Local employers are looking for skilled candidates to fill positions in nursing, administration, health informatics, and many other areas of the sector. In response to this need, local universities and other organizations have stepped up to offer training programs that are low-cost or free of charge.
Read on for more detail on jobs, trainings, and opportunities in this sector.
3 Important Jobs
These jobs pay well and are set to grow between 2020 and 2030 in the Hudson Valley (Source: NYS Department of Labor)
1. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
What do they do? Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care in a variety of settings, including nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and private homes.
- Required education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Projected growth: 22.4%
- Entry-level salary: $57,407
- Median salary: $66,945
2. Nurse Practitioners
What do they do? Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays. May prescribe medication.
- Required education: Master’s degree
- Projected growth: 64.1%
- Entry-level salary: $110,396
- Median salary: $145,210
3. Respiratory Therapists
What do they do? Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing — for example, because of a chronic condition such as asthma.
- Required education: Associate’s degree
- Projected growth: 32.9%
- Entry-level salary: $89,664
- Median salary: $103,074
Q&A: Teri Manno, VP of Career Services, Northwell Health
What healthcare jobs are in high demand right now?
Some of the most in-demand roles include registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, medical office assistants, radiologic technologists, sonographers, surgical technologists, laboratory technicians, behavioral health professionals, and caregivers such as home health aides and personal care assistants. Each role requires a unique skill set and varying levels of education and training.
What do these roles involve, and what education is needed?
Registered nurses provide direct patient care and require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, plus passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Medical assistants support outpatient care and typically need a 9-12-month certificate program. Radiologic technologists and sonographers perform imaging procedures and require an associate’s degree and certification. Home health aides and personal care assistants provide in-home support with short-term training and certification.
Do universities partner with hospitals for job placement?
We collaborate on program development, offer workforce training through our Center for Learning and Innovation, and provide direct employment opportunities. A key partnership is with the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, which combines Hofstra’s academics with Northwell’s clinical training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared and prioritized for job placements.
What qualities help someone succeed in healthcare?
Beyond technical skills, success requires a strong sense of purpose, innovation, and teamwork. Healthcare is fastpaced and high-pressure, requiring resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning. As Michael Dowling, our president and CEO, says, “Healthcare is the ultimate team sport. It’s about excellence, innovation, and compassion.”
What jobs are available for those who want to work in healthcare but not in medical roles?
Opportunities exist in administration, human resources, communications, marketing, finance, billing, facilities, operations, IT, and data analytics. These roles play a crucial part in ensuring effective patient care.
What makes healthcare a strong career choice in Westchester?
Healthcare provides job security, growth opportunities, and personal fulfillment. With facilities like Northern Westchester and Phelps Hospitals, we offer diverse career paths — clinical and non-clinical — with training, certification, and tuition assistance. Most importantly, healthcare professionals make a real impact in their communities.
Links and Resources
1199 SEIU Union
The Career Pathways Training Program, launched by the 1199 SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF), seeks to address staffing shortages in healthcare across the region. This initiative offers free education, career advancement opportunities, and guaranteed job placement in local healthcare facilities.
Fordham University
Technology is an ever more important part of healthcare. Fordham’s groundbreaking Applied Health Informatics program develops experts who can help healthcare professionals elevate their technological literacy and improve access to affordable care.
Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program
This program, funded by Westchester County and developed in partnership with Southern Westchester BOCES, The STEM Alliance, SUNY Westchester Community College, the Westchester County Association, and the Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network, trains candidates to become clinical medical assistants or certified nursing assistants. Tech training and job readiness training are also available to participants. For more information and to register for the program, contact ossining@sunywcc.edu or call 914-606-7400.
Westchester County Association
The WCA’s healthcare job seeker guide provides detailed descriptions of indemand healthcare occupations, career paths and a comprehensive list of training providers.
Need More Info?
Read about Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program graduates who found professional success.
Meet BOCES alumni who have embarked on a professional career in Westchester, including in the healthcare field.
Learn more about the 1199 SEIU training program.
Related: Why the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center Offers Free Services
