EXPLORE HEALTHCARE CAREERS
Explore Healthcare Careers
Curious about what it’s like to work in Alaska healthcare? Hear from people working at hospitals and nursing homes across the state about how they trained for and found their jobs.
Director, Imaging Services
Gustavo J. Gonzalez
"Each day, I strive to provide exceptional care and support for both patients and healthcare teams."
After 18 years with United Airlines as an International Service Director, I wanted a stable career following the industry’s restructuring post-9/11. Passionate about math and physics, I chose Nuclear Medicine to make a difference in cancer staging. Starting in South Florida, I progressed from a Nuclear Medicine Technologist to Imaging Services Manager, eventually earning an MBA. Drawn to Alaska’s beauty, I now serve as Director of Imaging Services at Alaska Regional Hospital. Here, I’ve enhanced our services, fostered community ties, and cherished the opportunity to care for our diverse patient base.
Alaska Regional Hospital
Anchorage, Alaska
IT Technician, Deputy Director of HR
Marcus dela Cruz
After 10 years in IT, I moved to Kotzebue as an IT Technician and later transitioned to HR after being encouraged by a friend. Mentoring and training helped me grow from an entry-level role to higher positions, and overcoming career change challenges required confidence and support. In HR, you never know what the day may bring, and we support our organization by addressing different issues every day. Working in healthcare in Alaska is unique and rewarding, allowing me to contribute to the community's well-being.
Maniilaq Health Center
Kotzebue, Alaska
"In HR, you never know what the day may bring, and we support our organization by addressing different issues every day."
Lead Pharmacy Technician
Jayme Reed
I was inspired to work in the pharmacy because I was looking for a job that would allow me to give back to my community and allow room for advancement. I started as a pharmacy tech, then earned my CPhT certification and became Lead Pharmacy Technician through training and experience. I overcame things like communication challenges with healthcare teams through on-the-job training and from observing interactions our seasoned pharmacists had with these teams.
My role involves managing schedules, prescriptions, and assisting community members with their medications. I enjoy working in my hometown and being able to help our community.
Maniilaq Health Center
Kotzebue, Alaska
"I started as a pharmacy tech, then earned my CPhT certification and became Lead Pharmacy Technician through training and experience."
My passion for finance led me to Maniilaq Association, where I advanced from Accounting to Senior Accountant after earning degrees in Business Administration and Accounting. I've grown professionally, learning about nonprofit healthcare and leadership. The challenges in my career have pushed me to continue school and strengthen my skills. Working through these kinds of challenges has ensured financial stability to fully support myself and my family. My day-to-day involves managing tasks, budgets, and audits, sometimes overseeing the department. Maniilaq has boosted my confidence and provided unforgettable experiences. The memories and experiences here are things that I will remember for a lifetime.
Maniilaq Health Center
Kotzebue, Alaska
"The challenges in my career have pushed me to continue school and strengthen my skills."
Neva Davis
Senior Accountant
I’ve spent three years at SEARHC, starting as a Medical Assistant and transitioning to a Patient Access Representative. Initially hesitant, I joined thanks to my brother Cade's encouragement and quickly grew to love it. SEARHC’s Medical Assistant program boosted my confidence and led me to my current role at the front desk where I get to interact with patients from our community every day. Challenges like understanding different people's needs have helped me grow emotionally. My coworkers and manager make each day fulfilling, and I love bringing smiles to our patients' faces. Knowing I've made a difference in someone's day is the best part of my job.
Patient Access Representative
Karl Torgramsen
"Knowing I've made a difference in someone's day is the best part of my job."
Wrangell Medical Center
Wrangell, AK
Inspired by my mother, a long time SEARHC nurse, I decided early in life that I wanted to have a health career. When I was in high school, the SEARHC optometrist, Dr. Salisa Williams, was a female American Indian - she made me feel like my goals were possible. During my senior year, I worked for our local optometrist and set my sights on optometry. Joining SEARHC I’ve received tremendous support from colleagues and the organization. Despite feeling isolated as one of the few American Indian/Alaska Native women in the field, Dr. Williams, my family, and regional organizations have provided invaluable support. Whether in Sitka or our field clinics, treating a variety of eye conditions and educating patients—no two days are ever the same.
Clinical Dir. of Optometry Services
Dr. Pamela Steffes
"It’s a gift to serve my community and help patients understand the importance of eye health."
SEARHC
Sitka, AK
A Place for Everyone In Alaska Healthcare
Healthcare facilities need a team of people working in a wide range of positions, including maintenance technicians, accountants, IT specialists, chefs, as well as clinical healthcare professionals. So whether you want to provide hands-on care, work directly with patients but get queasy around blood, or prefer a desk position, there’s still a place for you in Alaska’s healthcare industry!
Patient Care
Workers in patient care provide direct services to diagnose and treat injuries and illness. They provide education and counsel patients to support their recovery and help them to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. These roles provide hands-on, face-to-face care for patients.
Administration
Healthcare facilities employ people in a range of business roles that help keep the hospital running smoothly. These jobs do not require providing direct medical care to patients or knowledge of anatomy or health. Their contributions are vital, as they support the medical staff and contribute to the overall patient care experience without being directly involved in medical procedures.
Allied Health
Allied health workers bridge gaps between patients and medical providers to help find, prevent, and manage diseases and injuries. They might work with doctors to care for patients or work on their own in areas like rehabilitation, nutrition, and speech. Whether working in teams or independently, they play an important role in improving patient outcomes and overall health.
Facility Operations
A number of vital “behind the scenes" roles keep hospitals and nursing homes functioning day-to-day from building maintenance to housekeeping, security, and food services.
It’s true - Alaska has it all. There’s something for everyone here, no matter how adventurous you are. From bird watching to backpacking, road trippin’ to white water rafting, you’ll enjoy all our great state has to offer.