Southern California is a culturally diverse and well known area worldwide. No race or ethnic group constitutes a majority of California’s population: 39% of state residents are Latino, 35% are white, 15% are Asian American or Pacific Islander, 5% are Black, 4% are multiracial, and fewer than 1% are Native American or Alaska Natives, according to the 2020 Census; many of which reside in Southern California.

The healthcare industry is a significant and growing part of California’s economy. Health care related occupations from pediatricians to nurses to home health aides represent over seven percent of California’s total employment. Increasing employment opportunities in health care over the next several years will be due in part to the state’s aging population, the addition of over five million to those covered by health insurance as a result of the implementation of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, and technological advances in health care.

The state is well poised to take on the challenges facing its health care industry and the demand for a well-trained health care workforce. The state’s higher education system, public and private, currently has a depth of programs to train all levels of the healthcare workforce. In addition, the state is one of the first in the nation to begin addressing the burgeoning health care workforce needs due to the expected surge of additional residents covered by health insurance. Opportunities and choices abound for those considering a career in health care.