Olympic College Invites Community to Explore Healthcare Careers at Upcoming Expo

News Release for Immediate Release

BREMERTON, Wash. – Olympic College will host its annual Healthcare Career Expo on Tues., April 21, offering students, job seekers, and community members an opportunity to explore in-demand careers in healthcare and connect directly with professionals working in the field.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. with two 90-minute sessions for high school students from across the Puget Sound region. A third session, held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on the Bremerton campus, is open to individuals at all stages of their educational and career journeys. This afternoon session is specifically designed for high school graduates and adult learners, expanding access to individuals exploring career changes or new opportunities in healthcare. Spanish interpretation will be available to ensure broader access for the community. Spanish interpretation will be available to ensure broader access for the community.

Attendees can expect an engaging, hands-on experience highlighting the wide range of healthcare careers needed to support a healthy community. Participants will have the opportunity to meet healthcare professionals, explore educational pathways, and take part in interactive demonstrations that bring healthcare careers to life.

“Healthcare continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors in our region, and there is a strong need to build a local workforce pipeline,” said Alecia Nye, Interim Executive Dean of Nursing and Allied Health at Olympic College. “This event is about opening doors, helping people see what’s possible and how they can get there through accessible, local education and training.”

“Being a physician here locally, it’s clear there is a shortage of healthcare providers, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Lillian Robertson, Executive Director, Marvin Williams Recreation Center, and obstetrician-gynecologist at the St. Joseph Medical Center. “We know we need to grow our own workforce. Events like this expose students to careers that are essential to our hospitals and to the health of our community.”

The Healthcare Career Expo builds on the success of previous events that have drawn hundreds of students and community members, featuring a wide range of professions, from nursing and emergency care to imaging, rehabilitation, and technical specialties. These events demonstrate the value of early exposure and hands-on learning in helping individuals discover career paths they may not have previously considered.

“I was born and raised in this community, and I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to create opportunities for local students to enter healthcare careers,” said Allie McLaughlin, RN, Interim Vice President of Operations at St. Michael Medical Center. “When we invest in students here, we’re investing in the future of healthcare for our entire region.”

The event was first conceptualized through a partnership between Olympic College’s Healthcare Division, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and the Marvin Williams Recreation Center, with a shared goal of expanding awareness of healthcare careers and strengthening the local workforce pipeline. The Healthcare Career Expo would not be possible without the support of additional community partners, including Kitsap Black Student Union, Kitsap Strong, Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center, OC Girls Exploring Math and Science (GEMS), Olympic College Foundation, and Voices of Pacific Island Nations.

In addition to exploring careers, attendees will learn about OC’s expanding healthcare programs and how they align with regional workforce needs. Through strong partnerships with local healthcare providers and community organizations, OC continues to create pathways that allow students to train locally and serve their communities.

Community members are encouraged to register in advance to secure their spot.

Learn more and register:
OC Healthcare Career ExpoRegister Today