GLENVILLE, WV – A recent report from the West Virginia Hospital Association (WVHA) has found that the state is facing serious healthcare workforce shortages. The Hospital Workforce Report 2023 examined data collected from 46 hospitals around the state.
“This study illustrates what we at Glenville State University have also found through the work of our Health Sciences Task Force – that there are significant shortages in the healthcare industry in the state, specifically in rural and central West Virginia. While we can recognize that the shortages have been caused by various factors, the only thing to do now is work to fix it,” said Glenville State University President, Dr. Mark A. Manchin.
Glenville State’s Health Sciences Task Force has included membership from representatives across campus in addition to other professionals from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the West Virginia Rural Health Association, the Northern West Virginia Rural Health Education Center, Mon Health, Pierpont Community and Technical College, and Marshall University.
The report highlights 11 critical professions as those most impacted by workforce shortages. The WVHA then divided those professions into four broad categories: nursing, medical laboratory, diagnostic imaging, and respiratory therapy.
“We recognize the need to put more students into these specific healthcare fields and Glenville State University plans to be a part of solving this issue in our state,” Manchin continued. “Our Health Sciences Task Force is looking at addressing these critical shortages as part of our five-year health sciences expansion plan.”
Glenville State’s College of Health Sciences is set to launch in Fall 2023, initially with bachelor’s degree programs in Physical Education, Health and Human Performance, and the pre-nursing curriculum required for admission into Marshall University’s Nursing Program. The College of Health Sciences will initially encompass five faculty members and the inaugural Dean of Health Sciences. Dr. Kevin Evans, a longtime Professor of Chemistry at Glenville State was recently named the Dean of Health Sciences.
As part of the health sciences expansion at Glenville State, discussions have taken place regarding usage of a currently vacant space in the lower level of the Waco Center on Glenville’s Mineral Road campus. The space would potentially include a skills lab, simulation lab, lecture room, and a “flex space” that would be accessible by students in programs such as Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, and Physical Therapy. A student lounge and faculty office space would round out the area.
“I think Glenville State University is on an exciting path of growth with the addition of the College of Health Sciences. As we know and this report further details, there is significant need in the healthcare sector and we want to help fill those needs,” Manchin added.
