About Us

The College of Public Health's Health Professions Tracking Service (HPTS) has been at the forefront of healthcare workforce information monitoring systems since 1995.  Headquartered at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, the HPTS plays a key data management role by collecting, maintaining and disseminating primary source healthcare provider information.  This rich repository of essential information on healthcare providers, spanning the continuum from undergraduate education through professional practice, includes demographic, training, expertise, languages spoken fluently, retirement plans, practice setting and arrangements for all practice site locations, including satellite offices.  The database is continuously updated through extensive data collection and data exchange activities.  Our meticulous research and continuous maintenance remain unmatched in the marketplace today.

Initially, the HPTS was developed to document the retention of UNMC medical graduates, focus on critical shortage areas, monitor trends and observe relocation patterns of all physicians actively practicing in Nebraska.  However, the HPTS quickly matured to maintain accurate information on numerous health professionals including dentists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants, infectious disease nurses, laboratory directors, microbiology coordinators, clinics, residency programs, administrative positions, hospitals, and pharmacies in Nebraska and Western Iowa.

In 2002, the HPTS partnered with Nebraska's Health Alert Network  and began collecting and maintaining reliable contact information, bioterrorism educational needs and expertise from the current professional database population, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, emergency nurses, public health nurses, first responders, public health departments, water operators, EMT’s, emergency medical services, Game and Parks leaders, USDA emergency board members, environmental health professionals, respiratory care professionals, mayors, civic leaders, NEMA, SERT, and mental/behavioral health providers to bolster Nebraska’s preparedness initiatives – a crucial advantage in today’s world.

In September 2005, the HPTS partnered with the Wyoming Health Care Commission (WHCC) to develop and accurately maintain a health care workforce system to track and monitor the workforce landscape in the State of Wyoming.  In less than 5 months, we provided invaluable preliminary information streams to the WHCC and the Wyoming policy makers - - a true landmark for the State of Wyoming.

In the fall of 2006, NeHHS designated the HPTS as the Project Manager for Nebraska’s Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals  project, while continuing to provide the critical information necessary for an effective Health Alert Network for the State of Nebraska.

On January 18, 2007, the Health Professions Tracking System united with the UNMC College of Public Health.  Learn more about this exciting change.