Healthcare is a cornerstone of every thriving community, and Nacogdoches is deeply committed to delivering high-quality, comprehensive care to both local and regional populations. With a growing and aging population, the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to increase, creating both challenges and opportunities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to grow faster than any other occupational group, with roughly 1.9 million job openings expected annually between 2023 and 2033 due to both growth and replacement needs. This surge is driven largely by an aging population—by 2030, 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older, marking the first time in history that older adults will outnumber children.

Advances in healthcare technology continue to create new specialties and expand opportunities. According to Purdue University, this evolving landscape requires healthcare professionals who not only have strong clinical and technical skills but also possess empathy, patience, and exceptional interpersonal abilities. Employers emphasize that success in healthcare depends on a combination of education, training, licensing, experience, and compassionate care.

The healthcare industry encompasses a wide range of occupations—from practitioners like registered nurses, physicians, surgeons, dentists, and dental hygienists, to critical support roles such as home health aide, occupational therapy assistant, and medical transcriptionist.

The median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations was $83,090 in May 2024, significantly higher than the $49,500 median for all occupations.

Nacogdoches is well-equipped to meet the region’s healthcare needs, with two major medical centers: Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital and Nacogdoches Medical Center. These facilities together offer over 390 patient beds, alongside numerous specialty clinics, urgent care providers, and outpatient facilities that serve a multi-county area.

At the heart of the local healthcare workforce development is Stephen F. Austin State University, home to the DeWitt School of Nursing, which is widely regarded as one of the top nursing programs in Texas. Now a proud member of the University of Texas System, SFA benefits from expanded academic resources, increased research capacity, and broader collaboration across Texas’ most respected higher education institutions.

The DeWitt School of Nursing consistently ranks among the state’s top programs for National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) pass rates. It offers a robust suite of degree pathways including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN-to-BSN (for associate degree nurses), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

These programs prepare students not only to meet clinical demands but also to lead in areas such as preventive care, rural health, and community wellness.

In partnership with the UT Tyler College of Medicine, SFA has introduced the Pathways to Medicine program, offering pre-med students a structured and supportive track toward medical school admission. The program is specifically designed to prepare students for success in medical school while helping meet the long-term physician needs of East Texas.

By combining access to high-quality care, academic excellence, and strong partnerships, Nacogdoches is rapidly becoming a regional hub for healthcare innovation, education, and delivery. With continued investment in talent and infrastructure, the community is well-positioned to meet the healthcare challenges of tomorrow—starting today.