Inspiring the Next Generation of Healthcare Heroes

America is facing a healthcare workforce crisis. Across the country, hospitals, clinics, and care facilities are struggling to fill critical roles even as demand surges. For students in Central Texas, a single visit to explore healthcare workforce opportunities may be all it takes to spark a career that helps us address the demand.  

A strong healthcare workforce is essential for a healthier, more equitable future for Central Texas. Further, expanding access to financially stable healthcare careers for students – particularly from marginalized communities - is essential to improving health outcomes across the region. Growing our region’s health workforce strengthens community resilience, and when that workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, it becomes even stronger.  

Juniors and seniors from Manor New Tech High School’s Breakthrough Program, a college access and success nonprofit in Central Texas, toured The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) for a firsthand look at the health sciences field. Graduates from CHCP go on to fill a wide range of health and medical support roles, positions that are essential in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices and other healthcare settings. 

“Young people should strongly consider careers in healthcare because it offers purpose, stability, and long-term growth. Healthcare professionals change lives,” said CHCP President Colin Ellis. “It is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S., driven by an aging population and ongoing medical advances. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently projects growth across many healthcare roles, which translates to steady, reliable employment opportunities.” 

Additionally, many healthcare careers score high in the Job Quality index, which looks at a combination of compensation, access to benefits, daily experiences and job security. On average, the job quality of healthcare-related careers is higher than that of all other jobs in the Austin region. Examples of healthcare careers that represent a lower barrier to entry and opportunities for advancement include surgical technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists and dental hygienists. 

Students did more than tour the campus, they took part in hands-on simulations across several departments. Phlebotomists demonstrated how to tie a tourniquet and draw blood, students practiced taking each other’s blood pressure and observed a surgical simulation lab in action. 

“A visit to The College of Health Care Professions is incredibly valuable for our juniors and seniors because it provides direct exposure to the health sciences field, an opportunity many of our scholars might not otherwise have. Through this experience, students gain a clearer understanding of available career pathways, training programs, and day-to-day realities of healthcare professions,” reflected Ernestine Jackson, Associate Director of Advising at Breakthrough Central Texas at Manor New Tech High School. “This kind of exposure helps them make more informed decisions about their postsecondary plans, giving them greater clarity and confidence as they take their next steps.” 

Over the past few decades, the number of students pursuing undergraduate public health degrees has steadily risen. Yet interest alone is not enough to close the gap. At a recent Austin Healthcare Alliance panel, Central Texas higher-education leaders highlighted a critical barrier: student demand far exceeds available seats and clinical training opportunities, largely because the healthcare workforce itself is severely understaffed. To address this shortfall, educators and industry leaders agree that students need access to alternative pathways and experiences beyond the traditional four-year college route. 

“The healthcare field is a strong career pathway for our scholars because it offers a wide range of roles, from entry-level positions to advanced, specialized careers. It provides clear opportunities for growth, stability, and upward mobility,” said Jackson. “Many healthcare careers also offer competitive wages and are in high demand, both locally and nationwide. Beyond these benefits, the field allows students to make a meaningful impact in their communities, helping others while building a secure and fulfilling future.” 

For many students, the visit was an eye-opening experience that deepened their interest in healthcare. Here is what some Manor New Tech High School students had to say about why they want to pursue a career in the field: