States will vary when it comes to projected healthcare worker shortages and surpluses by 2028. However, some states (e.g., California, Texas, and Pennsylvania) are expected to have a surplus of healthcare workers, while others (e.g., New York and New Jersey) will have severe healthcare worker shortages.
In addition to geographic variations in these findings, there are also variations based on specific healthcare roles.
Nationwide, a surplus of home and personal care aides (HHAs) is projected, but states such as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are expected to have shortages. The shortage of nursing assistants (NAs) is expected to be severe, with only 13 states projected to meet or exceed demand. Registered nurses (RNs) are projected to exceed demand by about 30,000 by 2028, but East Coast states such as New York are expected to have shortages. Nationwide, a shortage of nurse practitioners (NPs) is projected, with the largest shortages expected in California, Texas, and New York. While a moderate surplus of physicians is projected in all specialties, California, Texas, and New York are projected to have significant shortages, especially of primary care physicians.
Recognizing potential healthcare talent shortages and surpluses in specific talent markets can help healthcare organizations prepare and think strategically about talent acquisition and retention practices.
