New Opportunities or More of the Same? Health Industry Entrants in the Post-Pandemic Era.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examines shifts in health industry entry and sector choice among women, racially minoritized workers, and immigrants during the pandemic era. Using data from the Annual Social and Economic Supplement of the Current Population Survey (2018-2023), we compare entrant characteristics before and during the pandemic era, focusing on demographic composition and sector choice. Results show minimal shifts by gender, race, or education but highlight a rise in entrants from outside the labor force, particularly among White women and racially minoritized men. There were changes in sector choice: ambulatory care saw the greatest increase in racially minoritized entrants, with small increases for hospitals and a decrease for long-term care. Despite these sector-specific shifts, overall opportunities for minoritized workers did not expand, nor did workforce diversity significantly improve. These findings underscore the need for research that examines how policies outside the workplace shape worker behavior, particularly among marginalized groups.