Driven by booming demand for weight loss medications, medical spas across the Inland Northwest are rapidly expanding beyond traditional cosmetic procedures into full-service wellness and metabolic health centers. For many operators, offering these treatments supports clinic growth and provides a financial boost amid rising operational costs.

Seattle-based biotechnology company Orlance Inc. is expanding its vaccine research and development operations into Spokane County through a $250,000 grant from the Health Sciences and Services Authority of Spokane County, bringing new jobs and plans for clinical trials to the region.

Spokane Falls Community College’s Orthotic and Prosthetic Technology program — one of only four certified training courses in the nation — has doubled its cohort size in three years to help address a nationwide technician shortage.