It’s a looming statistic.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development predicts the state faces a potential gap of 20,000 nurses in the workforce by 2040. And in the next six years, it’s speculated there will be 32,000 annual openings across all occupations in healthcare.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers hopes an executive order creating a Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce will help reverse this workplace shortage. Evers came to FVTC to sign the order and tour the college’s Health Simulation Technology Center to see the cutting-edge equipment students use to prepare for a healthcare career.

The governor chose Fox Valley Technical College to host the launch of his initiative because, in addition to looking at recruitment and retention trends, the task force will put a heavy emphasis on education and identifying training alternatives to get individuals into the healthcare workforce.

“To date, we have graduated thousands of healthcare workers who form the backbone of our healthcare systems, and this order underlines the critical role technical colleges play in shaping the future of healthcare in Wisconsin,” said Dr. Chris Matheny, president of FVTC. “It serves as a clear acknowledgment of our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of our community.”

The task force will make recommendations for the governor to include in his next biennial budget.

 

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Check out local media coverage and a photo gallery of Governor Evers’ visit to FVTC. 

FOX11: Gov. Evers announces task force to combat statewide healthcare worker shortage

NBC26: Governor Evers signs executive order covering healthcare profile

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