Five healthcare professionals smiling together at a Years of Service celebration event.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

UNC Health’s Robert A. Ingram Institute for Healthcare Access, in partnership with the UNC School of Medicine, strengthens North Carolina’s healthcare workforce by building pathways from early exploration to professional practice.

This initiative expands opportunities to careers in health and builds the pipeline for care, increasing access to high-quality health services where they are needed most.

Medical students in scrubs use a virtual anatomy dissection table to explore a 3D human skeleton during an interactive learning session at UNC funded by healthcare philanthropy

Building North Carolina's Healthcare Workforce

Every year hundreds of high school students engage in early healthcare career programs, undergraduates gain hands-on clinical experience, and healthcare professionals receive targeted training and support programs. Across this continuum—from high school pipeline programs to workforce re-entry—there are opportunities to expand access, strengthen training, and meet urgent workforce requirements.

By connecting education, hands-on experience, and community-based care, this work is helping ensure more North Carolinians enter—and stay in—the healthcare workforce, especially in rural and underserved communities where the need is greatest.

These efforts advance UNC Health’s mandate to build a highly skilled workforce—aligned with the UNC School of Medicine’s mission to train health professionals who will serve communities throughout North Carolina. Philanthropy can help build the workforce of tomorrow and improve health outcomes across North Carolina and beyond.

Donor-Inspired, Impact-Driven Workforce Solutions

Philanthropy from individuals, corporations, and foundations advances this work through training programs and partnerships that open pathways into healthcare careers and support professionals at every stage—from early interest to re-entry into practice.

In addition, generous employee giving from our UNC Health and University community enables rapid response to urgent workforce needs, including employee support initiatives that provide relief and stability for healthcare workers during times of crisis.
We work closely with donors to translate their values and vision into meaningful workforce solutions—building programs that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and ensure that more patients have access to the care they need.

See how workforce development and donor partnerships come together to strengthen care.

CampMED student practices infant CPR chest compressions on a pediatric training mannequin during a hands-on emergency response workshop made possible by UNC Hospital donations

UNC Health volunteer organizes over-the-counter medications and healthcare supplies during a community outreach event supporting local residents, made possible by gifts from donor-advised funds

Philanthropy Driving Workforce Solutions

A $3 million grant from UnitedHealth Group is accelerating the work of the Robert A. Ingram Institute for Healthcare Access, advancing a coordinated, statewide approach to workforce development. The Ingram Institute serves as a statewide resource and “front door” for students, professionals, and partners seeking pathways into healthcare. This investment supports new pathways into healthcare careers, strengthens training partnerships, and improves retention across critical roles, including nursing, behavioral health, and more. Together these efforts are strengthening North Carolina’s healthcare pipeline and expanding access to care in communities across the state.