Women’s Health Workforce Projections

We study the national-level supply and demand projections for women’s health service providers. That includes obstetricians, gynecologists, certified nurse midwives, women’s health nurse practitioners, and women’s health physician assistants.

We use HRSA’s Health Workforce Simulation Model to do it.

How does this data help?

The data helps policymakers and other stakeholders make decisions about women’s health services workforce education, training, and delivery of care.

What do we study about the women's health workforce?

• The current number of women’s health providers in the U.S.
• The projected number of obstetricians, gynecologists, certified nurse midwives, women’s health nurse practitioners, and women’s health physician assistants
• Current use of women’s health services
• The projected changes in demand

How do we determine future supply and demand?

We apply current patterns of health care use and delivery to future population demographics.

What are our key findings?

Report: Projections of Supply and Demand for Women's Health Service Providers: 2018-2030 (PDF - 305 KB) 

In 2018, we estimate that there were:

• Approximately 72,770 full-time women’s health service providers. This number includes:
  • 50,850 full-time obstetricians/gynecologists
  • 9,830 full-time certified nurse midwives
  • 10,610 full-time women’s health nurse practitioners
  • 1,480 full-time women’s health physician assistants

By 2030, we project these changes in the supply of women’s health service providers:

• A 7% decrease in supply to 47,490 obstetricians/gynecologists
• Faster growth in supply of other providers:
  • Certified nurse midwives (32% increase)
  • Women’s health nurse practitioners (89% increase)
  • Women’s health physician assistants (56% increase)
• An increase in demand for full-time women’s health service providers including:
  • Obstetricians/gynecologists (4% increase)
  • Certified nurse midwives (4% increase)
  • Women’s health nurse practitioners (4% increase)
  • Women’s health physician assistants (3% increase)

Supply of women’s health care providers varies across states and regions. 

• In 2018, the adequacy of supply to meet demand (supply divided by demand) by state ranges from 72.0% to 178.6%.
• By 2030, the adequacy of future supply (future supply divided by future demand) by state will range from 56.8% to 157.1%.

How to contact us

Email us.