Indiana’s job market is rapidly evolving, with healthcare and information technology (IT) industries seeing significant growth. As the state pushes forward to meet the demands of these high-demand sectors, a significant gap remains between the skills employers need and the skills that many job seekers possess. Since 2019, the average healthcare facility has lost between $7,000 and $9,000 a day, due to a 106% workforce turnover. For academic institutions across Indiana, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By offering targeted certification programs, schools can not only bridge this workforce skills gap but also enhance student outcomes and position themselves as leaders in workforce development.

Fortunately, funding is available to make this easier—enter the Next Level Jobs grant.

The Healthcare and IT Skills Gap in Indiana

As Indiana strives to build a more robust economy, healthcare and IT have emerged as two critical industries. According to recent data, healthcare occupations in Indiana are expected to grow by nearly 15% over the next decade, while IT roles, especially in cybersecurity and software development, are also in high demand. These industries offer high-paying, stable career opportunities for graduates. However, the challenge is that many Hoosiers lack the necessary credentials to fill these roles.

In both fields, the skills gap is a result of outdated curricula, limited access to specialized training and a lack of industry-aligned certifications. Many Indiana institutions struggle to keep up with the fast-paced nature of these sectors, especially without a flexible way to introduce new programs or update existing ones. This is where certification programs come in.

Certification Programs: The Key to Addressing the Skills Gap

Certification programs provide a streamlined path for students to gain the precise skills they need for these in-demand industries. Unlike traditional degree programs, certifications focus on the specific competencies employers are seeking. For example, in healthcare, certifications in medical billing, pharmacy tech or patient care technician roles can give students a direct pathway to employment. In IT, certifications in network security, cloud computing or data analytics can open doors to high-paying careers.

However, many academic institutions hesitate to offer these programs because of the costs and complexities involved in developing new curricula, hiring qualified faculty and creating a sustainable infrastructure. This is where MedCerts Partner Solutions can help.

How MedCerts and the Next Level Jobs Grant Can Help

MedCerts is a national leader in providing online, industry-recognized certification training programs. By partnering with MedCerts, Indiana academic institutions can offer these highly sought-after training for certifications without the need for costly investments in faculty or infrastructure. MedCerts handles the program development and delivery, allowing schools to focus on student recruitment and success.

Through the Next Level Jobs grant, eligible schools in Indiana can offer these certification training programs to students at no cost. The grant covers the tuition for students pursuing certifications in high-demand industries, making it an attractive option for both schools and students. Schools can leverage this grant to enhance their program offerings without adding financial burdens to their budget – all while contributing to the state’s workforce development goals.

Benefits for Indiana Schools

By offering MedCerts certification programs funded by the Next Level Jobs grant, Indiana schools can:

• Close the skills gap in healthcare and IT, helping students secure jobs in growing industries.
• Increase enrollment and retention by providing grant-funded programs that meet the needs of today’s job market.
• Expand their program offerings without incurring the heavy costs of curriculum development, faculty training, or infrastructure investments.
• Support Indiana’s economic goals by aligning their offerings with the state’s workforce development initiatives.

Take the Next Step

Indiana academic institutions have a unique opportunity to bridge the workforce skills gap in healthcare and IT by partnering with MedCerts. By leveraging the Next Level Jobs grant, schools can provide students with industry-recognized certifications that lead to immediate career opportunities—all without the heavy lifting that often comes with launching new programs.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to MedCerts Partner Solutions today to explore how your institution can offer certifications that empower students, close the skills gap and support Indiana’s growing industries. 

Schedule a free consultation or join a webinar to get started.