Healthcare

Healthcare

Healthcare: Expanding access and opportunity in Eastern North Carolina

The healthcare economy in eastern North Carolina is an integral part of the region’s economic landscape. Anchored by major healthcare institutions like ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, the area has seen significant growth in healthcare services, medical research, and education.

The healthcare institutions headquartered here not only provide critical health services to Easter North Carolina’s population, but also contribute to the local economy through job creation, research funding, and partnerships with biotechnology firms.

The region’s focus on health sciences has spurred developments in telemedicine, rural healthcare delivery, and public health initiatives that address unique regional challenges. Through collaborations with local community colleges and vocational schools, NCEast is helping to ensure a steady pipeline of trained healthcare professionals, further strengthening the economic impact of the healthcare sector in eastern North Carolina.


Healthcare by the numbers

  • North Carolina’s health systems and hospitals contribute approximately $40.4 billion to the state’s GDP
  • Health systems and hospitals support over 515,000 jobs in NC
  • Health systems and hospitals provided $5.79 billion in community benefits for NC

Key Healthcare employers

  • ECU Health Medical Center
  • CarolinaEast Medical Center
  • Onslow Memorial Hospital
  • Wayne UNC Health Care
  • Sentara Health

Healthcare job opportunities in Eastern NC

Job opportunities in our region include, but are not limited to:

  • Registered Nurse
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Physician Assistant
  • Physical Therapist

How we help

The NCEast Alliance is helping to shape the future of healthcare by:

  • Supporting expanded access to new healthcare models in underserved areas
  • Building a strong K-14 pipeline for healthcare careers
  • Facilitating connections between local communities, healthcare employers, and Eastern NC’s education system
  • Advocating for infrastructure and funding to improve healthcare delivery

Explore all our initiatives