From the people who help us recover from illness to those who support patients every day, the healthcare industry is full of careers that make a difference. And here’s the good news: Washington state is seeing huge growth in healthcare jobs, with opportunities across the state in both urban and rural areas.

Whether you dream of becoming a nurse, working alongside medical teams, or helping patients get the care they need, there’s a pathway waiting for you.

What’s the Opportunity?

Between 2023 and 2032, Washington is projected to see 168,000 job openings in healthcare. That includes brand-new roles and jobs that will open up when people retire!

Some of the occupations in highest demand will include:

✅ Registered Nurses (RNs): Provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families.

✅ Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs): Perform both administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings, like taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and managing patient records.

✅ Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): Help patients with basic care needs such as bathing, dressing, and eating, and assist with moving and repositioning patients under the supervision of nursing staff.

How Much Can You Earn?

Healthcare careers offer both meaningful work and the potential for strong financial stability. Here are a few examples of the occupations in highest demand and their median salaries:

🩺 Registered Nurses: $101,700
🤝 Certified Medical Assistants: $50,400
🧑‍⚕️ Certified Nursing Assistants: $42,400

What Education/Training Do You Need

Of the 168,000 projected healthcare job openings, 67% will require completion of a postsecondary training program or credential, with registered nursing (RN) positions requiring an Associate of Nursing degree or bachelor’s degree:

 

How Can You Get Started?

If you’re interested in a healthcare career, try one (or more!) of these steps:

🔹 Take science and health classes in high school (biology, chemistry, or anatomy are great foundations).
🔹 Explore dual-credit programs that let you earn college credit while in high school and give you access to a wider choice of courses.
🔹 Explore volunteer or internship opportunities at local hospitals, clinics, or care homes.
🔹 Ask your school counselor about certificate programs, financial aid, and scholarships for healthcare careers.

Washington needs more healthcare heroes. That could be you. Whether you’re interested in patient care, medical technology, or health administration, the pathway is wide open.