New Health Care Data Provides Evidence-Based Framework for 406 JOBS Initiative
- — January 07 2026
HELENA, Mont. (Jan 7, 2026) – The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) today released two comprehensive reports that establish an evidence-based framework for Montana’s 406 JOBS Initiative and the deployment of new health care resources.
The Health Careers: Montana 406 JOBS Sector Analysis and the Status of the Nursing Workforce in Montana reports provide critical data needed to guide workforce development and support the recent Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding awarded to Montana last month. Together, these reports serve as a roadmap for strengthening the state’s health care career pipeline and ensuring expanded access to care.
“These reports make one thing clear: workforce shortages are one of the biggest threats to health care access in Montana,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said. “That’s why we’ve made workforce development a top priority through our 406 JOBS Initiative. By cutting red tape, expanding apprenticeships, and investing in skills-based training, we’re building a health care workforce that allows Montanans to get care close to home.”
The findings come as Montana prepares to deploy up to $1.2 billion in RHTP funds over the next five years, the fourth largest rural health investment in the nation. The funding will support statewide strategies to strengthen health care recruitment, training, and retention to address critical health care workforce gaps identified through Gov. Gianforte's 406 JOBS Initiative.
“406 JOBS is about removing barriers to work and meeting Montana’s workforce needs head-on,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. “For health care, that means a comprehensive talent attraction strategy, expanding earn-and-learn Registered Apprenticeship pathways, recruiting experienced professionals, supporting licensure mobility, and helping workers return to the field. Together, these analyses provide a clear roadmap for strengthening Montana’s health care workforce and improving access to care across the state.”
Health Careers are one of the six High Demand Sectors part of the 406 JOBS framework, with shortages spanning nearly every region and occupation. The Health Careers Sector Analysis is designed to help local employers, educators, and communities target resources toward the occupations most essential to maintaining access to care.
“Every Montanan deserves high-quality health care,” said Charlie Brereton, Director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. “By partnering with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry through this historic investment, we will take a targeted approach to workforce development – not only by expanding clinical training but by working tirelessly to recruit and retain qualified professionals across our state.”
Despite persistent challenges, the nursing report also highlights positive trends. Wages for both registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have increased over the past two years, and 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.
“Montana’s hospitals are facing workforce shortages at every level, from nurses and technicians to behavioral health, long-term care staff, and physicians,” said Ed Buttrey, President of the Montana Hospital Association. “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.”
Under the RHTP award, DPHHS will partner with DLI to implement workforce strategies aligned with the Health Careers Sector Analysis, focusing on high-need occupations, rural access, and long-term sustainability of Montana’s healthcare system.
The full reports are available at lmi.mt.gov. More information on the Rural Health Transformation Program is available at ruralhealth.mt.gov.
Contact
Jennifer Owen: Director, State Workforce Innovation Board