Fact Sheet: Strengthening Pennsylvania's Health Care Workforce
Pennsylvania hospitals value health care professionals and are committed to recruiting, training, and retaining a strong, diverse workforce. State investments and policies must strengthen these efforts.
Hospitals are taking action.
32% decrease in turnover for care teams since 2022 through:
- Competitive pay increases
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development
- Flexible scheduling
- Bonuses and incentives
- Childcare
Despite progress, hospital staffing shortages persist.
Statewide average vacancy rates:
19% registered nurses
17% nursing support professionals
12–30% advanced practice providers
13–28% allied health professionals
Source: 2024 HAP member workforce survey
A Growing Need
Filling current vacancies is not enough. As our population ages, Pennsylvania will need to add each year:
8,890 more registered nurses
11,232 more nursing assistants
Source: PA Dept. of Labor and Industry projections through 2032
Public policies to support care teams:
Expand education
- Fund scholarships and loan forgiveness
- Invest in education and training
- Increase educators
Increase providers
- Expand career pathways
- Incentivize practicing in underserved areas
- Increase J1 visas
Support professionals
- Address workplace violence and safety
- Empower practicing at the top of license
- Enable technology to support clinicians
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Topics: Access to Care, State Advocacy, Workforce
Revision Date: 3/19/2025
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