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Vision: Building and sustaining South Dakota's healthcare workforce through public/private partnerships.
Mission: To ensure a competent and qualified healthcare workforce that meets the health needs of all South Dakota residents.
Statistics indicate that between the years 2004 and 2014, nearly 13,000 additional workers will be needed in the healthcare industry in South Dakota. In addition, there will be a 13% decrease in the number of high school graduates by the school year 2013-2014. By the year 2025, South Dakota will have the 9th highest proportion of elderly nationally. As our baby boomers retire and leave the healthcare workforce they are subsequently aging, requiring additional healthcare services. At the same time, there are fewer high school graduates available to replace them in the workforce.
The South Dakota Departments of Education, Health and Labor, along with the South Dakota Board of Regents, have joined forces to address this critical need for healthcare workers in the state. Current efforts are underway to ensure South Dakota has a competent, adequate healthcare workforce for many years to come.
