Transform Your Healthcare Career in Tucson

Where purpose-driven careers and a work-life balance are only a bike ride away.

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Healthcare Thrives in Tucson

Tucson, located in Southern Arizona just a short drive from Phoenix, offers an ideal setting for healthcare professionals to live, work and enjoy life. Boasting top-rated healthcare systems — including El Rio Health and TMC Health — here you’ll find job stability, purpose-driven work, diversity, competitive pay and bountiful opportunities for career growth.

The area’s rich cultural scene, vibrant art community and lively nightlife make it one of the best places to live in Arizona. From providing life-changing care to your community to enjoying year-round outdoor recreation in your time off, you can say hello to purpose and goodbye to burnout.

 
Best City in the U.S. for Gen Z Commercial Cafe
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Commercial Cafe, 2024

Lower Cost of Living Than the National Average
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Of the 30 Best Cities for Nurses
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Featured Employers

El Rio Health

El Rio Health is a standout healthcare organization in Southern Arizona, emphasizing accreditation by the Joint Commission, as well a High Performer by the Healthcare Equality Index, and most recently – the only organization and first ever Federally Qualified Health Center to receive the prestigious AMA Joy in Medicine Gold level recognition in 2024. El Rio Health makes a difference in the lives of more than one in 10 Tucsonans and is known for its generous employee benefits, competitive salaries and commitment to providing free, multidisciplinary, inter-professional educational opportunities.

Careers at El Rio Health

TMC Health

El Rio Health is a standout healthcare organization in Southern Arizona, emphasizing accreditation by the Joint Commission, as well a High Performer by the Healthcare Equality Index, and most recently – the only organization and first ever Federally Qualified Health Center to receive the prestigious AMA Joy in Medicine Gold level recognition in 2024. El Rio Health makes a difference in the lives of more than one in 10 Tucsonans and is known for its generous employee benefits, competitive salaries and commitment to providing free, multidisciplinary, inter-professional educational opportunities.

Careers at TMC

Healthcare Thrives in Tucson. So Can You.

Cost of Living

Live Large for Less

Ready to move the needle in your favor?

Tucson boasts a cost of living nearly 3% lower than the national average, making it one of the most affordable metros in the Sunbelt region and one of the best places to live in the U.S. For healthcare professionals looking to maximize their earnings and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, the area offers a favorable environment with more disposable income for leisure activities and personal interests.

This combination of lower living costs and quality of life makes Tucson a highly attractive choice for individuals seeking a balance between career satisfaction and financial well-being. Use our Cost of Living Calculator to find your potential savings.

Fall into an Active Lifestyle

Nestled within the breathtaking Sonoran Desert, Tucson is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and biking on Mt. Lemmon to stargazing through one of the world’s largest telescopes and over 350+ days of sunshine, outdoor activities are endless and accessible year-round (hello, T-shirts in January).

The city is surrounded by four mountain ranges, often referred to as the “sky islands,” and offers 37,000 acres of parkland. Discover the unique flora and fauna of the region at Saguaro National Park, a sprawling 91,000-acre desert sanctuary, or venture into the Coronado National Forest for diverse landscapes featuring wooded areas, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks.

Renowned as one of the top cycling cities in the U.S., Tucson boasts the newly completed 131-mile bike path known as The Loop. The region offers equal excitement for golf enthusiasts, with over 40 golf courses providing a rich history of hosting PGA Golf touring events for nearly eight decades.

Strike a balance between your life as a healthcare professional and your affection for outdoor recreation with hundreds of opportunities to rejuvenate yourself amidst Tucson’s natural beauty.

Brush Strokes of Tucson

Known as The Old Pueblo for its Spanish-Indian history, it’s no wonder Tucson continues to embrace a rich tapestry of art and culture. Reflecting its diverse population and influences from Spanish Colonial, Mexican and Old West traditions, the area has something to offer everyone.

Vibrant events celebrate Southwest culture year-round, such as the Tucson Mariachi Conference and the Tucson Folk Festival — one of the longest running folk music festivals in the U.S. Artistic expression thrives in Tucson, with galleries such as the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun and the Madaras Gallery providing platforms for local artists to display their creations. Additionally, annual festivals like the Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair further contribute to the city’s dynamic cultural scene, making Tucson a hub of artistic exploration and appreciation.

Thrive in a Southwestern Oasis

When the southwestern sun is setting, retreat to your comfortable abode in Tucson. The city offers a favorable housing landscape with costs typically below both the national and state averages. Renting expenses are also notably lower, ranking among the most affordable in Arizona.

Maybe you’ll choose to live in a ranch-style home with the Tortolita mountain range as your backdrop. Or maybe you’ll find a luxury apartment in one of Vail’s and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Saguaro National Park and the top ranked Vail Unified School District.

Whether you opt for city living, settle in the scenic Catalina Foothills to the north, or choose the welcoming Civano community to the southeast, Tucson offers family-friendly neighborhoods and walkable communities. Find a comfortable and safe place to call home while enjoying the metro area’s vibrant atmosphere.

