We’ve all seen the headlines about the healthcare workforce crisis. Shortages, burnout, lack of time – all of which are expected to continue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare field is projected to have 1.9 million job openings each year, on average, through 2032.
Thousands of healthcare workers are retiring, clinicians are burning out and primary care jobs are being left open as the younger generation eyes more lucrative specialties. To add to the crisis, the cost of traditional higher education remains high.
How do we stop the bleeding while encouraging qualified medical professionals to enter the system?
We innovate with education to create more opportunities for the backbone of healthcare – allied healthcare professionals – to quickly and effectively get the skills they need to join and stabilize the healthcare workforce.
Allied healthcare professionals are the cornerstone of the medical field, delivering essential diagnostic, technical and support services in hospitals, clinics, labs and community health centers. Though the term may be unfamiliar, these are the experts who patients interact with most – drawing blood, taking X-rays, verifying medical records and performing countless other critical tasks.
Just as “recession-proof’ skilled trades like plumbing, HVAC and welding are experiencing significant growth, healthcare roles remain among the most stable and rewarding career choices in the U.S. However, many people aren’t aware of how many different careers there are in healthcare, or how to get this training without a costly four-year degree.
Higher Education is Changing to Bridge the Gap
As costs rise and flexibility wanes, alternative learning pathways have become vital in today’s fast-changing world. Many students now seek direct routes into careers, opportunities to reskill or upskill, or ways to balance education with family responsibilities. Certificate programs – both synchronous and asynchronous – such as those offered by nonprofit institutions exemplify how flexible vocational and medical training can provide a thorough education and open doors to high-demand fields like allied healthcare roles in ways once considered out of reach.
As the healthcare industry faces unprecedented challenges, evolving higher education is critical. Here are four proven strategies for creating effective alternative learning pathways that can accelerate the healthcare talent pipeline:
- Embrace flexible learning models: Adopting fully online or hybrid learning models promotes a balance between accessibility and high-quality education. These flexible learning models allow for more recruitment of first-generation and non-traditional students, such as single parents and family caregivers. This is especially important in allied health, as women make up nearly three-quarters of allied health positions. Women also make up the majority (59%) of family caregivers in the U.S., who care for a loved one with health challenges.
- Focus on holistic student care: Students need easily accessible resources and support to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. Providing holistic wrap-around services that foster an environment where students can thrive academically and personally is key. At UMA, we have embraced this approach by providing essential support for basic needs, such as food, clothing and transportation, alongside academic and financial assistance.
- Offer upskilling and reskilling opportunities: Upskilling and reskilling are essential strategies to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare workforce. These training opportunities enable healthcare systems and companies to quickly help talent grow to meet more patients’ needs while also saving money on new hires and training. Hospitals with high turnover rates spend $4.4 million more annually than their peers, according to NSI Nursing Solutions. As such, Nasium Training, UMA’s B2B arm exists to provide educational training solutions to upskill, reskill and help retain employees while offering certification preparation for vital, high-demand roles.
- Create mutually beneficial “internships”: Partnering with community organizations or healthcare companies that can provide students with hands-on learning experiences is a win-win for students and organizations looking to fill gaps in the current shortage. These partnerships also frequently lead to job opportunities upon graduation and can help training programs accurately identify the staffing needs of organizations to ensure their education programming prepares students accordingly.
The adoption of non-traditional education is not just a necessity but an urgent imperative to address the growing healthcare workforce crisis. By embracing creative and flexible learning models, focusing on holistic student care and support and developing strong employer partnerships, we can create a robust pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals ready to fill the gaps. This effort will enhance student experience and ensure a resilient and sustainable healthcare workforce that is capable of meeting the care demands of the future.
Discover how Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) empowers future healthcare professionals with career-focused education. Visit www.ultimatemedical.edu to learn more. Ready to hire skilled, passionate UMA graduates? Explore www.hireuma.com and connect with talent prepared to make a difference in your organization. Your next great hire starts here.
The need for skilled healthcare workers in the United States continues to grow. Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is an accredited, nonprofit educational institution that helps to meet that need by equipping and empowering students to do vital work at the heart of healthcare.
Shadel Hamilton is Campus President at Ultimate Medical Academy, where he leads strategic initiatives to prepare students for meaningful careers in healthcare. With over 20 years of senior leadership in higher education, he is recognized for driving institutional growth and forging workforce partnerships that strengthen education-to-career pathways.
