Episode #320: Building Allied Health Talent at Scale Without Student Debt

What does “free tuition” actually mean — and why isn’t it enough?

In this episode, Dustin sits down with Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health and host of the WorkforceRx podcast, to unpack how her organization is tackling the healthcare workforce shortage by helping adults earn debt-free credentials in allied health fields. From redesigning incentives around completion (not just enrollment) to supporting adult learners with real-life constraints, this conversation challenges traditional higher ed funding models and offers a bold blueprint for workforce-aligned education.

The takeaway? Free tuition alone doesn’t drive success. Smart design, accountability, and intentional support do.

Guest Name: Van Ton-Quinlivan - CEO at Futuro Health

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Van Ton-Quinlivan is a nationally recognized workforce development leader with a career spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. As CEO of Futuro Health, she’s building the nation’s largest network of allied healthcare workers. In 2022, she was appointed by Governor Newsom to help shape California’s healthcare workforce education and training. Van is the author and podcast host of WorkforceRx, promoting agile, multicultural solutions for employers, educators, and workers. 

Featured in major media and a sought-after keynote speaker, she’s been named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Healthcare (2024) and among the 100 Most Influential Higher Education Leaders (2025). She serves on several national boards and holds an MBA and MA in Education Policy from Stanford University.

Born in Vietnam and raised in Hawaii, Van now lives in California. A new empty nester, she enjoys morning coffee walks with her husband, and recently took up

taiko drumming.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

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