Nursing continues to show the greatest workforce pressures in the state’s medical community, according to a new report from the West Virginia Hospital Association (WVHA).
The 2025 Workforce Report includes data from 47 hospitals – 69.1% of the eligible hospitals in the state. With more than 54,000 employees working in West Virginia hospitals, healthcare remains one of the state’s largest and most critical employment sectors.
Overall, vacancy and turnover rates have improved from the first report in 2022.
But nursing still has a 17.5% vacancy rate and a turnover rate of more than 21.4%. Medical laboratory professions reported the lowest vacancy rate at about 12.6%.
The hospital association surveys hospitals every six months to understand workforce trends and provide member hospitals with information on retention methods.
The report tracks workforce trends across 13 critical hospital occupations grouped into five categories: nursing, imaging, medical laboratory, respiratory, and operating room professions.
“Across West Virginia, hospitals continue to meet workforce challenges head-on through resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to patient care,” Jim Kaufman, president and CEO of WVHA said. “This report provides valuable insight into workforce trends while helping inform workforce planning, education, and policy decisions. Just as important, it highlights the collaborative efforts underway to strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline and support the professionals who care for our communities every day.”
The report also highlights several workforce initiatives and policy advancements designed to strengthen the healthcare workforce. During the 2026 legislative session, policymakers advanced workforce-related measures, including the Healthcare Worker Protection Act (SB 200), the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (HB 5015), employer-supported childcare tax credits and childcare subsidy reforms (HB 4191), and peer support programs for healthcare workers and first responders (HB 5086). Together, these efforts support workforce safety, recruitment, retention, and employee well-being.
In addition to policy advancements, WVHA continues to support workforce development through initiatives such as Explore Health Careers WV, the LEAD Program for Managers, workplace violence prevention education, and the Rural Health Transformation Program.
Explore Health Careers WV is a free online resource that helps students, parents, educators, individuals considering a career change, and aspiring healthcare professionals discover the many healthcare career opportunities available in West Virginia. The website provides information on career options, education and training pathways, salary and job outlook data, and resources to help individuals begin or advance a career in healthcare. “Building a strong workforce goes beyond recruitment alone,” Kaufman said. “It requires meaningful investment in professional growth, supportive work environments, strategic partnerships, and policies that promote long-term workforce stability. West Virginia hospitals remain committed to this work, and WVHA is proud to support those efforts as we work together to build a stronger, more resilient future for healthcare in our state.”
WVHA conducts workforce surveys twice each year to better understand workforce trends and support data-driven solutions.
