Midland College: A Critical Solution to the Permian Basin’s Health Care Workforce ShortageApril 08, 2025

By Brandi Havner, Dean of Allied Health, Midland College

The Permian Basin is facing a critical workforce shortage in health care. With a growing population and expanding medical facilities, the demand for nurses, radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, sonographers, and behavioral health specialists continues to outpace the supply of trained professionals. Local hospitals and clinics are struggling to fill positions, making it essential to invest in education and training programs that prepare students to enter the workforce quickly and competently.

Hands-On Training for Real-World Experience

Midland College provides high-tech, hands-on training to ensure students are prepared for the realities of modern health care. Our simulation labs offer a safe, controlled environment for students to develop critical skills before they enter clinical settings. Additionally, our strong partnerships with local hospitals allow students to gain practical experience while completing their education, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. Many students work in area hospitals while earning their credentials, allowing them to gain valuable experience and financial stability at the same time.

Expanding Access Through Free Dual Credit Health Science Programs

To further address the workforce shortages, MC is collaborating with Midland Independent School District to offer free dual credit programs in the health sciences. These programs provide high school students with the opportunity to begin their medical education early, earning college credit at no cost to them while gaining essential skills for a future in health care. The available dual credit programs include:

• Nurse Aide – Preparing students for entry-level nursing positions and certification as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA).
  
  
• Patient Care Technician – Training students to assist nurses and medical staff in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.
  
  
• Pharmacy Technician – Equipping students with the knowledge needed to work in pharmacies and assist pharmacists in medication management.
  
  
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Providing foundational training for students to respond to medical emergencies and work in emergency medical services (EMS).

By removing financial barriers and offering early access to quality health care education, these dual credit programs create a direct pathway for young students to earn a certification and enter the health care field while in high school or to continue into medical careers such as nursing or physician practice. This benefits students and helps alleviate the workforce shortages in the region.

Strengthening the Local Health Care System

MC’s health sciences programs are designed to support both students and the broader community. By training health care professionals close to home, we help ensure that local hospitals and medical facilities have a steady supply of well-qualified workers. This local approach to education strengthens the region’s health care system and provides more opportunities for students to live and work in their own communities.

Looking Toward the Future

As the health care industry continues to evolve, MC remains committed to adapting and expanding its programs to meet the needs of both students and employers. By providing top-tier education, fostering strong relationships with health care providers, and expanding access to training through free dual credit programs, MC is playing a vital role in shaping the future of health care in West Texas.

The health care industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Permian Basin, and Midland College is committed to ensuring our region has a steady pipeline of highly trained professionals. Through our nursing, radiology, respiratory care, sonography, and other health care programs, we are not only preparing students for rewarding careers but also strengthening the overall health care system in our community.

A Direct Pathway to In-Demand Careers

Midland College’s health care programs provide students with hands-on experience, industry-recognized certifications, and degrees that make them job-ready upon graduation. Whether they are training to become registered nurses, radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, or sonographers, our students gain the critical skills needed to meet the growing demand for health care services in our region.

Early Training for Immediate Impact

Through dual credit and early college opportunities, high school students can begin their health care education sooner, allowing them to enter the workforce faster and with less financial burden. This early exposure not only helps students make informed career choices but also provides hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities with a steady stream of new, well-trained professionals.

Meeting the health care Needs of Our Community

With the increasing population and health care demands in the Permian Basin, Midland College plays a vital role in ensuring that our region has the workforce necessary to provide quality medical care. Our partnerships with local hospitals and health care providers allow students to gain real-world experience, ensuring they are prepared to serve patients effectively from their first day on the job.

Boosting Economic and Community Health

The economic impact of a strong health care workforce cannot be overstated. By training local students to fill critical health care roles, we are not only providing them with stable, well-paying careers but also ensuring that families in our community have access to high-quality medical care. A well-staffed health care system leads to better patient outcomes, reduced wait times, and a healthier overall population.

A Commitment to the Future of health care

Midland College remains dedicated to evolving our health care programs to meet industry advancements and community needs. As technology and patient care continue to progress, we will continue to provide cutting-edge education that empowers students and strengthens our local health care system.

Learn more about Midland College’s health care programs and how they are shaping the future of health care in the Permian Basin.