Op-Ed: Health Care Careers Start in Classroom
Date: 11/07/25
by Beth Johnson, Coordinated Care President and CEO
Fall is a season of excitement, a time when many of our students are making decisions about how they will build a path towards a future career. These decisions are pivotal, not just for the future earnings and success of these students and their families; but also because the very health of our state is at risk.
Washington’s health care workforce is projected to grow more than 20% between 2023 and 2032, according to recent data from the Partnership for Learning. Registered nurses, certified nursing assistants and medical assistants will account for a large share of those new jobs— and more than two-thirds will require a post secondary credential or training program.
That’s why building pathways into these careers is urgent—and why public-private partnerships like the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) are so vital.
To help meet this moment, Coordinated Care and the Centene Foundation recently invested $1.3 million in WSOS, which supports Washington students pursuing high-demand degrees and credentials in fields like nursing and behavioral health. This funding helps ensure that students —especially those from historically underserved communities—receive not just scholarships, but also mentorship, career training and the support they need to succeed.
WSOS is one of the most effective tools we have to close this gap. Created in 2011 as a public-private partnership, WSOS has helped more than 18,000 students pursue high demand degrees and credentials. Nearly 1,700 Scholars have already earned health care degrees, and more than half of our community college scholars are currently pursuing health care careers.
Today’s students need to hear from students like Adrian Brown. "WSOS made it possible for me to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse and now a family nurse practitioner. As a first-generation college student, the financial support and mentorship I received through WSOS gave me the confidence and stability to focus on my studies —from my bachelor's degree at Pacific Lutheran University to my graduate program. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without it," said Brown.
Washington has the most generous financial aid program in the country, and WSOS adds unique value by focusing on high demand fields like health care. Students deserve to know that these pathways exist and that support is available to help them succeed.
Preparing our future health careworkforce requires all of us:
- Students and families who take that first step toward college or training
- Educators who spark curiosity and open doors in the classroom
- Employers who provide internships, mentorship, and job opportunities
- Community partners who invest in proven programs like WSOS
WSOS can help, and we invite business leaders, community partners and anyone who believes in Washington students to join us. Let’s commit to ensuring every student in Washington can see themselves in the health care careers our communities so urgently need. By working together, we can expand student opportunities, meet workforce demand and build a healthier, more equitable future for all.