SW WA Rural CTE Cooperative

About the Rural Healthcare Academy

The SW WA Rural Healthcare Academy is a transformative initiative designed to ensure that students in rural communities have access to high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in healthcare.. By bridging gaps in funding, staffing, and course availability, we provide students with industry-aligned skills, dual-credit opportunities, and career pathways that prepare them for future success.

For the 2026-2027 school year, we are pivoting to support the pressing need for healthcare providers in rural areas by offering healthcare pathways only.

The Rural Healthcare Academy is generously supported with funding through the  Washington State Department of Health, and is focused on supporting the K12 system to build purposeful pathways in Healthcare Careers that improve retention of rural healthcare workers, increases recruitment and training for rural healthcare workers. and provides rural youth with meaningful experiences to help them take early steps to completing their pathway.

This website is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $[XXX] equaling [XX] percent of the program cost and $XX amount and XX percentage funded by source(s) other than the federal government. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.

The Rural Healthcare Academy is a partnership between local colleges and postsecondary partners (Clark College/Lower Columbia College), employers (The Vancouver Clinic (TVC), Peacehealth) and Educational Service District (ESD) 112. Geographic targeting is prioritized for Pacific, Wahkiakum and Klickitat counties, alongside the all rural districts within the ESD112 footprint, ensuring that the most geographically distressed regions receive direct investment.

Additional partners include the Washington Association for Community Health  and Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of SW WA.

Our students have great things to say about the impact their CTE classes have had on their education and future plans. Take a moment to hear about the impact of the Rural CTE Cooperative in students’ own words!

Rural Healthcare Academy Benefits

The SW WA Rural Healthcare Academy is committed to breaking down barriers, expanding access, and preparing students for lifelong success.

Unique & Essential

We ensure rural schools have access to high-quality CTE programs, even when resources are limited. Our courses are led by highly qualified, Washington-certified teachers—many with extensive industry experience in their fields.

Industry-Aligned & Dual Credit Eligible

Developed with employer guidance, our courses align with workforce standards and provide dual credit for high school and college. ESD 112 supports counselors and students in navigating dual credit transcription with partner colleges and universities.

Community-Driven & Responsive

We tailor our course offerings to meet the needs of students, school districts, and local employers. We ensure that courses lead to either an industry-recognized credential or dual credit (though some have both), accelerating students’ postsecondary transition to college or careers.

Career Exploration Before Graduation

Our programs help students explore their interests and career paths before graduation. Each career pathway includes a postsecondary next step for further education and often leads to an Industry-Recognized Credential—opening doors to the workforce, higher education, or both.

Supporting Local Economies

By equipping students with work-ready skills, we help retain local talent within their communities and strengthen regional workforces.

Partnering with Rural Districts

With enrollment more important than ever, our model supports small schools by fostering collaboration instead of competition. Through this partnership, students gain access to courses beyond what their local school provides, broadening their academic choices.

Operating Procedures

This document outlines the procedures of the program for participating school districts, reporting school districts and other partners.

Healthcare Academy Courses

Our courses go beyond basic online learning with interactive, real-time instruction from highly qualified teachers with industry experience. Students engage in career exploration, gain hands-on experience, and have the opportunity to participate in a Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO), enriching their learning experience. Access to Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) such as HOSA/Skills USA is essential for fostering student leadership and professional identity.

2025-2026 Calendar & Schedules

Coming Soon

Bell Schedules

We have worked with our partner districts to coordinate bell schedules that will work best for the entire cooperative. Classes occur during normal school hours, integrated into a student’s normal learning schedule.

How to Register

For information on how to register for classes, please contact the Cooperative Administrator  at  katherine.livick@esd112.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us for enrollment help.

Who to Contact