Workforce Readiness and Pipelines

Physician Pipeline

MHA supports efforts to increase the number of residency slots in primary care and psychiatry, particularly in underserved areas. In SFY 2024, the legislature appropriated $2.3 million to support the establishment of state-based residency slots.

To help encourage physician practice in Missouri, MHA supports two Health Professional Loan and Loan Repayment programs offered through DHSS:

• Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) awards funding for the repayment of eligible educational loans for qualified Health Care, Mental Health, and Public Health Professionals in Missouri.
• Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) awards funding for the repayment of eligible educational loans for qualified Health Professionals, Physicians, Dentists, and Psychiatrists in Missouri.

To build a strong rural physician workforce, MHA supports the MU School Of Medicine Rural Scholars Program which is designed to offer medical students interested in rural practice a variety of experiences including lectures, mentoring, and clinical programs centered around rural care.

MHA advocates for policies that enhance GME funding and support, ensuring that medical graduates have the opportunities and resources needed to complete their training within Missouri.

Nurse Recruitment

To address nursing shortages, MHA has successfully advocated for legislation that increased funding for the Nursing Education Incentive Program to $5 million in FY 2023. These funds are used to enhance the salaries of clinical nurse faculty and provide training opportunities for nursing students. 

Technology Roles

Recognizing the growing importance of technology in health care, MHA supports initiatives that promote education and training in health informatics, telemedicine and other tech-driven health care solutions.

Missouri Hospital Jobs 

MHA helps hospitals’ recruitment efforts through the Missouri Hospital Jobs. This service allows MHA member hospitals and job seekers to connect through the National Healthcare Career Network.

Compensation and Benefits Survey

Each year through an agreement with MHA and the Kansas Hospital Association, Gallagher Surveys performs web-based compensation and benefits surveys for MHA and KHA members. Surveys include annual employee compensation and benefits data for more than 400 job titles, including C-suite, mid-level managers, physicians and hourly employees. Member hospitals that participate in each survey can view the results at no charge.

In addition to the resources provided through Missouri Health Careers, events such as the annual Health Care Career Day, developed in partnership with the Missouri Chamber Foundation and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, offer students the opportunity to learn about diverse health care careers through virtual experiences.

MHA advocates for policies that streamline licensure processes and promote flexible work arrangements to make health care careers more accessible. MHA’s advocacy helps hospitals navigate the complex requirements set by the Missouri State Board of Healing Arts, and supports expansion of clinical faculty and streamlining of student clinical onboarding.