HEALTHCARE PATHWAY

Why Choose a Future in Health?

If you’re motivated by helping others live healthier lives and enjoy exploring science and technology, the health field could be the right path for you. From hands-on patient care to medical research or healthcare management, there are countless ways to contribute to the well-being of individuals and entire communities.

Careers in health also offer strong job stability and opportunities across many settings, including hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and research institutions. Health professionals often work in collaborative teams, apply problem-solving skills, and make a meaningful impact by improving access to care, advancing treatments, and supporting healthier communities overall.

Healthcare Job Openings

In the Inland Empire, healthcare and social assistance consistently rank among the region’s leading job-creating industries, with sustained demand for nurses, medical assistants, home health aides, and other clinical professionals projected to support thousands of job openings locally over the next several years.

Median Wage Advantage

In the Inland Empire, many healthcare practitioner and technical roles offer competitive wages compared to the regional average. For example, healthcare technicians and specialized clinical staff often earn hourly rates above $55/hour, well above the local baseline average and supporting strong earning potential for trained professionals.

Source

Strong Growth in Healthcare Roles

Healthcare roles in the Inland Empire are projected to grow steadily over the coming decade. Regional workforce reports highlight healthcare and social assistance as one of the top employment sectors with rising demand, making this field a promising pathway for stable, local career opportunities.

Careers in Healthcare & Typical Earnings

Registered Nurse

Median annual wage: $86,070

Physical Therapist

Median annual wage: $99,710

Health Services Manager

Median annual wage: $134,650

Source

Median annual wage: $59,730

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Radiologic Technologist

Median annual wage: $374,660

Pharmacy Technician

Median annual wage: $164,840

Medical Assistant

Median annual wage: $42,000

Respiratory Therapist

Median annual wage: $102,130

Chiropractors

Median annual wage: $74,390

Inland Empire Employers That Hire Healthcare Talent

Hospitals & Health Systems

Health Plans & Public Health Agencies

Clinics, Specialty Care & Community Health

  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
    (primary care, behavioral health, dental services)
    https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

  • Regional medical groups and specialty clinics
    (outpatient care, diagnostics, rehabilitation)

Behavioral Health & long-Term Care

  • Department of Behavioral Health – Riverside County
    (mental health clinicians, social workers, public health professionals)
    https://www.rcdmh.org

  • San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health
    (behavioral health services, community wellness programs)
    https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh

  • Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers
    (nurses, licensed vocational nurses, therapists, care coordinators)

Resources for Students, Families, and Educators

Regional Healthcare & Workforce Resources

Statewide Healthcare Education & Licensing Tools

  • California CareerZone – Healthcare Careers –
    Student-friendly exploration of healthcare roles, wages, and education paths.
    https://www.cacareerzone.org

  • California Department of Public Health (CDPH) –
    Public health careers, certifications, and training programs.
    https://www.cdph.ca.gov

  • California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) –
    Licensing requirements and pathways for nurses in California.
    https://www.rn.ca.gov

National Healthcare Career Information