The demand for healthcare works in our region is growing and a significant number of jobs are available in the healthcare industry. The average wage for healthcare jobs in our region exceeds the state average wage and offers many opportunities for career advancement.

30,374 Jobs

Estimated number of healthcare jobs in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties

  • Healthcare employers are engaged in supporting their employees because they understand that quality health outcomes start with a qualified, skilled and motivated workforce.
  • There are many opportunities for career advancement and continuing education sponsored by healthcare employers.
  • There are several large hospital systems with 1,000 to over 10,000 employees each, as well as many physician primary care and specialty practices.
  • The region has an extensive number of long-term care facilities, assisted living and retirement communities that offer competitive employment.
  • Employers are seeking healthcare workers from entry-level to physicians and advanced positions.
  • 77% of local healthcare employers expect to grow their workforce over the next three years.
  • The most job openings are projected to be for Health Aides & Assistants, including Home Health Aides, Nurses (RN & LPN), Case & Care Managers, Health technologists and technicians, e.g. lab technicians, Therapists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists
  • UNC School of Medicine is located at the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) with students in their third and fourth year of Medical School. UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC include branch campuses of the UNC School of Medicine, School of Public Health, School of Dentistry and School of Pharmacy.  MAHEC supports residency programs in numerous specialty areas.
View Career Pathways Chart

Career Pathways

In the healthcare industry, you can move from one pathway to another as you advance from entry-level all the way to management. There are a diverse range of job opportunities available from entry-level to advanced physician positions in nursing, diagnostic & technical fields, and administrative support.

Healthcare Careers

Read about career job descriptions, find average wages and skills needed.

Career Success Stories

Read a few stories of people who’ve found opportunities for growth and on-the-job training.

Josh Whitmire

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Nursing Student, BRCC

Erika Garcia-Batista

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Supervisor of Environmental Services and Security, Pardee UNC Healthcare

Amy Burrell

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Nurse, Park Ridge Health

Crystal Letterman MSN, RN, CMSRN

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Administrative Manager of Clinical Operations, Transylvania Regional Hospital

Caleb Massey

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Billing Coder and Nursing Student, Hot Springs Health Program

Lezlie Shuford-Clark

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CMA, Hot Springs Health Program

Julie Applegate

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Pharmacist, Hot Springs Health Program

Heather Bauer

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Outreach Manager, Home Instead

Current Job Openings

Find jobs and career employment opportunities near you.

Earn & Learn Programs

Free college and a paycheck!

Many employers will provide reimbursement for tuition, and will often pay for you to get certificates and accreditation to help advance your career. Education can include both formal education at a community college and a four-year university but it includes on the job training as well.

Visit an NC Works Career Center near you to connect with local resources.