Washington

Must serve in a HPSA or MUA for 3 years. Washington DOH sponsors Conrad 30 applications. Washington typically has some remaining slots. No alternative regional pathways (not in ARC, DRA, or SCRC). HHS Clinical Care Waiver is the only backup for primary care/psychiatry. Full unrestricted WA medical license required.

Washington typically has remaining Conrad slots — not as competitive as neighboring Oregon which fills all 30. No state income tax — major financial advantage alongside no alternative regional pathways. Eastern Washington (Yakima, Wenatchee, Spokane rural areas, Tri-Cities) and rural Olympic Peninsula have greatest need. Seattle metro has very few HPSA sites and is extremely competitive. Behavioral health is a statewide crisis — psychiatrists are in extremely high demand. University of Washington and its WWAMI network are the dominant academic system. High cost of living in Seattle metro but reasonable in eastern WA.