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TRAINING
& EDUCATION

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Training & Education
Opportunities in Alaska Healthcare

Did you know there's a hospital job for every interest and education level, including high school diploma or GED? Many colleges partner with area hospitals, so you can earn while you learn, and healthcare employers often cover the costs of training or will reimburse your expenses. 

Explore different types of programs below and learn more about some of the options for education and training across Alaska. Find programs that meet your needs based on where you are in your learning or career, and what types of jobs you're interested in preparing for.

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​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!

Programs for High School Students

  • Where can I find hospital or healthcare job opportunities in Alaska?
    In addition to visiting Alaska hospital website career pages, check out our Job Opportunities page.
  • What experience is needed to work in a hospital?
    This can vary substantially based on the position. However, you don’t have to have a four-year degree or experience in a healthcare setting to work in a hospital. It takes a range of different positions to keep a hospital running, and there’s a place for everyone! Check out ourHealthcare Career Quiz to find out what positions might be the best fit for you, or visit Training & Education to find the support you need to start your career.
  • Do I have to be a healthcare professional to work in a healthcare facility?
    No! There are hundreds of different careers in healthcare. Many work directly with patients while others work behind the scenes in a wide range of different positions. Learn more about the different types of jobs and hear what Alaskans working in healthcare have to say about their careers on the Explore Careers page.
  • What are the benefits of working in healthcare in Alaska?
    Healthcare jobs provide a stable income, benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the opportunity to directly or indirectly support health and healing. Hear what Alaskans working in healthcare have to say about the benefits of their jobs on the Explore Careers page.
  • How can I become a nurse or healthcare professional in Alaska?
    The pathway to becoming a healthcare professional working in a hands-on, clinical setting depends on the role. However, we invite you to check out our Training & Education page to learn more about programs in Alaska that offer certificates, 2-year, 4-year, and graduate degrees. Another great resource is Alaska Primary Care Association’s Alaska Healthcare Careers website.
  • I want to work in healthcare but don’t know where I’d fit in.
    You are not alone! We have many resources to help you on this journey, including our Explore Careers page, and our Healthcare Career Quiz. Take your time to learn more about the options and how your interests and goals fit with the many healthcare positions available.

There are many programs for high schoolers whether you're just starting to explore healthcare jobs or you already know what you want to do. Programs may be located within your local school district, at your local hospital, or offered through your Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Some programs may support the cost of travel to participate in a summertime experience. Explore programs available in Alaska listed below and be sure to check in with your high school counselor or Career Tech Education leader to learn about opportunities in your school district.

Training Programs

  • Where can I find hospital or healthcare job opportunities in Alaska?
    In addition to visiting Alaska hospital website career pages, check out our Job Opportunities page.
  • What experience is needed to work in a hospital?
    This can vary substantially based on the position. However, you don’t have to have a four-year degree or experience in a healthcare setting to work in a hospital. It takes a range of different positions to keep a hospital running, and there’s a place for everyone! Check out ourHealthcare Career Quiz to find out what positions might be the best fit for you, or visit Training & Education to find the support you need to start your career.
  • Do I have to be a healthcare professional to work in a healthcare facility?
    No! There are hundreds of different careers in healthcare. Many work directly with patients while others work behind the scenes in a wide range of different positions. Learn more about the different types of jobs and hear what Alaskans working in healthcare have to say about their careers on the Explore Careers page.
  • What are the benefits of working in healthcare in Alaska?
    Healthcare jobs provide a stable income, benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the opportunity to directly or indirectly support health and healing. Hear what Alaskans working in healthcare have to say about the benefits of their jobs on the Explore Careers page.
  • How can I become a nurse or healthcare professional in Alaska?
    The pathway to becoming a healthcare professional working in a hands-on, clinical setting depends on the role. However, we invite you to check out our Training & Education page to learn more about programs in Alaska that offer certificates, 2-year, 4-year, and graduate degrees. Another great resource is Alaska Primary Care Association’s Alaska Healthcare Careers website.
  • I want to work in healthcare but don’t know where I’d fit in.
    You are not alone! We have many resources to help you on this journey, including our Explore Careers page, and our Healthcare Career Quiz. Take your time to learn more about the options and how your interests and goals fit with the many healthcare positions available.

Alaska has a number of organizations that provide training and/or educational opportunities to help people explore and prepare for a healthcare career. Some of these programs also offer supportive services that help Alaskans become job-ready
and find employment. The table below includes programs that are offered statewide as well as some that are specific to regions of Alaska.

Certificate & Degree Programs

  • Where can I find hospital or healthcare job opportunities in Alaska?
    In addition to visiting Alaska hospital website career pages, check out our Job Opportunities page.
  • What experience is needed to work in a hospital?
    This can vary substantially based on the position. However, you don’t have to have a four-year degree or experience in a healthcare setting to work in a hospital. It takes a range of different positions to keep a hospital running, and there’s a place for everyone! Check out ourHealthcare Career Quiz to find out what positions might be the best fit for you, or visit Training & Education to find the support you need to start your career.
  • Do I have to be a healthcare professional to work in a healthcare facility?
    No! There are hundreds of different careers in healthcare. Many work directly with patients while others work behind the scenes in a wide range of different positions. Learn more about the different types of jobs and hear what Alaskans working in healthcare have to say about their careers on the Explore Careers page.
  • What are the benefits of working in healthcare in Alaska?
    Healthcare jobs provide a stable income, benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the opportunity to directly or indirectly support health and healing. Hear what Alaskans working in healthcare have to say about the benefits of their jobs on the Explore Careers page.
  • How can I become a nurse or healthcare professional in Alaska?
    The pathway to becoming a healthcare professional working in a hands-on, clinical setting depends on the role. However, we invite you to check out our Training & Education page to learn more about programs in Alaska that offer certificates, 2-year, 4-year, and graduate degrees. Another great resource is Alaska Primary Care Association’s Alaska Healthcare Careers website.
  • I want to work in healthcare but don’t know where I’d fit in.
    You are not alone! We have many resources to help you on this journey, including our Explore Careers page, and our Healthcare Career Quiz. Take your time to learn more about the options and how your interests and goals fit with the many healthcare positions available.

Many healthcare jobs require employees to have earned a certificate or a college degree in order to be hired. Obtaining the necessary skills through training or education can take as little as a few months and as long as 10 years, depending on the job or career path. Certificates or degrees may be earned through virtual learning or a hybrid of in-person and online education. The table includes information about colleges and universities in Alaska.

Employer-Based Programs

Hospitals and Nursing Homes around the state are eager to “grow their own” employees by hiring people into entry-level positions and upskilling them through on-site training programs, allowing them to earn a salary and remain in the community while moving up a career ladder. Many healthcare facilities also offer opportunities for job shadowing, short-term internships, or other ways to learn if working in healthcare might be a good fit for you. Search the table below to find links
to information about what programs or opportunities can be found at your local healthcare facilities.

Alaska Job Centers

The Alaska Division of Employment and Training Services hosts 14 job centers around the state. They offer resources, support, and training services to help people explore careers, prepare to seek employment, and find jobs.

 

Services are free and you can access centers online, by phone, or in person. Individuals who qualify may be able to receive help to pay for training or related expenses while in training, such as housing or transportation.

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Logo for AHHA Career Quest

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.

NOT SURE WHERE YOU FIT?

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