introduce academically qualified students to careers in health or STEM fields.
JACKSON, Miss. -- For five years, AIM for CHangE has turned federal dollars into park updates, playgrounds, food pantries, ride-sharing programs and community produce gardens for underserved areas in Mississippi.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Community improvement starts with a volunteer spirit and a desire to serve as a role model for positive change.