AGING POPULATION, GROWING DEMAND
How Upskilling in Healthcare Can Solve Wisconsin’s Worker Shortage
The already critical healthcare worker shortage will continue to intensify as the population ages. Investing in career training and upskilling solutions will enable organizations to cultivate stronger, more resilient workforces, positioning Wisconsin’s healthcare industry to excel in innovation and quality of care for the future.
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Wisconsin's Healthcare Workforce: A Looming Crisis
Hospitals across Wisconsin are grappling with a significant workforce shortage. Doctors and nurses often garner the media’s attention, but skilled workers, such as medical technicians and medical record specialists, are equally crucial to the efficient operation of healthcare systems.
Wisconsin, already the 17th oldest state in America, is facing a growing demand for healthcare services due to its rapidly aging population. By 2030, 1 in 4 Wisconsin residents will be 65 or older, exacerbating the need for qualified healthcare professionals.
In this guide, we’ll explore the sobering reality of the healthcare crisis in Wisconsin, and show how employee upskilling can combat this issue by reducing turnover rates, increasing access, and filling talent pipelines.
Wisconsin Needs Qualified Healthcare Workers
Healthcare shortages have been a reality since the COVID-19 pandemic. Across America, workforce challenges have been the number one concern among hospital CEOs for four years. 1
Compounding this issue, 359,000 experienced U.S. healthcare workers are currently unemployed or seeking alternative careers (see chart). This trend can be attributed to several factors, including burnout, aging, and a lack of support from employers.
Wisconsin has one of the country’s highest hospital vacancy rates. Since 2022, vacancy rates have held steady at 9.9%—higher than the national average. In rural counties, vacancy rates at smaller hospitals and clinics regularly exceed 40%. 2
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6.5%
U.S. Healthcare Employee Vacancy Rate
National average vacancy rate for healthcare employees -
9.9%
Wisconsin Healthcare Employee Vacancy Rate
Average vacancy rate for healthcare employees in Wisconsin -
40%
Rural Wisconsin Healthcare Employee Vacancy Rate
Average vacancy rate for healthcare employees in rural areas in Wisconsin
The Silver Tsunami
Wisconsin is the 17th oldest state in America, with approximately 18% of the population aged 65 or over. In 2030, when every member of the Baby Boomer generation will be 65 or older, Wisconsin’s age demographic will shift as high as 25%. 3
This is 3.2% higher than Maine, the current oldest state in the U.S.
A recent report by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel dubbed this looming shift “The Silver Tsunami.”
HERE'S WHY THIS MATTERS: 40% of healthcare services are rendered to patients aged 65 or older. Wisconsin's healthcare industry is facing a critical workforce shortage that threatens its ability to provide high-quality patient care to a growing number of patients.
Technical Knowledge, Customer Care
Doctors and nurses garner most of the media attention for healthcare worker shortages, but other critical roles are desperately needed. Hospitals across the state are struggling to fill essential roles, particularly ones that require a combination of technical knowledge and customer service and care.
From 2017 to 2021, the top five in-demand healthcare jobs in Wisconsin were:
- Registered Nurses
- Medical Records Specialists
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Physicians
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Failure to address this workforce shortage could have severe consequences, including:
- Reduced access to care: Patients may experience longer wait times, delayed treatments, or even limited access to essential services.
- Compromised quality of care: Staff shortages can lead to increased workload, burnout, and decreased patient satisfaction.
- Financial strain: Hospitals may face increased operational costs due to reliance on temporary staff or outsourcing.
- Closure of healthcare facilities: In extreme cases, hospitals may be forced to close due to the inability to maintain adequate staffing levels.
It is imperative for healthcare organizations in Wisconsin to adopt effective strategies to address the workforce shortage and ensure the long-term sustainability of the state's healthcare system.
Upskilling: A Solution that Scales with Demand
Healthcare shortages are not just an issue in Wisconsin. Hospitals and healthcare systems across the nation have been scrambling for the last several years to deploy new initiatives to recruit, train, and retain new talent.
70% of organizations have intensified their upskilling efforts since the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of workforce development. 4
What Is Upskilling?
Upskilling in healthcare refers to the process of enhancing the knowledge and skills of your existing healthcare professionals to meet the evolving demands of the industry. This includes offering advanced training and education to:
Acquire new competencies.
Align with technological advancements.
Meet patient needs.
Adjust to current healthcare trends.
Upskilling can encompass a wide range of areas, including clinical practice, technology integration, patient care management, and leadership development.
The Benefits of Upskilling
For Individuals
- Career Advancement
- Increased Job Satisfaction
- Enhanced Career Growth
- Enhanced Career Mobility
For Organizations
- Improved Productivity
- Reduced Turnover
- Cost Savings
- Stronger Company Culture
1. Upskilling Can Combat Exceedingly High Turnover Rates
Replacing an employee costs anywhere from half to double their annual salary.5 In Wisconsin, medical technicians and support staff currently experience some of the highest turnover rates of any healthcare profession.
