This is the fourth in our series of leadership insights connected to our 2022 Transparency & Outcomes Report, which contextualize the importance of the data we've published and how we’re activating on our findings into the future.

In my nearly 25 years of experience within education, I’ve noticed a growing intricate and societal challenge plaguing the globe. There’s a clear mismatch between the demand for skilled professionals and supply across critical fields. In the healthcare sector this is most evident with almost 94% of nurses reporting a moderate to severe shortage of nursing professionals where they live. Looking at the bigger picture, by 2030, the world could be facing a shortfall of 15 million healthcare workers.

As senior vice president of placement at 2U, I lead a team that is tackling this issue head-on through the transformative power of education. Our commitment to expanding access to high-quality education, across all levels and sectors, is unwavering. The proof? More than 24,800 people have graduated from our partners’ programs in healthcare verticals, including nursing, social work, and counseling. Our impact is both global and local. We’ve secured approximately 120,000 sites to support students in edX-powered helping hands disciplines across 71 countries who are getting hands-on, real-life training. According to Q4 2022 NPS surveys conducted by 2U, 62% of students plan to work in their community after graduation. 

2U is at the heart of the solution to the escalating healthcare worker shortage in the U.S. We've earned a reputation as a leading expert in online healthcare education through our innovative and expansive partnerships, coupled with engaging, top-notch content. Through clinical placements we’ve secured, we’re opening doors for more people to learn, work, and serve right in their local communities, ultimately broadening the reach of essential healthcare services nationwide. For example, students in our Georgetown University Midwifery program have delivered a total of 14,324 babies. Together with our partners, we're building a healthier future, one learner (and baby!) at a time.

Access to education leads to access to critical services for entire communities and we feel confident that people across the country are closer to receiving the skilled providers they need the most in healthcare facilities, schools and counseling centers to name a few.