Anchored by Major Health Systems
Buffalo County's healthcare industry is led by two regional hospitals that serve as both clinical anchors and major employers:
CHI Health Good Samaritan is a 268-bed regional referral center in Kearney that provides trauma care, cardiac surgery, neonatal intensive care, cancer treatment, neurosurgery, and rural emergency transport. It employs over 500 staff and serves patients across central Nebraska and beyond.
Kearney Regional Medical Center (part of Bryan Health) delivers acute and specialty care, employing more than 850 people. It plays a key role in serving the medical needs of Buffalo County and surrounding rural communities. These facilities generate significant economic impact while providing clinical capacity and referral opportunities for new specialty clinics, outpatient centers, and support services.
Buffalo County's healthcare sector already supports 13,699 jobs with an average annual wage of $53,990. The sector's size, resilience, and wages make it a strong fit for employers looking to grow in a stable market with built-in patient demand.
Rural Health Education and Talent Development
Buffalo County stands out nationally for its focus on rural health workforce preparation.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) are jointly expanding health education opportunities through the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex.
This new facility will train the next generation of physicians, pharmacists, and public health professionals specifically for work in rural communities.
This institutional partnership allows healthcare businesses to access the following:
- Practicum and residency placement opportunities
- New graduate pipelines
- Professional development partnerships
- Applied research and innovation initiatives
This facility is backed by state and institutional investment and exists to serve the very workforce needs that healthcare site selectors prioritize. The region's academic infrastructure includes access to allied health, nursing, and administrative programs at Central Community College and other nearby institutions.