The Health Talent Alliance of Northern Indiana (HTA) concluded its first annual healthcare workforce survey, providing the most comprehensive employer-driven snapshot of healthcare workforce demand across Northern Indiana. The survey highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing the region's healthcare sector and underscores the critical need to build stronger local talent pipelines into healthcare careers.

The survey, completed by leading healthcare employers across Northern Indiana, found that participating organizations currently employ more than 8,000 healthcare professionals in key occupations and report approximately 1,000 current vacancies among the healthcare positions surveyed. Employers also project the need for more than 1,600 additional workers through a combination of replacement hiring and newly created positions over the next 12-24 months.

Among the occupations facing the greatest workforce demand are Registered Nurses (RNs). With over 4,000 currently employed RNs and nearly 500 current vacancies there is an immediate need in the region. That need will only grow in the next 12-24 months with over 700 RNs positions expected to be created and over 300 RN positions to be replaced. "Healthcare employers across Northern Indiana continue to send a clear message that demand for skilled healthcare professionals remains strong and growing," said Ryan Boeskool, Executive Director for the Health Talent Alliance of Northern Indiana. "This data helps us align education, workforce development, and employer strategies around real workforce needs so we can create more career opportunities for community members while strengthening access to care throughout our communities."

The survey reflects workforce needs from a diverse group of regional healthcare providers, including Beacon Health System, Saint Joseph Health System, Goshen Health System, South Bend Clinic, Oaklawn, and Center for Hospice Care.

The complete findings of the survey will be reported at a community partner event hosted by the Health Talent Alliance on Thursday, August 13 at 10:00 a.m. and concurrently shared on its website at iworkINhealthcare.com. The HTA is utilizing the Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) model set forth by the U.S. Chamber Foundation. Kim Kuchenbrod, Founder of TalentFlow Strategies and Illinois TPM Consultant, will help facilitate the August event. To learn more about the HTA and its healthcare workforce efforts, please contact Ryan Boeskool at [email protected], 574.400.4010.