Upskill NWA is actively building a pipeline that prepares residents to step into critical roles across the region’s healthcare sector.
Northwest Arkansas is growing rapidly—and with that growth comes a rising demand for healthcare professionals. From nurses and radiology techs to respiratory therapists and surgical support staff, the region’s hospitals and healthcare providers are seeking trained professionals to serve a fast-expanding population.
That’s where Upskill NWA comes in.
Based in Northwest Arkansas and powered by the Excellerate Foundation, Upskill NWA is a nonprofit organization committed to growing the region’s healthcare workforce by supporting residents who are ready to pursue high-demand, high-wage careers. The program is designed for adult learners and non-traditional students—many of whom are working, supporting families, or returning to school after time away.
Through a proven model adapted from Project QUEST in San Antonio, Upskill NWA provides full scholarships for participants to pursue healthcare degrees, along with wraparound support and personalized mentorship. Career navigators work one-on-one with students to walk them through enrollment, offer encouragement through challenges, and connect them with job opportunities after graduation.
The financial support is comprehensive. Upskill covers the full cost of tuition, books, fees, and licensing exams—removing the most common barrier to advancing your career.
And it’s working. Since the program launched in 2022, Upskill NWA has reported:
- A 90% placement rate among graduates
- 88% retention with employer partners after two years
- An average income increase of $32,700 for participants
The current list of career pathways includes Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Radiologic Imaging Sciences, Respiratory Therapist, and Surgical Technologist (coming soon). With strong partnerships across local hospital systems and education providers, Upskill NWA is actively building a pipeline that prepares residents to step into critical roles across the region’s healthcare sector.
As the program expands, Upskill aims to deepen its ecosystem of support, helping more people access life-changing opportunities—and helping employers meet urgent workforce needs.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a working parent, or someone ready to change careers, Upskill NWA may be your next step toward a better future in healthcare.
To learn more or apply, visit upskillnwa.com.
From hospitals and clinics to training programs and nonprofit partnerships, the region is full of opportunities for those ready to make a difference in healthcare. Join the Talent Network at CareersNWA to discover your next step in one of Northwest Arkansas’s most essential and rewarding industries.
