The Healthcare sector is one of CCW’s 10 high-demand sectors. For each of these high-demand sectors, a CCW Sector Leader develops and supports the implementation of a strategy to meet the workforce needs of employers in their sector through targeted expansion and development of career connected learning programs.

The CCW Sector Leader for Healthcare is the SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multi-Employer Training and Education Fund. (Primary contact: Amy Barto, Health Intermediary Project Manager, abarto@healthcareerfund.org)

Employers in the Healthcare sector share these themes related to workforce development:

  • Longstanding healthcare workforce shortages in occupations like CNAs, nurses and nursing assistants were exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic as fewer individuals entered and completed training during and immediately after pandemic closures. Those entering healthcare occupations often face longer work hours and larger workloads, increasing turnover and resulting in the need to train for both replacement workers and new openings.
  • Increased behavioral health issues require more workers with behavioral health expertise, but relatively few programs exist to meet the demand, exacerbating workforce challenges.
  • High turnover disrupts continuity of care and adds to the operational strain on healthcare institutions. Strategies to reduce turnover include improving work conditions, offering competitive compensation, and providing mental health support, all of which have implications for staffing and costs.
  • Targeted programs are needed to address the unique challenges of rural healthcare providers, including incentives for healthcare employees to work in underserved areas and support for rural health clinics and hospitals.
  • Licensing and certification delays for NA-Cs, SUDPs and other credentialed occupations impact the ability to fill these high demand occupations and limit opportunities for individuals interested in these occupations.

Employers in the Healthcare sector indicate these occupations are high-priority for the expansion or development of education and training programs to meet their hiring needs:

  • Nursing assistant-certified/CNA as part of the nursing pathway
  • Medical assistant
  • Behavioral health technician/peer counselor/substance use disorder professional
  • Dental assistant

Interested in learning more about the career connected learning programs that can help meet these needs? You can see a brief overview here. Take a look at the full 2024 Healthcare sector strategy for more detailed information and recommendations.

For more information, please reach out to the Sector Leader using the contact information above. You can also access the original 2023 Healthcare sector strategy here, which provides more detailed data and information about the sector.