Experiential Learning: A Cure for the Medical Worker Shortage with Jason Aubrey of Skilltrade

Описание: Healthcare systems across the U.S. are facing a deepening workforce crisis, particularly in allied health roles that keep hospitals, clinics, and surgery centers operating. Rural access gaps, rising tuition, and skepticism about the return on investment of traditional degrees are colliding with urgent employer demand. At the same time, momentum is building around short‑term credentials, hybrid training models, and the anticipated expansion of Workforce Pell, creating a pivotal moment to rethink how healthcare talent is trained and deployed.

In this episode of signals in higher d, host Darin Francis is joined by Jason Aubrey, Founder and CEO of Skilltrade, to explore how experiential, hybrid learning models can directly address the medical worker shortage while creating clearer, more affordable pathways into healthcare careers. The conversation examines how Skilltrade blends immersive online curriculum, AI‑enabled simulations, and hands‑on lab experiences through partnerships with colleges, healthcare employers, and workforce agencies.

Together, they discuss why awareness, accessibility, and ROI are the real bottlenecks in allied health education, how hybrid experiential learning improves learner confidence and job readiness, and why three‑sided partnerships are essential to unlocking funding, reducing student debt, and delivering reliable talent pipelines for healthcare employers. This episode offers a practical look at how higher education and employers can work together to meet urgent workforce needs while expanding opportunity.