January 30, 2026

The President’s Message is published in the MHA Weekly News Report, a member-only publication of the Montana Hospital Association. To subscribe, click here.

Earlier this month, the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) released two comprehensive reports—Health Careers: Montana 406 JOBS Sector Analysis and the Status of the Nursing Workforce in Montana—providing an evidence-based framework for the healthcare sector within the state’s 406 JOBS Initiative.

The DLI reports were intentionally designed to support deployment of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funds recently awarded to Montana—a historic federal investment that will bring over $233 million in FY26 and potentially more than $1 billion over five years to strengthen rural healthcare systems.

Not surprisingly, the reports show significant workforce gaps across nursing, allied health, behavioral health, long-term care and physician roles. However, there are bright spots. Measures of mental health and wellbeing among nurse professionals have improved. The share of RNs indicating they plan to leave the profession within five years declined from 26% in 2022 to 23% in 2024, compared to nearly 40% nationally. At the same time, 21% of LPNs have left the healthcare workforce for non-retirement reasons or are working outside healthcare, pointing to significant opportunities for reengagement and retraining.

These data validate what our members see every day and underscore why coordinated, statewide workforce solutions are so critical. The alignment between 406 JOBS, the Rural Health Transformation Fund, and industry-led training pathways gives us a real opportunity to stabilize and strengthen care delivery across Montana.

These reports will guide coordinated strategies—from recruitment and training to retention and re-engagement—that support both existing professionals and those considering returning to healthcare careers.

The reports couldn’t come at a better time. With $21 million allocated this year from the RHTP to for healthcare workforce development, Montana can move both quickly and strategically.