The $2 million grant from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission will support the college’s Rural RNs Rise (R3): Growing Caregivers initiative.
Columbia State Community College has received a Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant in the amount of $2 million from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The grant will support the school’s mission to help alleviate healthcare workforce shortages in rural areas of southern Middle Tennessee, as specified in its initiative entitled Rural RNs Rise (R3): Growing Caregivers.
According to an article on Columbia State Community College’s website, Patrick McElhiney, who serves as the school’s director of grants, was quoted as saying of the funding, “We are honored to receive this funding, which validates the work Columbia State is doing to expand access to healthcare careers and support students in every stage of their journey. It's a win for our college and for the region, and it wouldn't be possible without our outstanding partners—Maury Regional Health, National Healthcare Corporation, TCAT Pulaski, TCAT Hohenwald and Maury County Public Schools. Combined with our new Southern Regional Technology Center currently under construction, we're positioned to make a real difference in addressing rural healthcare workforce needs.”
The Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant funding is to be utilized in rural areas. Columbia State Community College’s service areas that are classified as rural as per the grant program’s measurements include Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Maury, Marshall, Perry and Wayne counties.
Dr. Kae Fleming, the dean of the Health Sciences Division, explained what a portion of the grant funding will be used for, saying, “This grant provides funding to launch a long-desired pathway for paramedics in the region to pursue registered nurse credentials. The ability to provide financial support for related expenses during school allows students the freedom to work less and focus on learning!”
Among the goals within the R3 initiative are developing a transition course for the paramedic to RN pathway, expanding the dual-enrollment EMT programs for high school students, providing stipends that will assist students with books and certification exam costs, and offering grants that will help with transportation and childcare costs.
Dr. Denise Carr, Columbia State Community College’s vice president for academic affairs, said, “This grant represents a significant step forward in our mission to meet the growing healthcare needs of our region. By expanding our rural healthcare education pathways, we are not only preparing more students for high-demand careers but also strengthening the health and well-being of the communities we serve throughout southern Middle Tennessee.”
For more information about Columbia State Community College, visit the school’s website.