Rise into the Career You Want

Rise Into a Career in Healthcare

Earn a short-term credential at no cost to you to prepare for an in-demand, well-paying job or career.

Healthcare is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Colorado economy, attracting all kinds of workers who want to make a difference for patients. Do you want to launch a rewarding career in the healthcare industry? Your local workforce center has funding to support your healthcare career.

If you have been economically impacted by COVID-19, stimulus funds are available to support you in earning a short-term credential that leads to work in the healthcare industry. Whether you want to get a new job in healthcare or advance your current healthcare career, a short-term credential will help you expand your skills in order to make your next career move.

Male nurse helping a mother and daughter as they review documents

Colorado’s Healthcare Industry

Healthcare workers are in high demand throughout Colorado. With more than 269,177 annual job openings across healthcare occupations, there’s something out there for individuals with all different types of skills and interests who want to contribute to building healthier communities. This in-demand industry includes a wide variety of jobs across multiple disciplines and career pathways, including:

Click the links above to explore various healthcare career pathways in Colorado. For more information about jobs in healthcare and the education, training, and skills needed to advance your career in the industry, visit My Colorado Journey.

Ready to launch or advance your career in healthcare? The career coaches at your local workforce center can help you explore (and pay for) training opportunities for a variety of in-demand healthcare jobs. Fill out the form to get started.

Female nurse helping elderly woman in hospital bed

Special Opportunity to Explore, Start, or Advance a Career in Healthcare with AmeriCorps

Colorado Healthcare Corps, a program of Community Resource Center, will place individuals to serve in skilled positions in healthcare facilities across the state to address the healthcare workforce shortage. First-time workers, those re-entering the healthcare industry, and experienced professionals looking to change careers are all welcome to apply.

Positions are available for those who are certified as Certified Nursing Assistants, Qualified Medication Administration Personnel, and Medical Assistants, as well as those who are interested in earning those certifications - training is provided at some facilities. AmeriCorps members will serve for 11 months and receive:

  • a living allowance,

  • housing and child care stipends, and

  • an education award to repay student loans or for future education expenses (if age 55+, the education award can be transferred to a child/grandchild/foster child).

Learn more and apply.

How to Apply

COVID-impacted Coloradans can access funding for a short-term credential through their local workforce center. Please complete this form to be contacted by a career coach at your local workforce center about opportunities.

Am I eligible?

If you are 16 or older and have experienced financial impact due to COVID-19, you are eligible to receive funding. This includes anyone unemployed or underemployed due to COVID-19 or who has otherwise been economically impacted by the pandemic since March 2020.

Eligibility Simplified

  • 16 or older AND one of the following:

    • Unemployed

    • Underemployed

    • Currently employed workers are eligible when the worker or the employer has been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

    • Experienced an economic loss or had additional household expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic

    • Previously incarcerated

What will I get?

The costs will be covered for an industry-recognized credential to be obtained in 12 months or less. This support towards earning a short-term credential is available for both unemployed and employed individuals.

Funds must be used to complete only one short-term training program per individual. These funds cannot be used for High School Equivalency attainment* or to cover costs that have already been incurred.

*Learn more about the High School Equivalency Testing Program or the Workforce Diploma Pilot Program

What is an industry-recognized credential?

Any credentials (including licensures, certifications, or certificates) earned that increase an individual's employability for in-demand industries or growth occupations that are recognized by the industry.

This could include earning a commercial driver’s license, H-VAC certification, or licensed practical nurse credential. You could also strengthen your digital or customer service skills to advance your career. View a list of other potential industry-recognized credentials.

About Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next-skilling (RUN) Funding

HB21-1264 Funds Workforce Development Increase Worker Skills, which was signed by Governor Polis on June 23, includes $25M for Investments in Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next-skilling Workers.

This portion of funding, referred to as RUN, is being distributed by local workforce boards and community-based organizations focused on reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling (RUN) for individuals whose work or training has been impacted by the pandemic.

RUN funding will support impacted individuals in earning a short-term, industry-recognized credential that leads to an in-demand, well-paying career.

Questions?

If you have additional questions about training opportunities, please connect with your local workforce center to learn more, or complete this form to be contacted directly by a career coach at your local workforce center.