We coordinate activities with other state partners such as the MA DPH Health Care Workforce, the AHEC Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School along with hospitals, community health centers, and healthcare organizations in rural communities.
Our programs and partnerships include:
National Recruitment and Retention Network (3RNet)
3RNet works to improve rural and underserved communities' access to quality health care through recruitment of physicians and other health care professionals, development of community based recruitment and retention activities, and national advocacy relative to rural and underserved health care workforce issues.
The Massachusetts State Office of Rural Health is the organizational member of 3RNet for Massachusetts. Jobs located at rural Massachusetts, hospitals, health centers and primary care practices are posted to 3RNets job board for free. Candidate lists along with important recruitment and retention information are sent to out to theses rural organizations as well.
To learn more, or register to post your facilities jobs, please contact the Massachusetts State Office of Rural Health. To see a list of available jobs in rural Massachusetts, you can visit the 3RNet website.
Massachusetts Healthcare Workforce Center
The Massachusetts State Office of Rural Health assists in the coordination of the rural component of the activities of the Healthcare Workforce Center. This includes collecting and disseminating data concerning demand and supply of rural health care professionals. We assist with reviewing regulations, policies and practices that influence health professional recruitment and retention in rural areas and make recommendations. We support the administration of programs that address workforce needs, shortages, recruitment and retention. These include:
UMASS Medical School – Rural Health Scholars
This longitudinal preceptor program offered through UMASS Medical School helps identify and nurture the interest of medical and nursing students who would like to pursue a career in rural health. It helps participating students acquire the skills and develop the attitudes necessary to become effective clinicians for rural and small town communities. In addition it exposes students to the important linkages between clinical practice and public health in developing healthy rural communities. The Massachusetts State Office of Rural health provides advisory support to the program, including presentations and sharing of best practice models. You can learn more about the program at www.umassmed.edu/fmch/communityhealth/sep/rural-health-scholars.