Fact Sheet: Strengthening Pennsylvania's Health Care Workforce
Pennsylvania hospitals value health care professionals and are committed to recruiting, training, and retaining the workforce needed to care for our communities. State policies must strengthen these efforts.
Hospitals are taking action.
Decreasing care team vacancies and turnover through:
- Competitive pay increases
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development
- Flexible scheduling
- Bonuses and incentives
- Childcare
Despite progress, hospital staffing shortages persist.
22,000 shortage of nurses by 2028. Statewide average vacancy rates:
15% licensed practical nurses
11% nursing support professionals
10–12% advanced practice providers
9% registered nurses
7–13% allied health professionals
Sources: HAP member workforce survey; Oliver Wyman, Time to Act
Rural Challenges
Rural hospitals face even greater challenges attracting the workforce necessary to provide services their communities depend on.
18% average vacancy rate across care teams
2x higher vacancy rate than urban hospitals
Source: HAP member workforce survey
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
- Invest in wellness 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: 8/25/2026
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