Abstract: Objective To analyze the quantity and distribution of vocational college clinical medicine programs in China, to provide an empirical basis for optimizing program allocation and improving relevant policies. Methods Descriptive statistical methods were employed, utilizing data on vocational college program establishment from 2014 to 2024. The quantity and distribution of clinical medicine programs over the past decade were analyzed, and the Theil index was used to examine the sources of regional distribution disparities. Results From 2014 to 2024, there were an increase in vocational college clinical medicine programs from 111 to 136, with a peak of 150 in 2020. In 2024, there were 58 (42.6%) public health-focused vocational colleges, 42 (30.9%) comprehensive vocational colleges, and 16 (11.8%) private institutions offering these programs. Nationally, the number of vocational college clinical medicine programs for every 10 million populations and every 100 thousand square kilometers was 1.0 and 1.4. Based on population distribution, there was a total Theil index of 0.07, with an intra-regional contribution rate of 54.1%; based on geographic area, there was a total Theil index of 0.31, with an inter-regional contribution rate of 56.0%. Conclusions The growth of clinical medicine programs in vocational colleges has been restrained, and the types of institutions offering these programs are diverse. The population-based distribution shows a relatively balanced program allocation, the geographic area-based distribution reveals significant disparities. The differences primarily originate from within the regions. It is recommended that, while program quantity should be controlled, classified supervision is to be strengthened, top-level design to be enhanced, and scientific adjustments made to optimize program distribution.

Key words: Clinical medicine, Vocational education, Program establishment, Regional distribution, Regional disparities