DC HEAL to Strengthen the Health Care Workforce and Create Pathways to Opportunity
The District of Columbia Hospital Association (DCHA) launched a new health care apprenticeship program, DC HEAL—District of Columbia Health Employment and Apprenticeship Link—to connect DC high school graduates with hands-on, health care career opportunities, addressing both workforce shortages and the need for equitable access to quality jobs across the city.
DC HEAL represents a shared commitment between educators, health care institutions, and community partners to invest in the next generation of health professionals while addressing the pressing needs of DC’s health workforce and residents.
Funded in part by Bloomberg Philanthropies, along with local investments, DC HEAL builds on the success of the Advanced Technical Center — the District’s first college-level career and technical education program for high school students.
Through DC HEAL, recent graduates will be paired with hospitals, community health centers, and clinics across the District. Participants will gain real-world experience, mentorship from practicing professionals, and earn a living wage while continuing their education and training in critical health care fields.
DC HEAL, led by DCHA and CityWorksDC, is partnering with Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health, Children’s National Hospital, Forest Hills DC, Stoddard Baptist Nursing Home, and Whitman-Walker to place 20 apprentices in its first year.
DC HEAL represents a true citywide collaboration between skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, clinics, education partners, and community organizations. Together, we are creating apprenticeship pathways into high-demand roles such as certified medical assistant, certified nursing assistant, team leads, and patient care technicians. DC HEAL is not a one-time initiative—it is a long-term investment in DC’s future workforce. It is designed to meet hospitals’ urgent staffing needs, provide DC residents with pathways to upward mobility, and advance equity in our health care system. We are proud to partner with businesses, education providers, and community leaders to build a workforce system that works for everyone.
— Jacqueline D. Bowens, President & CEO, DC Hospital Association
The program’s apprenticeship model ensures that participants not only learn in the classroom but also contribute meaningfully to the field, gaining the confidence and skills needed for long-term, in-demand careers in health.
