Innovative solutions in training or retraining of health workers to meet the nationwide primary care deficiency are summarized. Programs described concern nurse clinicians, practitioners, and midwives; physicians' assistants; medical assistants, laboratory technicians, and secretaries; dental assistants, hygienists, and laboratory technicians; community health aides; and mental health workers. New patterns of health care delivery such as group practice and health centers are assessed for their impact on health workers, the public, and health occupations education. Obstacles to further participation of non-physician workers in primary care are lack of money for training programs, conservatism or opposition by professional organizations and educational institutions, licensure laws, and the lack of a general structure of health care delivery. Appendixes tabulate active and planned programs for registered nurses and physicians' assistants and community health aide programs. A ten-page supplement identifies existing programs and licensing in Ohio and makes recommendations. A 170-item bibliography is included. (MS)