The unique challenges of delivering care to both rural and urban populations have fostered an environment that has positioned our state at the forefront of telehealth, medical research, and community-based care models.
Due to Alaska’s vast geography and remote communities, the state has prioritized the development of a robust telehealth infrastructure to meet the diverse needs of our population. As these needs continue to grow, opportunities remain for further telehealth development and partnerships with the state to expand the reach of Alaska’s health systems.
Alaska’s aging population presents a new opportunity for growth within the sector. With seniors making up an increasing share of the population, the demand for long-term and home-based care continues to rise. While Alaska has a robust hospital system, there is a growing need for workforce and facilities to address the changing needs of the population. Recognizing this need, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) has invested $70 million for a skilled nursing facility.
Hospitals, tribal health systems, private clinics, and air‑ambulance providers now employ more than 50,000 Alaskans, about one in eight workers. From Anchorage’s 400‑bed regional medical centers to single‑provider village clinics, the network delivers world‑class care across an area one‑fifth the size of the continental United States.
The state’s workforce pipeline is equally robust. The University of Alaska’s WWAMI partnership, physician residencies in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, and dozens of accredited nursing and allied‑health programs graduate over 800 professionals annually. Average health‑care wages top $82,000, fueling local consumption and keeping talent in‑state. Partnerships with Alaska Native health organizations further strengthen the sector, blending cutting‑edge clinical practice with culturally informed care models recognized worldwide.