Healthcare & Medical Industry

A Growing Hub for Patient Care, Innovation, and Workforce Development

Healthcare is one of the fastest growing and most essential sectors in Greater Palm Springs, employing more than 30,000 workers. The sector is fueled by a combination of large medical providers, innovative partnerships, and a rising demand for services driven by continued growth.

A Destination for Innovation and Medical Advancement

In addition to delivering world-class patient care, Greater Palm Springs is increasingly becoming a destination for healthcare innovation across multiple areas:

Healthcare Research: Institutions like Eisenhower Health and Desert Healthcare District partner with universities and public agencies to explore clinical advancements, aging and wellness, population health, and more.
Medical Entrepreneurship: Startups and local entrepreneurs are developing healthcare software, wellness platforms, and concierge service models tailored to the region’s demographics.
Medical Device Innovation and R&D: The area’s growing industry has attracted companies and organizations such as Desert Oasis Healthcare’s Center for Research and Healthcare Innovation, HALO Diagnostics, and Palmtree Clinical Research, focused on clinical research and development.

Efforts to expand the healthcare innovation ecosystem are supported by public-private partnerships and workforce development coalitions working to attract investment, launch training programs, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

Healthcare Development

For those interested in exploring healthcare career opportunities in the Coachella Valley, major employers include:

Eisenhower Health
A leading medical center offering a range of clinical and non-clinical positions, employing over 5,000 healthcare professionals.
Desert Care Network
Comprising multiple hospitals and clinics, including Desert Regional Medical Center and JFK Memorial Hospital.
DAP Health
A nonprofit health center in origins in HIV/AIDS treatment, focused on inclusive and innovative, patient-centered care.
Desert Oasis Healthcare
Providing primary care, immediate care, home health, palliative care, and clinical research studies to over 60,000 patients.
Coachella Valley Behavioral Health
A new inpatient treatment center focusing on mental health services.

Hospitals & Medical Care

Greater Palm Springs is investing heavily in training the next generation of healthcare professionals to address provider shortages and build a stronger workforce. A wide range of local institutions offer programs in nursing, allied health, certifications, and clinical residencies:

Nursing Education & Mentorship

Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus
This initiative pairs CSUSB nursing students with health academy high schoolers to support their career exploration in healthcare.
San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) at Rancho Mirage
Offers a 23‑month evening and weekend vocational nurse (LVN) certification collaborating with Eisenhower Health to train and retain staff.
College of the Desert
A multi-term VN program covering fundamentals, maternal-child care, clinical lab training, and partnerships with local hospitals like Desert Regional and Eisenhower.

Allied Health & Certification Programs

College of the Desert – PaCE Allied Health Training
Includes certifications for EKG, medical assisting, pharmacy tech, phlebotomy, sterile processing, EMS, and clinical medical assistant roles.
Southern California Nursing Academy (Palm Desert & Palm Springs)
Provides CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) courses with hybrid and clinical training options.
Local CNA Programs
Multiple providers, including COD, Riverside County Office of Education, and Milan Institute, offer 3–8 week courses preparing students for the California CNA exam.

Graduate Medical Education

Desert Regional Medical Center – Residency & Fellowship Programs
Accredited Graduate Medical Education programs in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Ultrasound, and critical care fellowships.
Eisenhower Health Residency & Fellowships
Providing residents and fellows with the best learning environment possible so they can attain their full potential in developing personal, clinical, and professional competencies necessary to provide exceptional patient care.

Career Pathways & Internships

Health Career Connection (HCC) Coachella Valley
Offers paid internships, mentoring, and engagement programs in partnership with OneFuture Coachella Valley to connect students with healthcare employers like Kaiser, Eisenhower, Desert Regional, and local clinics.

Why Greater Palm Springs for Healthcare Business?

With a strong foundation in patient care, expanding innovation networks, and a growing skilled workforce, Greater Palm Springs offers healthcare companies an ideal environment for success. Businesses can leverage the region’s robust healthcare framework to deliver enhanced services and groundbreaking treatments, all within a community that values innovation, wellness, and quality of life.

Connect with Director of Economic Development, Sean Smith, to learn more.

Fun Fact

The Coachella Valley is one of the few regions in the country where high school students can shadow doctors and nurses at major hospitals like Eisenhower Health and Desert Regional Medical Center — thanks to partnerships with local school health academies, OneFuture Coachella Valley, and CSUSB Palm Desert’s nursing mentorship program. Some students have even landed jobs in local clinics before they graduate!