Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson receives Rural Healthcare Workforce Development Initiative grant

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson has received a $160,750 grant via the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Rural Healthcare Workforce Development Initiative. TCAT Dickson will use the funding to improve outcomes in its healthcare programs via financial assistance for students and by offering more certificate options.

According to an article on Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson’s website, Dr. Levi Mayer, who serves as the school’s Vice President of Academics and Compliance, explained how the funding will be broken down. He is quoted as saying, “A portion of the funds will be used for tuition scholarships for IV Therapy classes which will be open to those active in the workforce and sent to us by their employers. IV Therapy scholarships will be available to TCAT Dickson Practical Nursing students in Dickson and Clarksville, and to Practical Nursing students from TCAT Henry/Carroll and TCAT Hohenwald.”

Financial assistance offered to students via the grant funding will be available to anyone studying in the Practical Nursing, Pharmacy Technology, Patient Care Technology, Medical Assisting, and Dental Assisting programs at the TCAT Dickson or Clarksville campuses. Students in need will be able to use the funding for books, scrubs, drug testing, or fees for exams. Additionally, transportation assistance will be available in the form of purchasing car parts for Automotive Technology students to install for the healthcare students in need of car repairs, and in the form of gas gift cards. Childcare assistance is also available, and the school will pay the childcare provider directly so that students won’t need to pay taxes on the money.

In addition to the funding that will assist students complete their healthcare education journeys, the grant funding will also be used to provide certificates to individuals who are already working in the healthcare industry. As noted by Mayer, the school will have IV Therapy certifications available for current nurses, as having the ability to administer medications via IV will give them the opportunity to receive higher wages. Additionally, phlebotomy and telemetry certifications will become available on campus. Explaining the idea behind offering these certifications, Mayer said, "These were employer identified needs from local healthcare providers to upscale their current employees.”

Funds will become available at TCAT Dickson on July 1, 2025, and students interested in receiving financial assistance will be able to apply for it after that date. 

“Life happens. Life should not be an obstacle in the way of education. This grant will alleviate some of the obstacles in these areas,” Mayer said.

For more information about Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson, visit the school’s website.