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The CIRI Foundation
Featured Career Pathway

Healthcare

Explore careers in nursing, behavioral health, emergency care, community health, patient support, healthcare administration, and Alaska Tribal health systems.

Why This Pathway Matters in Alaska

Healthcare careers support Alaska communities through direct patient care, prevention services, emergency response, behavioral health support, and long-term wellness.

Healthcare careers can begin through certificates, workforce training, behavioral health programs, nursing education, community health aide pathways, and on-the-job clinical experience.

For CIRI shareholders and descendants, this pathway connects education and training to careers supporting Alaska communities, Tribal health systems (including Southcentral Foundation and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium), regional hospitals, rural clinics, and behavioral health programs.

Specializations & High-Demand Roles

Workforce Snapshot

Key employment sectors, in-demand job titles, and recognized credentials within this field.

Patient Care & Nursing

Support patients through direct care, treatment, clinical monitoring, emergency response, and long-term wellness services.

Representative Occupations:

  • Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Medical Assistant (CMA)
  • Home Health Aide

Key Credentials:

State of Alaska CNA CertificationNCLEX-RN LicensureBLS / CPR Certification

Behavioral Health & Wellness

Support prevention, recovery, counseling, behavioral wellness, and community mental health programs across Alaska.

Representative Occupations:

  • Behavioral Health Aide (BHA)
  • Chemical Dependency Counselor
  • Peer Support Specialist
  • Social Worker

Key Credentials:

BHA I - IV Certification (CHAPCB)Alaska CDC I/II LicensureMSW / LCSW Credentials

Community & Rural Health

Deliver vital healthcare services, rural clinic prevention support, and health education within Alaska Native communities.

Representative Occupations:

  • Community Health Aide / Practitioner (CHA/P)
  • Dental Health Aide (DHAT)
  • Rural Clinic Coordinator
  • Public Health Educator

Key Credentials:

CHAP CertificationDental Health Aide CertificationTribal Health System Credentials

Degree & Certification Levels

Educational Pathways & Timelines

Choose the program timeline that fits your career horizon, from fast-track trade certificates to 4-year university degrees.

3 – 12 Months

Certificate / CTE

Accelerated training for CNAs, phlebotomy, medical coding/billing, EMT-1, or Community Health Aide modules.

TCF Scholarship Match:

CTE Scholarship (Up to $9,000/calendar year)

2 Years

Associate Degree (AAS)

AAS in Nursing (ADN), Medical Assisting, Radiologic Technology, or Human Services.

TCF Scholarship Match:

Higher Education Scholarship ($200/credit hr)

4 Years

Bachelor Degree (BSN / BS)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or Health Sciences.

TCF Scholarship Match:

Higher Education Scholarship (Up to $9,000/year with summer)

Direct Financial Support

TCF Funding for This Pathway

Apply for scholarships structured specifically to fund your tuition, fees, exams, and required materials.

Higher Education Scholarship

Up to $9,000/year
Oct 1 – Dec 31 & Apr 1 – Jun 30

Covers tuition, registration fees, and course books for students pursuing nursing degrees (AAS, BSN) or health science programs.

View Program Details

Career Technical Education (CTE)

Up to $9,000/year
Year-Round (No Deadline)

Funds vocational healthcare certifications, CNA licenses, EMT credentials, and medical billing courses.

View Program Details

Dr. E. Lee Carey Memorial Fund

Competitive Award
June 30 Annually

Designated endowment supporting students pursuing degrees in medicine, nursing, and dental health sciences.

View Program Details

Jump Start Award

Up to $2,000/year
Open Year-Round

Provides funding for high school juniors and seniors taking dual-credit introductory health sciences or CNA courses.

View Program Details
Personalized 1-on-1 Advising

Need Help Planning This Pathway?

Connect with a TCF Education & Career Advisor to select courses, navigate university admissions, and build your debt-free braided funding stack.

Industry & Education Partners

Partner Resources & Pathways

Healthcare pathways connect with Alaska Tribal health organizations, regional healthcare centers, and nursing institutions providing vital care across Alaska.

Southcentral Foundation (SCF)

An Alaska Native healthcare organization providing medical, dental, behavioral health, and allied care services in the Anchorage and Mat-Su regions.

Explore SCF

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC)

Statewide healthcare organization providing specialized hospital care, environmental health, and Tribal health training at the Alaska Native Medical Center.

Explore ANTHC

Community Health Aide Program (CHAPCB)

Standards and certification for Community Health Aides/Practitioners, Behavioral Health Aides, and Dental Health Aide Therapists serving rural Alaska.

Explore CHAP

UAA School of Nursing & RRANN Program

Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN), providing targeted mentorship, tutoring, and support for Native nursing students.

Explore RRANN