Addressing North Carolina’s Health Care Talent Shortages
North Carolina faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals and personnel. The NC AHEC system, in partnership with the NC Center on the Workforce for Health, is committed to eliminating these shortages and building a sustainable, workforce development initiatives and talent pipelines. Area L AHEC is leading efforts in our region, working directly with healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and community partners to develop targeted workforce solutions and expand opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Benefits to Partnering:
- Improve communication and coordination through action-based partnerships.
- Connect health employers and talent providers.
- Uses data to offer insight into regional needs.
- Supports local solutions that align with shared goals.
Building a Stronger Healthcare Workforce in Our Region:
How to Get Involved:
To get engaged and learn more about the work being done in our region, contact Julie Robinson, Area L AHEC Director of Workforce Development, at Julie.Robinson@arealahec.org.
Statewide Survey Information:
The regional AHECs, in collaboration with the NC Center on the Workforce for Health, Sheps Center, and NC Chamber Foundation, are gathering the second year of NC Health Talent Alliance data collection, which is designed to drive regional and state action on critical health workforce needs. We will collect data from health employers and health educators from February 24 – April 4, 2025 for the second year of action-focused analysis.
- Employers – How to Contribute Data
Employers can submit data through 2025 Demand Survey in Qualtrics, which includes two options for sharing workforce data: - Direct entry: Employers with three or fewer facilities may manually enter information into the Qualtrics survey form.
- Excel Template Upload: Employers may utilize an Excel template to organize information and upload into the Qualtrics survey form. Employers with more than three facilities must use the Excel template. Download the Excel template directly here or using the button below.
- Links & Resources for Employers
- Educators – How to Contribute Data
Data collection for health educators is tailored by the education sector: 4-year programs (public and private), community colleges, and K-12 CTE programs. Educators will submit data through a Qualtrics survey form that aligns with those sectors. We are coordinating outreach through the appropriate state agencies and associations and will update this section as appropriate. - Have questions about the survey?
- Email us at htadata@ncahec.net
Common Questions:
- Is there any cost to partnering with AHEC on workforce development initiatives?
No, there is no cost to partner with us. We aim to create a network of engaged employers and educators to address regional workforce needs and develop practical short-term and long-term solutions. - What is the time commitment to partner with Area L on workforce development?
We adapt to the needs of employers and educators, meeting as often as necessary. Our approach is flexible, ensuring minimal time commitment while maximizing impact. Area L will facilitate and coordinate meetings, ensuring alignment while respecting time constraints. - How is this initiative different from other workforce initiatives & projects?
Area L will facilitate communication between educators and employers. This initiative builds on regional efforts through demand data that aligns with workforce needs. By promoting collaboration among employers, workforce boards, and educators, it strengthens partnerships and enhances shared expertise. - Will sharing our company data for the regional survey compromise our competitive advantage?
All shared data will be aggregated and deidentified to ensure confidentiality. The goal is to identify job needs and project talent demands to allow for a targeted and strategic approach. - What are the benefits to employers?
Employers receive direct, no-cost support for workforce development. Area L offers a tailored approach to meet each employer’s needs. For those facing similar challenges, we can facilitate collaboration opportunities, but we also provide one-on-one support for those who prefer a more customized approach. - Who should be engaging in the strategic workforce development efforts?
Individuals responsible for hiring critical roles should engage in these efforts, including HR officers, hiring managers, administrators, workforce leaders, and job experts. Additional participants can also be involved to ensure a comprehensive approach.