Tactile Learning Among the Cacti

Tucson is renowned for its exceptional education options, offering some of the best learning opportunities in the nation to prepare students for the 21st-century workforce. With 63 Southern Arizona K-12 public education districts serving approximately 236,000 students, the region’s educational landscape is diverse and comprehensive. Additionally, Tucson boasts numerous charter, Montessori, and private schools that cater to the unique needs of children, providing learning environments conducive to academic excellence and personal growth.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized several Tucson schools for their excellence. Basis Oro is ranked #17 as one of the best high schools in the U.S. Basis Tucson North, a tuition-free public charter school serving grades 5-12, has been acclaimed as the No. 4 best high schools in Arizona and the No. 33 best high school nationwide.

Moreover, public elementary schools like Sunrise Drive Elementary in the Catalina Foothills and Basis Oro Valley Primary have earned accolades for providing students with a strong academic foundation, both receiving an A ranking from the Arizona State Board of Education. And if you’re looking for childcare, Arizona Child Care Resource and Referral can connect you to information about the region’s hundred of early childhood options.

 

A Locale for Life

Convenience is key in Tucson, with a comprehensive network of highways, airports and city transportation getting residents where they need to be with faster commutes than national averages.

Cut down on your gas bill with The Loop – a top bike path in America – which winds from the town of Marana in the North to Civano in South Tucson. Additionally, the Tucson Streetcar links the University of Arizona campus to various entertainment districts across downtown, enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

The city’s transportation infrastructure is further bolstered by the east-west Interstate 10 and Interstate 19, which extends to the Mexico border, facilitating efficient travel within and beyond Tucson. Find convenient access to major cities like Phoenix, just a couple of hours’ drive away, and San Diego, reachable in less than six hours.

For those with out-of-town connections, Tucson International Airport offers a stress-free travel experience, ranked among the most hassle-free airports in the U.S. Annually, the airport handles over 135,000 flights, including 20 non-stop destinations and seamless one-stop connections to more than 400 cities globally, making Tucson a well-connected hub for domestic and international travel.

Tucson 101

Get to know Tucson and find out why we’re one of the best places to live in Arizona with our guide to the city’s healthcare job opportunities, quality of life and recreation.

Download Overview

Sudha Nagalinam, MD

Medical Director – Special Immunology Associates
El Rio Health

 

I’ve been living in Tucson since 2015 and am originally from Trinidad. When I interviewed at El Rio Health, the mission was just remarkable. Everyone here was focused on getting people better, getting people into care for each service and really taking care of people who are struggling.

Our clinic serves a lot of the LGBTQ community, and we work with the Native American population. There are a lot of services from the federal and state level, so I’m able to provide services to folks that I don’t think I would’ve been able to provide anywhere else in the United States. I also work very closely with my colleagues at TMC and Banner Health, so it always feels collegial – it never feels competitive.

The community is also just so kind and loving. I was able to find my partner here and start a family. To be able to not only find professional but personal fulfillment in Tucson has been great — can’t see myself anywhere else.

Find El Rio jobs here!

Jack Urban

Registered Nurse
TMC Health

I came to Tucson in 2007 to attend the University of Arizona. I never intended to stay in the city but then I met someone, and I fell in love with Tucson soon after that.

While Tucson is a big, urban city, it’s like you’re always just one person removed from knowing everyone. I can mention my mother-in-law’s name, who worked in the pediatric emergency department for 30 years, and everyone will be like “You’re her son? I know about you.”

The medical community in Tucson is very small, and the pediatric medical community is even smaller. Everybody knows everybody, and it challenges you to do your best. We are a big city, but you can make your mark as a medical professional in the community.

Find TMC jobs here.

Check out Jack and his family enjoying snow on Mt Lemmon!

Jack Urban

Registered Nurse
TMC Health

I came to Tucson in 2007 to attend the University of Arizona. I never intended to stay in the city but then I met someone, and I fell in love with Tucson soon after that.

While Tucson is a big, urban city, it’s like you’re always just one person removed from knowing everyone. I can mention my mother-in-law’s name, who worked in the pediatric emergency department for 30 years, and everyone will be like “You’re her son? I know about you.”

The medical community in Tucson is very small, and the pediatric medical community is even smaller. Everybody knows everybody, and it challenges you to do your best. We are a big city, but you can make your mark as a medical professional in the community.

Find TMC jobs here.

Check out Jack and his family enjoying snow on Mt Lemmon!

Jack Urban

Registered Nurse
TMC Health

I came to Tucson in 2007 to attend the University of Arizona. I never intended to stay in the city but then I met someone, and I fell in love with Tucson soon after that.

While Tucson is a big, urban city, it’s like you’re always just one person removed from knowing everyone. I can mention my mother-in-law’s name, who worked in the pediatric emergency department for 30 years, and everyone will be like “You’re her son? I know about you.”

The medical community in Tucson is very small, and the pediatric medical community is even smaller. Everybody knows everybody, and it challenges you to do your best. We are a big city, but you can make your mark as a medical professional in the community.

Find TMC jobs here.

Check out Jack and his family enjoying snow on Mt Lemmon!

All Under the Tucson Sun

To know Tucson is to love Tucson. Read more about the soul of the Sonoran desert and the immense opportunities to explore the city’s art, culture, nightlife and bountiful outdoor recreation.

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1985 E River Rd Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona, 85718
TEL: (520) 243-1900 or Email Us

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