Real Challenges

Shortage of Healthcare Workers

The nation's healthcare delivery system is facing a crisis. This has major implications for access to care, availability of healthcare providers, and the quality of care we all receive. We must face this issue and work together to solve the problem. If we do not, no one will be available to care for us when we need help.

A sustainable healthcare workforce is critical to providing quality healthcare services. As the "baby Boom" generation grows older, swelling the ranks of our aging population and the need for healthcare services, our ability to meet that need becomes ever more important – and alarmingly at risk!

Findings from a NurseWeek magazine survey of Registered Nurses showed 75% of respondents had witnessed "a negative impact on the quality of patient care as a result of a greater number of patients per nurse and higher than expected turnover among experienced RNs." However, the problem goes beyond nursing.

The shortage of healthcare personnel calls into question the ability of hospitals and other providers to continue their essential roles. Immediate steps must be taken to address the shortage and plan for our future needs. The fundamental question is: "Who will care for me and my family?" Columbus Technical College is eager to help fill the healthcare worker gap by supplying a qualified, well-trained workforce.

The nation's healthcare delivery system is facing a crisis. This has major implications for access to care, availability of healthcare providers, and the quality of care we all receive. We must face this issue and work together to solve the problem. If we do not, no one will be available to care for us when we need help.

The industry demand for qualified healthcare employees is the equivalent of a major new economic development announcement creating thousands of new jobs over several years.

Columbus Technical College is positioned to be the leading supplier of trained employees for these healthcare businesses. The facilities at the College, however, are insufficient in number and design.

In today's environment, with state and federal budgets stretched to their limits, it has become apparent that new dollars for training, education programs, and new facilities are scarce. Improved facilities must come from other sources, including the private and corporate sectors.