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.

Clinical Director of Optometry Services

Dr. Pamela Steffes
SEARHC, Sitka
"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."

Patient Access Representative

Karl Torgramsen
Wrangell Medical Center
Wrangell
"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."

Lead Pharmacy Technician

Jayme Reed
Maniilaq Health Center
Kotzebue
"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."

Director, Imaging Services

Gustavo J. Gonzalez
Alaska Regional Hospital
Anchorage
"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."

IT Tech, Deputy Director of HR

Marcus Dela Cruz
Maniilaq Health Center
Kotzebue
"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."

RN Coordinator

Steevie Erickson
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Fairbanks
“Nursing has taught me how to put myself in other people’s shoes because, at the end of the day, you never really know what people are going through.

I began my healthcare journey at 13 as a student ski patroller, regularly volunteering after earning my OEC certificate. This early experience sparked my passion for healthcare.

At 19, I began working as a CNA and continued to further my nursing career by enrolling at Nightingale College to obtain my BSN. Growing up in a small, isolated Alaskan village taught me the value of effective communication and teamwork—skills that have been essential in my role as an RN Coordinator. As an Alaska native, having won the Chief Andrew Issac Leadership Award this spring left me humbled. While my achievements reflect my dedication, what truly makes me feel accomplished is providing comfort to the people of Alaska during their most vulnerable moments. Caring for others in a way that aligns with my cultural traditions of helping and healing is a privilege and a calling. I’m often reminded that my work is not just about treating illnesses but also about honoring the responsibility I feel toward my community and the people of Alaska."

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.

Alaska is facing a shortage of CNAs to work in hospitals and nursing homes. Learn more about this important role that can give you a great start in healthcare!

Learn more

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.

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.

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.

NOT SURE WHERE YOU FIT?

Take the Career Quiz

The first virtual CareerQuest will be held December 10 from 12:30-2:00PM. We invite teachers to sign up their class or students can register to attend on their own.

Alaska:
Best State to Work & Play

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.

EXPLORE HEALTHCARE CAREERS