Fortunately, upskilling has been shown to significantly improve employee retention rates. By investing in their professional development, you demonstrate a commitment to your employees, leading to greater job satisfaction and loyalty.
Medical Support Roles: Turnover Exceeding 20%
Lab Technicians
Pharmacy Technicians
Certified Medical Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Source: 2024 Wisconsin Hospital Association Workforce Report
Key Benefits of Upskilling to Address Turnover Rates
Enhanced Job Satisfaction
When employees are provided with opportunities to learn new skills and advance their careers, they are more likely to feel valued and engaged in their work. This increased job satisfaction can lead to greater commitment and reduced turnover.
Increased Career Opportunities
By acquiring additional skills, employees may be eligible for promotions, transfers, or specialized roles that align better with their interests and goals. This sense of career progression can significantly boost employee morale and retention.
Reduced Burnout
Burnout often stems from excessive workload, lack of support, and emotional stress. Upskilling programs can help to mitigate burnout by providing employees with the tools and resources they need to manage their workload effectively and cope with the challenges of the job.
Cost Savings
While upskilling requires an initial investment, it can ultimately lead to cost savings by reducing turnover. The cost of replacing an employee is substantial, including recruitment, onboarding, and loss of productivity.
2. Upskilling Increases Access to Quality Education
In a 2024 report, the Wisconsin Hospital Association cited a need to increase access to career training as a method for attracting new entrants to the healthcare field. 6
Upskilling increases access to quality education in healthcare, especially in the areas where workers are needed most. Earning a U.S. nationally recognized credential is a flexible, fast, and convenient way for individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge, regardless of their location or circumstances. This increased accessibility can have a profound impact in rural areas, where access to traditional education may otherwise be limited.
Promoting interest in health professions, making sure classroom seats are available, expanding career pathway options and supporting student success are all actions that policymakers, health care leaders and their partners in education can take together to grow the health care workforce faster.
Key Benefits of Online Upskilling for Increasing Access
Flexibility and Convenience
Online learning programs allow individuals to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This flexibility is particularly valuable for workers with demanding work schedules or family commitments.
Increased Engagement
Online learning can be highly engaging and interactive, with features such as video lectures, quizzes, and discussion forums. This can help to keep learners motivated and interested in the material.
Accessibility
Online learning programs can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them accessible to individuals living in remote or underserved areas.
Affordability
Online learning programs are more affordable than traditional on-campus programs, making them accessible to a wider range of individuals.
3. Upskilling Future-Proofs Your Workforce by Filling Your Talent Pipeline
Did you know 95% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that invests in their continuous learning and development? 7 Upskilling existing employees is a strategic approach to future-proofing your healthcare workforce. By investing in the development of your current talent, you can create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals and enhance your organization's ability to adapt to changing industry demands.
Key Benefits of Upskilling Employees for Retention
Enhanced Career Mobility
Upskilling programs provide employees with the skills and knowledge they need to advance their careers within the organization.
Filled Talent Pipeline
By upskilling existing employees, you create a pipeline of qualified professionals who are already familiar with your organization's culture and processes. This can help to fill essential roles more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Future Leadership Development
Upskilling programs can be customized to identify and develop high-potential employees for future leadership roles to help you meet long-term goals.
Improved Patient Care
Upskilled employees are better equipped to provide high-quality patient care. By investing in the development of your workforce, you can improve patient outcomes and enhance your organization's reputation.
St. Norbert College’s new division of career training certificate programs can help solve the healthcare worker shortage in Wisconsin. By providing online, fully customizable workforce development solutions, we can upskill your hospital or clinic’s employees, with minimal management on your end.
Our Mission
St. Norbert College, a Catholic liberal arts college embracing the Norbertine ideal of communio, provides an educational environment that fosters intellectual, spiritual and personal development.
Our programs are designed to meet the specific needs of healthcare organizations, ensuring that they have the skilled workforce necessary to navigate the challenges of an aging population.
Healthcare Certificates
- Medical Billing and Coding with Medical Administration
- Physician’s Office Assistant with EHRM
- Medical Assistant
- Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach
- Mental Health Support Professional
- Pharmacy Technician
- Physical Therapy Aide and Administration Specialist
Project Management/Leadership Certificates
- Project Management
- 60 PDU Project Management Course Bundle
- CompTIA Project+ Certificate
- Developing New Managers
- Supervising Others
- Teamwork And Team Building
Interested in learning more about upskilling?
Partnering with St. Norbert College is easy, and our career training solutions can be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs and goals.
To get started, schedule a meeting at a time that’s convenient for you. Our Workforce Development Specialist will be in touch to share more information!
