May 4, 2026

Our Workforce Development Program

NEW Health is excited to welcome our 2026 Bridging the Gap cohort: an opportunity designed to help high school students and young adults explore career paths while gaining real-world experience in a supportive healthcare setting.

Bridging the Gap is a paid, 10-week summer workforce program that goes beyond a typical job. Participants earn income while building practical skills, gaining confidence, and exploring meaningful careers in healthcare, all within their local communities in rural northeastern Washington.


Who This Program Is For

This program is ideal for students who:

  • Want a paid summer job with purpose
  • Are curious about healthcare but unsure of their long-term path
  • Learn best through hands-on experience
  • May not yet see themselves as “career-ready”
  • Want local opportunities close to home

No prior healthcare experience is required, motivation and a willingness to learn matter most.


What Makes Bridging the Gap Different

Students don’t just work, they grow.

Participants receive:

  • Paid, part-time employment
  • Hands-on experience in real healthcare settings
  • Mentorship and structured skill development
  • Career exploration and job readiness training
  • Exposure to long-term career pathways within NEW Health

This program is designed to help students discover their strengths and take a meaningful first step toward a career, not just a paycheck.


Career Pathways Available

Participants are placed into real, paid roles, including:

Care Coordinator I
Support patient care through scheduling, referrals, and coordination using healthcare systems.

Pharmacy Assistant
Assist pharmacy teams with medication workflows, documentation, and customer service.

Dental Sterilization Technician
Learn infection control, sterilization processes, and clinical support skills.

Quality Improvement Intern
Gain insight into healthcare quality and safety by supporting data review and process improvement efforts.

Students may also have opportunities to job shadow other departments to explore additional clinical and non-clinical roles.


Skills Students Build

Throughout the program, participants develop:

  • Professional communication and teamwork
  • Digital and workplace technology skills
  • Confidence using healthcare systems and tools
  • Resume writing and interview skills
  • Workplace professionalism and problem-solving

These skills are transferable to any career path, inside or outside of healthcare.


A Supportive, Mentorship-Driven Experience

Bridging the Gap is built on a structured, supportive learning model:

  • Step-by-step training: observe, practice, perform
  • Regular check-ins and feedback
  • Encouraging, inclusive team environments

Students are supported every step of the way—no one is expected to figure things out alone.


Why It Matters

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or exploring a future in healthcare, Bridging the Gap offers a meaningful way to learn, grow, and make an impact in your community. This program helps turn potential into direction—building confidence, skills, and opportunity.


Apply Today

Spots are limited. Take the first step toward your future with NEW Health.

👉 Find open positions and apply here:
https://newhealth.org/careers/

👉 Learn more about NEW Health University and explore highlights from the 2025 Bridging the Gap program:
https://newhealth.org/newhealthuniversity/

2026 Bridging the Gap program. Gain real-world experience as a Dental Sterilization Tech, Quality Improvement Intern, Care Coordinator 1, or Pharmacy Assistant. Apply today

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