Addressing the health care workforce crisis
The current health care workforce landscape
in Minnesota and across the nation is dire.
Minnesota’s hospitals and health systems
have a current staffing shortage, with almost
10,000 open positions, and the future could
be even more challenging. With an almost
250% one-year increase in job vacancy rates,
exponentially rising labor and supply costs,
and the need to rely on temporary staffing,
there is an intense strain on the state’s
hospitals and health systems.
- The overall vacancy rate in 2022 was
about 21%, compared to only 6% in 2021.
This is compounded with Minnesota's
record low unemployment rate of 2.1%.
- More professionals within health care
are opting for a part-time work schedule.
For the first time, more than half
(57%) of registered nurses (RNs) are
opting not to work full-time.
- Physicians are projected to be the top
occupational group at or above
retirement age within ten years, followed
by licensed practical nurse (LPN) and
peri-anesthesia registered nurses.
Retirements continue to add stress on
the health care workforce.
The health care workforce shortage –
both nationally and in Minnesota - is
nothing short of alarming. While
hospitals and health systems will
continue to do what we can, this problem
cannot be solved exclusively by
providers.
MHA urges the legislature to:
- Expand current programs such as
the Health Care Loan Forgiveness
program, the Dual-Training Pipeline,
and the Summer Health Care
Internship Program.
- Establish a one-time program for
students newly-enrolled in an
accredited allied health technician
program, supporting students
pursuing a career as a medical
laboratory professional, respiratory
therapist, radiology technician, or
surgical technician.
- Accelerate entry into the
professional workforce through
simplification of the administrative
processes at the health care
licensing boards.
Learn more about MHA's efforts to bolster Minnesota's health care workforce.