(April 21, 2023) – I hope many of you had the opportunity to join the first-ever Kansas Health Care Virtual Career Day earlier this week. The Kansas Hospital Association partnered with the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Education to highlight the various health care professions, both clinical and non-clinical, that may be found in a hospital. During the event, we were able to reach more than 2,000 Kansas high school students from 102 schools throughout the state of Kansas! This could not have been possible without the collective effort of Kansas hospitals.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly kicked off the virtual career day by stressing the importance of the health care industry on the state's economy. Most recently, it has been reported that more than 14 percent of the state's workforce is employed in health care. Besides Governor Kelly, Kansas high school students also heard from leaders in the business and education community echoing the importance of the health care sector and the vast career opportunities available.
The health care careers showcased during the virtual career day included medical assistants, radiology technologists, nursing, nutrition services, laboratory services, respiratory therapy, sterile processing, surgical technicians and environmental services. Throughout the event, Kansas high school students heard first-hand from Kansas health care professionals across the state who explained what training is required to perform their function, but also why they believe their career choice is rewarding.
Each year, KHA conducts the Kansas Workforce Survey to gather information regarding the vacancy and turnover rates for various health care positions employed by Kansas hospitals. This year, the results underscored the top in-demand roles in Kansas hospitals. The health care professions that reported the highest vacancy rates included licensed practical nurses (28 percent), sterile processing technicians (22 percent), staff nurses (21 percent), and respiratory therapists (21 percent). Other health care fields that reported a high need included medical laboratory technicians, nurse assistants and CT technologists. To learn more about the statewide results of the Kansas Workforce Survey, you can access it on the KHA website.
KHA also leaned into the area of the health care workforce during the recent round of KHA District Meetings. Information was shared on the new health care apprenticeship opportunities made available throughout Kansas. The apprenticeship program is a terrific way to engage and assist interested individuals in developing a career in health care. As you are considering these opportunities in your community, don't forget to take advantage of the multiple scholarship opportunities available through the Kansas Promise Act, Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship and the Rural Opportunity Zone Programs.
To meet the health care workforce needs of our state, we will need to continue to explore creative approaches and ideas to promote and support our industry. If you weren't able to attend the Kansas Health Care Virtual Career Day, videos and resources will soon be posted on the KHA website at www.HappyInHealthCare.org. Thank you again to all of the hospitals that joined the event and partnered with local students to open the door to a rewarding career in health care!
--Chad Austin