Getting Started

Healthcare is the nation's largest industry providing more than 13.5 million jobs for people working in hospitals, medical offices, laboratories, nursing care facilities, pharmacies and in a variety of other settings.

In Baltimore, healthcare is the city's largest employment sector. But, like most urban centers throughout the country, there exists a critical shortage of qualified workers to fill positions such as nursing assistant, nurse extender, surgical technician, respiratory therapist, radiology technician, lab technician and pharmacy technician. The Alliance has worked with area hospitals, government agencies, schools and other healthcare organizations to address the shortage by developing career track guides called career maps that connect residents with career development opportunities and jobs.

Using Career Maps

Virtually anyone can benefit from career mapping. Whether you have not yet attained a high school diploma or GED or if you are a college graduate, career maps can provide a pathway to rewarding careers in the health professions. Even if you are already employed and want to advance or move into another healthcare occupation, mapping will give you the basics—job duties, rate of pay, education and experience required.

To view a career map, simply click on the link below that best matches your interest:
Administrative Positions
Patient Care Positions
Technician Positions

Top Alliance Careers

The following careers have been identified by the Alliance as having the most critical need of Baltimore healthcare employers. Click on the link to learn more about each career category.

• Medical Laboratory Technician: conducts routine laboratory tests for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Click here to learn more.
• Nursing Assistant: performs delegated patient care functions of an uncomplicated nature under the supervision of a registered nurse. Click here to learn more.
• Nurse Extender: nursing assistants who have received additional training in IV starts, EKGs, Foley catheters, blood drawing, oxygen therapy, NG tubes, suctioning, drain management and wound care and perform these functions under the supervision of a registered nurse.
• Pharmacy Technician: prepares, packages, distributes and delivers medications under the supervision of a pharmacist. Click here to learn more.
• Radiology Technician: performs diagnostic radiographic procedures for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Click here to learn more.
• Respiratory Therapist: sets up, operates and maintains oxygen and other therapeutic gas and mist inhalation equipment and mechanical ventilation equipment to administer prescribed doses of medical gases and aerosolized drugs to patients with cardiopulmonary disease. Click here to learn more.
• Surgical Technician: performs a variety of duties in the OR under the supervision of an RN, including scrubbing on all types of operative procedures, obtaining and preparing instruments and equipment and maintaining a clean and safe environment. Click here to learn more.

Programs and Services

Career Coaching
Career Mapping
1st Span Training Program
Pre-Allied Health Bridge Program
Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Summer Math-Builder
Surgical Technician Certification

Education Partners and Important Resources

Colleges

Baltimore City Community College
Community Colleges of Baltimore County
Villa Julie College

Resources

Baltimore Mayor's Office of Employment Development
Baltimore City Public School System
High School GED Programs
Job Opportunities Task Force
Maryland Association of Community Colleges
Maryland Health Careers
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Maryland Hospital Association
Maryland State Department of Education

Financial Aid Information

Student Financial Assistance
On-line Scholarship Search