Healthcare Sector Leader
TBD

Sector Leader Contacts:

  • TBD

Employer-Identified priority occupations for Career Connected Learning:

  • Nursing assistant-certified/CNA as part of the nursing pathway
  • Medical assistant
  • Behavioral health technician/peer counselor/substance use disorder professional
  • Radiologic Technicians and Technologists (Imaging Technologists)

Career Connected Learning programs needed to address those workforce priorities:

  • Cross-sector partnerships: Programs benefit from close collaboration among regional employers, education institutions, workforce boards, and intermediaries to ensure alignment with workforce needs and to provide students with real-world experiences.
  • Scalable, stackable pathways: Expanding programs like Registered Apprenticeships and Career Prep pathways (e.g., IHAP 1 and Care Team Specialist) has proven especially effective in creating accessible entry points and stackable credentials within the healthcare field.
  • Early exposure and communication efforts: Peer learning forums, job shadowing, and career exploration events—such as ESD123 Career Networking and the Teddy Bear Clinic—help build early interest and awareness of healthcare career opportunities.

High-impact sector programs supported by CCW and the Sector Leader:

  • WSU Nursing Bridge program: This program creates a hands-on, structured pathway for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through WSU College of Nursing. It includes mentorship, nursing prerequisite courses, career-connected learning, and direct admission to WSU’s College of Nursing for students who meet minimum requirements. The program is a partnership between WSU Tri-Cities, Tri-Tech Skills Center, the Employment Security Department, and local hospitals including Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Lourdes Health, and Trios Health.
  • Jefferson Healthcare: With support from the Career Connect Washington Accelerator Grant, Jefferson Healthcare partnered with Olympic College, 1199NW SEIU Multi-Employer Training Fund, and the Healthcare Sector Intermediary to launch two training programs: the five-week Care Team Specialist (CTS) program and the nine-month Surgical Technologist (ST) program. Every CTS graduate has been placed in a regional healthcare job, and ST students are on track to complete their training. “The grow-your-own model of training has proven to be successful and flourishing. So many more opportunities for training in this capacity.” – Caitlin Harrison, Workforce Development Program Manager

Learn More: Explore detailed recommendations in the 2025 Healthcare Sector Strategy (developed by the 2023-2025 CCW Sector Leader, the SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multi-Employer Training and Education Fund). You can also view a brief sector strategy summary, discover how to get involved as an employer, or contact the Sector Leader directly for more information.