Healthcare is a high priority for any community, to provide the most comprehensive, quality healthcare to the local and regional population.  Health care occupations are projected to grow 16% from 2020 to 2030 (faster than average for all occupations) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is mainly due to the aging population with increasing needs for quality, local health care services.   The U.S. Census Bureau notes that by 2030, 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older—the first time in recorded U.S. history that older citizens will outnumber children.

 According to Purdue University, technology drives opportunity and creates new specialties. With that comes increased need for health care professionals who possess the knowledge, skills, and education to use and incorporate the latest technologies. While workers will need the education, training, related licensing, and experience to deliver health services, employers say it’s not only about technical or clinical experience—you also need good people skills and the ability to be patient, caring, and compassionate.

The industry includes healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (such as registered nurses, physicians and surgeons, and dentists/dental hygienists), as well as healthcare support occupations (such as home health and personal care aides, occupational therapy assistants, and medical transcriptionists).  The median wage for health care practitioners and technical occupations is $66,440 per year.    Not only an aging population, but the pandemic and renewed focus on preventive care will make these jobs more attractive.  

With two major healthcare facilities representing over 390 patient beds, Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital and Nacogdoches Medical Center, as well as several ancillary clinics, are available to serve Nacogdoches and the surrounding communities.  Stephen F Austin State University is home to one of the premier nursing programs in the State of Texas.    SFA’s DeWitt School of Nursing consistently posts one of the highest pass rates for the national licensure exam for all nursing programs in Texas.   Degree programs are offered for BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), ADN RN to BSN (Associate Degree RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing), MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), and FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner).