The grant will go to the university’s Center for Health and Human Services and will help bridge the gap in rural healthcare.
Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Health and Human Services has received a $225,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The grant will fund the Rural Works: Healthcare Initiative, which aims to educate individuals to become entry-level healthcare workers in rural and underserved communities while they work toward a bachelor degree.
According to an article on Middle Tennessee State University’s website, Cynthia Chafin, who serves as the director of the Center for Health and Human Services, was quoted as saying of the grant funding, “The Center for Health and Human Services is excited to launch this initiative that simultaneously addresses immediate workforce needs and long-term workforce development. By helping students gain practical experience and employment in rural healthcare settings while they are still completing their degrees, we are creating a sustainable pathway for future healthcare professionals to serve rural communities across Tennessee.”
The Rural Works: Healthcare initiative, which is an initiative of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, seeks to create a pipeline of individuals who will become qualified to help address the lack of access individuals in rural communities face when it comes to healthcare. Through the program, students will work in entry-level positions like patient support, telehealth navigation, and community health outreach while they are in school working toward a four-year degree at Middle Tennessee State University.
In addition, the funding will assist the Center for Health and Human Services in developing a new certificate that will integrate workforce preparation into a traditional bachelor degree pathway. This new certificate will allow students to earn stackable workforce credentials and gain experience in the healthcare field while they are still in school.
Teresa Smith, the director of TDLWD’s Rural Works: Healthcare initiative, said, “We are pleased to partner with Middle Tennessee State University on this initiative to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce pipeline. Programs like this help connect students with meaningful employment opportunities while addressing workforce shortages in communities that need healthcare professionals the most.”
The Center for Health and Human Services will collaborate with partners like the Rutherford County Job Center, the Northern Middle Tennessee Local Workforce Development Board, the Rural Health Association of Tennessee, Primary Care and Hope Clinic, Workforce Essentials, and the Rutherford County Health Department for student work opportunities.
David Butler, the vice provost for research and dean of Graduate Studies, said, “This initiative reflects MTSU’s commitment to research and outreach that directly benefits communities across Tennessee. By connecting workforce development, education and rural health needs, this project creates opportunities for students while strengthening healthcare access in rural areas.”
For more information about Middle Tennessee State University, visit the school’s website.