COLUMBUS, Ohio — As summer recently gave way to fall, hundreds of thousands of Ohio students settled into their high school and college routines. These students now face crucial job and career decisions that will not only shape their futures, but the future of Ohio’s workforce.

Their choices could help remedy one of the biggest issues facing Ohio hospitals – the need for more workers at all levels across a variety of fields. Today, there are nearly 32,000 nursing jobs posted on OhioMeansJobs.com – and that’s just one position of need.

Local hospitals offer significant employment opportunities: Six of Ohio’s largest 12 employers are hospitals or health systems, and two of them – Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals – are right here in Cleveland. Also in Cleveland is the MetroHealth System, the 36th largest employer in Ohio. Across the state, hospitals employ more than 430,000 Ohioans.

Experts predict the need for health care workers to snowball. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a national shortage of 86,000 physicians by 2036. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis forecasts that by 2030, 42 states will experience nursing shortages.

What’s driving the shortages? Chief factors include an aging population (10,000 Americans turn 65 every day), an aging (and retiring) health care workforce and the workforce dynamics challenging most sectors of the economy.

The reasons to begin a career in health care are plentiful: potential for greater job stability; the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community; and, in many cases, the chance to literally save lives. Competitive compensation, benefits, flexible work options, diverse career paths and growth opportunities are other reasons to consider careers in hospitals.

Doctors and nurses aren’t the only hospital job opportunities. Roles like respiratory therapy, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and clinical laboratory technologists are among the most in-demand health care jobs in 2024.

In fact, many potential positions at hospitals don’t require a four-year degree or clinical expertise. Hospitals need information technology professionals, billing specialists, service workers and many other team members without a health care background. The ever-growing implementation of artificial intelligence, robotic technology and digital health is allowing hospitals to provide care more effectively and efficiently. Expanding service delivery in telemedicine, outpatient and at-home health services, as well as behavioral and preventative health care services, only provides more career options.

Local hospitals offer innovative job solutions to young people: Fortunately, Ohio hospitals – and the three Cleveland systems – are doing their part to provide young people an early pipeline and earn-while-you-learn opportunities.

The Cleveland Clinic recently secured a $13 million grant to fund the expansion of the Howley Aspire Pathways program, designed to give students medical career experience and diversify the health care workforce. University Hospitals recently expanded its UH Future Nurse Academy to provide increased opportunity for high school students to be exposed to nursing careers. In May, the MetroHealth System School Health Program invited local students to help develop projects that addressed food insecurity in the community.

Cleveland’s health systems have also collaborated to develop workforce initiatives, including the Workforce Connect Healthcare Sector partnership, which introduced a new training program aimed at connecting Cuyahoga County residents with job opportunities.

Ohio hospitals are the backbone of their communities, providing around-the-clock care. As students consider their future career paths, now is a great time to consider the rewarding, essential and opportunity-rich careers that Ohio hospitals offer.

The Ohio Hospital Association encourages students interested in a health care career to explore their options by getting involved in local programs, talking to school counselors or reaching out to hospitals in their area. Visit OHA’s member hospital directory to find Ohio hospitals near you.

Mike Abrams is president and CEO of the Ohio Hospital Association.

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