Workforce News
Crisis in Care: Tackling Ramsey County's Healthcare Workforce Shortage
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24 July 2024
Recent years have brought seismic shifts in the world of work, driven by ongoing economic uncertainties, dramatic talent shortages, workforce misalignments, and rapidly evolving technology. These dynamics make forecasting future labor market needs and supply uniquely challenging. However, despite the turbulence, several pivotal shifts have materialized, illuminating the path ahead in inclusive workplaces, skills-based hiring, and the digital workplace. Among these critical areas, the healthcare workforce shortage in Ramsey County stands out as an urgent issue demanding immediate attention.
This article is part of a series based on a presentation and report by Erin Olson, Senior Director of Strategic Research with RealTime Talent, titled Top 10 Trends to Watch in Ramsey County’s Workforce Landscape.
Current State of the Healthcare Workforce
Healthcare is a critical segment of the Ramsey County workforce. Approximately 35,598 Health Science workers are employed in Ramsey County, which is 12.2% of Minnesota’s total healthcare workforce. A location quotient (LQ) of 1.15 indicates a higher concentration of healthcare jobs in the area than the national average. The sector faces a dire workforce urgency due to a remarkably low unemployment rate of 1.8% (only 540 people), with expected significant workforce exits and an increased need for older adult care. According to Olson, "The severe talent shortage is impacting all sectors of the Healthcare Industry."
Projected Workforce Needs
The forecast for Health Science employment in Ramsey County by the second quarter of 2028 projects a slight increase to 36,000 workers. However, this modest growth masks critical deficits in specific roles:
- Registered Nurses: Average salary $95,600, Deficit of at least 35 workers (this represents the shortage of local professionals needed to fill annual openings under perfect market conditions)
- Medical and Health Services Managers: Average salary $129,200, Deficit of 21 workers
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Average salary $60,200, Deficit of 14 workers
- Nurse Practitioners: Average salary $133,400, Deficit of 14 workers
Olson emphasizes, "Our older adult services system is at risk of collapse without a rethinking of talent pipelines, career pathways, and program offerings. The healthcare workforce shortage is a healthcare issue and a concern that will impact all businesses.”
Critical Actions for Addressing the Shortage
To tackle this pressing issue, many critical actions must be undertaken. Some of these include:
- Increase early exposure to healthcare career pathways: Introducing healthcare career opportunities to students at a younger age can inspire future healthcare professionals and ensure a steady pipeline of talent.
- Increase credential stackability: Creating flexible education and training pathways that allow healthcare workers to stack credentials can facilitate continuous learning and career advancement.
- Improve coordination across postsecondary education systems: Enhanced collaboration among colleges, universities, and technical schools is essential to ensure the sufficient supply and training of healthcare talent.
Educational Institutions in Ramsey County
Ramsey County and the surrounding areas are home to several esteemed institutions offering healthcare programs, playing a crucial role in addressing the workforce shortage:
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing: Renowned for its comprehensive nursing programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.
- Saint Paul College: Offers programs in practical nursing, health information technology, and more.
- Bethel University: Provides nursing and healthcare administration degrees, emphasizing academic excellence and ethical practice.
- Century College: Features various healthcare programs, including nursing, dental hygiene, and medical assisting.
The urgency of our healthcare workforce shortage cannot be overstated. As Olson notes, "Healthcare workforce shortages will impact all businesses." By taking proactive measures to increase early exposure to healthcare careers, enhance credential stackability, and improve coordination across educational institutions, Ramsey County can ensure a robust and resilient healthcare workforce for the future. Collaborative efforts from the community, businesses, and academic institutions are vital to overcoming this challenge and securing a healthier future for all residents.
The Top 10 Trends to Watch in Ramsey County’s Workforce Landscape from RealTime Talent is a compass guiding Ramsey County through the complexities of a transforming workforce. The trends identified pave the way for a resilient, innovative, and inclusive future. Each trend will be explored in depth throughout 2024, charting the course for Ramsey County's workforce in the coming years.
