Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC
Q1 2010 - Market Summary

After a strong fourth quarter of 2009, the demand for health care workers in the Charlotte metropolitan area dropped notably during the first quarter of 2010. That said, the number of workers required to meet announced expansion plans will likely continue to exceed the number of announced positions eliminated or deferred.

Q1 Workforce Announcements

Nursing graduates face tough job market. March 16, 2010
Healthcare may be one of the few industries that is consistently adding jobs during the recession, but nursing school graduates in at least one state have to work harder to find employment.
http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/some-nursing-graduates-face-tougher-job-market/2010-03-16?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

Previous market news

Hospitals & Health Systems

Source: US News & World Report

Education Program Expansion and Closures

No notable education program expansions and closures announced during Q1 2010.

Education Programs

Source: The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Health of the Local Economy

Declining home prices may cause healthcare employees to seek additional hours from current employers, delay retirement plans and be more willing to relocate for a better job opportunities. Below is the Case-Shiller Home Price Index for the overall Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC market.

Source: http://www2.standardandpoors.com accessed 3/31/2010

Lower home ownership rates reduce the impact of home price fluctuations and increase the willingness of healthcare employees to relocate for better job opportunities. Below are home ownership rates for the overall Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC market.

Source: www.census.gov accessed 3/18/2010

The recent rising unemployment rates create new demands for health services. Higher unemployment shifts the mix away from higher margin procedures to more primary care in the emergency room and critical care for conditions that should have been treated early at a primary care physician. In general, rising unemployment also reduces turnover and engagement of employed workers, while low unemployment tends to increase intra market churn. Below are unemployment rates for the overall Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC market.

Source: www.bls.gov accessed 3/18/2010

Additional Factors Influencing HWS Labor Market Pulse^TM Index

• U.S. Census Bureau Population 1,701,799, 34th largest market
• U.S Census Bureau Population 228th oldest market
• U.S. Census Bureau Population Growth 27.9%, 16th fastest growing market