By Dr. Rebecca Sarlo, Vice President of Education and Curriculum, Evara Health
The national healthcare workforce crisis is deepening, threatening patient care. While shortages of nurses and physicians dominate headlines, critical gaps in allied health professions—such as medical assistants, dental assistants and pharmacy technicians—are just as alarming. These roles are essential to our healthcare system, and their declining numbers put millions of Americans at risk. Longer wait times, increased workloads and staff burnout are becoming the norm, especially in rural and underserved urban areas where access to care is already limited.
Recent data reveals a concerning trend. Demand for allied health professionals is forecasted to continue to soar over the next decade—fueled in part by an aging population, expanding healthcare access and pending retirements. The need for behavioral health professionals is also surging amid a national mental health crisis. In Tampa Bay, healthcare employers are grappling with vacancy rates, up to 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
In the face of these challenges, innovative workforce development strategies offer hope. One of the most promising solutions is the registered apprenticeship model, a powerful tool for expanding our healthcare workforce pipeline and ensuring high-quality care for all.
Evara Health is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $3.82 million Apprenticeship Building America grant from the Federal Department of Labor. This funding promises to revolutionize healthcare workforce training in our community. With over 40 years as Pinellas County’s trusted safety net provider, Evara Health is set to launch and scale apprenticeship programs to fill critical roles such as Medical Assistants, Behavioral Health Technicians, Dental Assistants, Pharmacy Technicians and Limited Scope Radiologists.
This grant is more than just an award—it’s a game-changer for our community’s health and well-being. By scaling these apprenticeship programs, Evara Health will bridge the gap between the growing demand for quality healthcare and the shortage of skilled professionals. We’re not just preparing individuals for high-demand jobs; we’re ensuring that our community continues to receive the highest standard of care.
The “earn while you learn” programs will offer a lifeline for many—combining paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction to create accessible pathways into healthcare careers. By intentionally recruiting from Tampa Bay’s underrepresented and underserved communities, Evara Health will help to build a workforce that reflects patient diversity.
High-quality apprenticeship programs offer numerous advantages over traditional educational models:
- Financial Accessibility: Apprentices earn while they learn, reducing the financial burden of education.
- Customized Training: Programs tailored to local needs ensure apprentices develop the exact skills required for the job.
- Accelerated Career Entry: The blend of classroom learning, and real-world experience allows apprentices to enter the workforce more quickly.
- Career Advancement: Clear pathways for career progression foster loyalty, growth and retention.
For healthcare employers—whether large health systems, community clinics or private practices—apprenticeships are a cost-effective talent strategy. They reduce recruitment and training costs while cultivating a pool of skilled workers already familiar with the organization’s culture and processes.
Evara Health’s initiative aims to serve over 650 apprentices in the next four years, but this is just the beginning. A coordinated community effort is needed to expand apprenticeship opportunities across Tampa Bay’s healthcare sector.
How to Get Involved:
- Healthcare Organizations: Partner with Evara Health to recruit and train apprentices tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re in a dental office, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging center, hospital or primary care setting, apprenticeships can help attract new talent and upskill current employees.
- Community Organizations: Support apprentice recruitment and retention by providing wrap-around services like childcare, transportation assistance or mentoring. Your involvement is crucial for expanding access to these opportunities, especially in underserved communities.
- Workforce and Economic Development Leaders: Advocate for policies and funding to expand healthcare apprenticeships region-wide. Investing in these programs is key to Florida’s health and economic future.
- Career Seekers: If you’re considering a career in healthcare, explore apprenticeship opportunities. These programs offer a debt-free pathway into in-demand, well-paying jobs with strong growth potential.
The healthcare workforce challenges facing our community are complex, but not insurmountable. By embracing innovative strategies like apprenticeships, we can build a robust, diverse talent pipeline that will serve the Tampa Bay region for generations to come.
The time for action is now. Let’s work together to ensure that every facet of our healthcare system is equipped with skilled professionals who can deliver the high-quality care our communities deserve.
For more information, contact: Dr. Rebecca Sarlo, Vice President of Education and Curriculum
(727) 773-6162 | rsarlo@hcnetwork.org
