Workforce strategies in the fastest-growing state

As the fastest-growing U.S. state, South Carolina’s population growth is prompting health systems to expand and strengthen their workforce to meet rising demand for care. 

Driven by a net domestic migration increase of 66,622, the state’s population grew 1.5%, or by 79,958 residents, between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. 

While growth can expand the talent pool, it also means more residents are seeking healthcare. South Carolina-based health system CHROs are investing in workforce development to attract new talent, support existing staff and keep pace with demand.

At Greenville, S.C.-based Prisma Health, the focus remains on ensuring facilities and staffing can accommodate rising patient needs across its service area, the largest in the state.

To support population growth, Prisma is investing in capital growth, which requires additional staffing, as well as upskilling and reskiling to address emerging healthcare challenges and opportunities. The system is also focused on retaining existing staff, CHRO Amy Linsin told Becker’s

“[We’re] making sure we are building talent pipeline programs and partnerships with schools to ensure more and more skilled healthcare providers are available at all levels to meet current and future healthcare needs,” Ms. Linsin said. 

The system has also maintained competitive wages alongside these investments, she said.

Florence, S.C.-based McLeod Health is investing in its local workforce as parts of its service region see unprecedented growth, CHRO Octavia Williams-Blake told Becker’s. The system is focusing on local high school students to address current and future staffing needs, she said.

“This investment helps us build a direct pipeline to critical and high-demand positions such as nursing, radiology, and pharmacy,” Ms. Williams-Blake said. “Our experience shows that students who are local have a very high retention rate and are more likely to stay with us long-term.”

McLeod Health has already seen success reducing job vacancy rates through its high school student apprenticeship program. 

“By building these direct pipeline programs to essential healthcare roles, we are ensuring we have a skilled and dedicated workforce ready to meet the demands of our growing region,” she said.

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