03/10/2026
Today, as part of NC AHEC’s Future Health Professionals Week, we’re shining a light on the critical shortage of healthcare workers across North Carolina — especially in rural and underserved communities. This crisis affects each one of us: our families, our neighbors, and our friends.
A statewide report from September 2025 revealed that nearly one-third of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) positions are unfilled, and 13% of Registered Nurse (RN) roles remain vacant, leaving remaining staff stretched thin and patients waiting longer for care. And the outlook is even more urgent: by 2033, North Carolina is projected to face a shortfall of at least 12,500 RNs, a number that could nearly double due to burnout and early retirements.
Amid these shortages, Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in bridging the gap between marginalized communities and the healthcare system. They help manage chronic diseases, increase health literacy, and connect residents to social services. By serving as trusted local liaisons, CHWs improve outcomes, reduce unnecessary ER visits and hospital readmissions, and provide cost-effective care — with an estimated $11.20 return for every $1 invested (ASTHO).
To learn more about the pathway to becoming a CHW, visit https://ncchwa.org/services/certification/. And, to see more about how NC AHEC is investing in CHWs, visit https://www.ncahec.net/practice-support/community-health-worker-program-2/.
