Looking Ahead: Healthcare Staffing Challenges Expected To Continue Into 2023

healthcare shortages expected to continue

As 2023 quickly approaches, the healthcare industry is anticipating another difficult year aimed continuing healthcare shortages across many sectors of the healthcare continuum.

In a September 2022 survey of 673 medical practices across the country by The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), 58% of respondents reported staffing as the biggest challenge heading into 2023. Of all respondent answers, staffing outpaced the second-ranked concern, expenses, by 35 percentage points. Although the number of practices that meet staffing demands has decreased by 15% from a Sept 2021 MGMA poll heading into 2022, it is still rated a top concern.

Growing Healthcare Fields

Medical Assistants – 16% change in employment:

117,800 projected job adds

Pharmacy Technician – 5% change in employment:

22,400 projected job adds

Medical & Health Services Managers – 28% change in employment:

136,200 projected job adds

Health information Technologists and Medical Registrars – 17% change in employment:

7,000 projected job adds

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselors – 22% change in employment

77,500 projected job adds

Infection Preventionist / Epidemiologist – 26% change in employment:

2,200 projected job adds

Registered Nurse – 6% change in employment:

195,400 projected job adds

Nurse Practitioners – 40% change in employment:

118,600 projected job adds

**Data Collected From ‘The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook**

Why is there a healthcare shortage?

There is no one cause resulting in healthcare shortages. While the pandemic did exacerbate the current deficit for which the country is still recovering, multiple factors unrelated to COVID-19 can be linked to the current trends. Among the prominent healthcare worker shortage contributors are:

A quickly aging healthcare workforce as baby boomers retire and exit the workforce
A quickly aging population of baby boomers who require more advanced and intensive care
Worker burnout brought on by long hours and hard schedules exacerbated by COVID-19
The quality of education current and incoming health professions students are receiving
Ongoing concerns over worker safety in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic

How can ‘I’ make a difference?

For many on the fence about whether a healthcare career is a right choice, it is essential to recognize the many different ways prospective students and future caregivers can enter the field.

For those graduating high school

It’s not uncommon for those graduating high school to be unsure about what they want to do with their life. A healthcare career can open doors to rewarding careers without an up-front severe commitment to the school. A career as a certified medical assistant, certified pharmacy technician, or healthcare administrator can be completed in as little as two years – laying the groundwork for entry-level positions in healthcare that can lead to more advanced opportunities.

For those seeking career changes in healthcare

The opportunities for career advancement or career transition are vast for those already employed in healthcare. For more generalized degrees such as medical assisting, healthcare administration, and nursing – the opportunities for growth and specialization within the field are very high. Registered nurses can become advanced practice nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse anesthesiologists, and more. Medical assistants can apply clinical and administrative skills to nursing, healthcare administration, or community health. Even healthcare administrators can go on to focus on emerging administrative fields like health justice, infection prevention, and more.

For those seeking to transition into healthcare

Whether it’s a previous degree in business, administration, finance, or economics – transitioning into a healthcare profession can open new doors to exciting and rewarding opportunities. The Pre-Licensure in Nursing program offers career changers the opportunity to become a nurse in less than a year with an existing bachelor’s degree. Credits in business and finance and be transferred and applied to education or vocational opportunities in healthcare administration. Merge business and health data with a professional certificate in health informatics.

How is the University of Providence Making A Difference?

The University of Providence’s School of Health Professions offers programs from the certificate, associate, bachelor, and master’s degree levels. The dynamic course offering combines with industry-experienced faculty and staff to provide a guided education that teaches in-demand skills for today, tomorrow, and beyond. UP’s unique partnership with Providence St. Joseph Health opens doors to internship opportunities, occupational interest, and lifelong learning opportunities.