Building Sustainable Hybrid Health Care Programs: Why Institutions are Betting on Blended Learning

The demand for health care professionals in the United States is skyrocketing, with projections of around 1.9 million job openings annually.  

To meet this growing need, colleges and universities are exploring innovative ways to expand their health care offerings—and hybrid programs are emerging as the solution of choice.

Evidence In Motion (EIM) recently hosted a webinar to address this trend, titled “Building Sustainable Hybrid Health Care Programs.”  

April Briggs, vice president of strategic partnerships at EIM, joined Phil Stahle, director of strategic growth at EIM, and Dr. Wesley R. Fugate, president of Wilson College, to discuss how institutions are meeting the dual demands of workforce shortages and evolving student preferences for online learning.

Why Hybrid Programs Now?

Colleges around the country are increasingly recognizing the potential of hybrid health care programs—those combining online and in-person elements—to meet both workforce needs and students' desires for flexible learning.

“Hybrid is here to stay,” said Briggs, who highlighted that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a staggering rise in health care job openings over the next decade, driven by an aging population, rising rates of chronic disease, and the retirement of millions of current professionals.  

Beyond the sheer numbers, the push for hybrid models is also about meeting students where they are. “Students are demanding these flexible options, and it’s not just a passing trend from COVID-19,” she explained.

Recent research backs this up. A report by the CHLOE 9 Project found that a majority of Chief Online Learning Officers nationwide agree: demand for hybrid education is growing. Almost half report that online programs are enrolling at a faster pace than their on-campus counterparts.

The Financial Framework of Going Hybrid

The webinar made it clear: while the demand for health care education is undeniable, the path to launching hybrid programs is paved with challenges, not the least of which is cost.  

Stahle spoke to the financial aspects, noting that a well-planned model helps institutions anticipate expenses, enrollment numbers, and potential revenue streams.

“Many smaller private colleges are facing declining traditional enrollments and rising costs,” Stahle pointed out. “A strong financial model helps navigate this by organizing decision-making, setting a realistic budget, and projecting future returns.”

Hybrid programs come with both direct and indirect costs. Universities must account for technology infrastructure, lab spaces for immersive on-site experiences, faculty salaries, clinical placements, and marketing.  

But when executed well, the benefits of hybrid programs are substantial. These programs often become financially self-sustaining within two to three years and have the potential to achieve contribution margins between 15-40%.

A Small College Takes a Big Leap: Wilson College’s Journey

One institution that has embraced the hybrid model is Wilson College, a small college in rural Pennsylvania. Dr. Wesley R. Fugate, the college's president, detailed how they pivoted toward health care offerings to meet student demand and grow enrollment.

Fugate described Wilson’s journey from initial skepticism to full commitment. “When the pandemic hit, we knew we had to pivot quickly and strategically,” he shared.  

Initial discussions focused on expanding existing health care programs like nursing, but the college soon realized the value of entering a partnership to launch new programs, such as physical therapy, athletic training, and occupational therapy.

Their partnership with EIM was a game-changer, allowing Wilson College to leverage EIM’s expertise and resources, including access to national clinical sites and a faculty network. For a rural institution, the partnership also removed geographical barriers, offering Wilson the ability to recruit both students and faculty from across the country.

The hybrid model has been a perfect fit for Wilson's mission to expand access to education. “We have a mission of access, and now we’re able to reach diverse and rural populations in a way we never could before,” Fugate emphasized.

Thinking Outside the Box: Creative Solutions for Growth

Hybrid programs are often seen as a solution for increasing diversity and access, particularly in rural communities and among students from underrepresented backgrounds.  

The ability to stay in their communities while pursuing a degree allows students to save on relocation costs and remain connected to local opportunities.

To fund these programs, Wilson College has gotten creative. Aside from engaging local health care partners to support tuition and clinical placements, they are exploring federal funding opportunities to offset program startup costs.  

“The pandemic highlighted the critical need for health care professionals, and leaders at the federal level recognize this. We’re hopeful for their support,” Fugate said.

Three Models to Consider

When it comes to funding and launching hybrid programs, institutions have options. Stahle described three models that colleges might consider:

1. Go It Alone: Institutions with ample resources can develop and implement hybrid programs independently. This approach provides full control but requires significant upfront investment.

2. Revenue Share Partnerships: Working with a partner, the college receives a suite of services, from curriculum design to student support, in exchange for a share of program revenue. This model reduces upfront risk and leverages the expertise of specialists.

3. Fee-for-Service: The institution contracts a vendor for specific services while retaining greater control. Though this option can be less expensive, it places more risk and responsibility on the institution.

A New Wave of Health Care Education

Looking forward, it’s clear that the shift to hybrid learning is transforming how institutions offer health care education. As more students demand flexible formats, universities have an opportunity to diversify their program offerings and reach a broader audience.

"Students tell us they want to be folding laundry, watching the kids, and pursuing academic studies,” Fugate said, emphasizing how the expectations of learners have shifted post-pandemic. “They’re not going back to the old model.”

Universities that invest in hybrid programs will not only be meeting a market demand—they'll also be providing more equitable access to health care education. As April Briggs put it, “It’s all about meeting the workforce needs and meeting learners where they are."

For more insights on developing hybrid health care programs and to watch the full webinar, request the recording here. For a personalized conversation around launching hybrid health care programs at your institution, request a free consultation.