Healthcare Careers Academy

The future health of our community depends on preparing tomorrow's workforce. Healthcare Careers Academy is a unique collaboration of Tacoma Public Schools, healthcare industry, higher education and nonprofits that prepares high school students for a wide-range of careers in the healthcare industry.

This four-year, part-time high school program is offered at Stadium and Mount Tahoma High Schools. Students engage in four years of healthcare skill building and experiences that enhance student learning that lead to college preparation and a family livable wage .

Ninth and tenth grade is dedicated to exploring passions, earning 5 certifications, learning about healthcare pathway choices from colleges and professionals, and engaging in exploratory coursework that is both rigorous and experiential.  Both high schools have healthcare labs outfitted with training equipment where students engage in hands-on activities, like those performed in colleges. 

Students dive more deeply into college and career exploration and intense coursework in eleventh and twelfth grade. Students are connected to college partners to learn about healthcare programs, admissions, scholarships, and more.  Through the TPS Next Move Internship Program, upper-level students have the choice to engage in one or more of the following: 60-90 hours healthcare internships guided by an industry mentor, 6-8 hour “shadow” to observe a college lab or healthcare facility, one-on-one informational interviews with a healthcare professional, or healthcare related volunteer activities.

Throughout the four years, students are supported by their cohort of peers and upper-level students; high school teachers, many with a background in healthcare; a career readiness internship coach; college healthcare program students and staff; and working professionals.  They choose to participate in the after-school healthcare club, HOSA, to develop leadership skills and compete at the annual state competition.

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HCA Partnerships 

The Tacoma Healthcare Careers Collaborative provides students with equitable access to world-class learning environments focused on medical careers. Partners from the region’s health care, educational and philanthropic communities work in concert to optimize resources and leverage assets to address community needs, including pathways and credentialing programs co-located within Tacoma’s Medical Mile.

Tacoma Healthcare Careers Collaborative Advisory Board

Lois Bernstein, Chief Community Executive, MultiCare Health System

Laurie Brown, RN, Chief Experience Officer, CHI Franciscan Health

Kathy Schmidt, Marketing Manager, CHI Francican Health

Dr. Sheila Edwards Lange, Chancellor, University of Washington Tacoma

Joshua Knudson, Vice Chancellor of Advancement, University of Washington Tacoma

Ivan Harrell, President, Tacoma Community College

Krista Fox, Dean, Health, Business and Professional Services, Tacoma Community College

Dr. Lin Zhou, President, Bates Technical College

Lori Keller, Campus Dean for Allied Health & Career Training, Bates Technical Collage

Isiaah Crawford, President, Univeristy of Puget Sound

John Hickey, Executive Director of Community Engagement, University of Puget Sound

Lori Fort-Harnick, President and CEO, Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region

Eu-Wanda Eagans, Senior Vice-Preisdent, Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region

Dr. Kathi Littman, CEO and President, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation

Dr. Josh Garcia, Superintendent, Tacoma Public Schools

Carla Santorno, Superintendent on Special Assignment, Tacoma Public Schools

Toni Pace, Assistant Superintendent, Tacoma Public Schools

John Page, Director of Career and Technical Education, Tacoma Public Schools