Education and Training of the Rural Healthcare Workforce – Funding & Opportunities

Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE)
Federal grant funding for multi-state projects designed to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation. Healthcare workforce is a program priority.

Geographic coverage: Service area for the Appalachian Regional Commission which includes 423 counties in 13 states.
Letter of Intent (Required): Dec 5, 2025
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
Sponsor: Appalachian Regional Commission

Bill Finerfrock Health Policy Fellowship
A 4-week fellowship in Alexandria, Virginia for mid-career professionals to learn leadership skills for becoming grassroots advocates and champions for rural health.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jan 5, 2026
Sponsor: National Association of Rural Health Clinics

Summer Health Professions Education Program
A free summer enrichment program designed to improve access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Feb 5, 2026
Sponsor: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

NRHA Rural Hospital HR Certification Program
A hospital leadership and certification program for rural hospital human resource professionals.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories
Application Deadline: Apr 23, 2026
Sponsor: National Rural Health Association

Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program (UE5 and T32/T34)
Funding for tribal entities to support educational activities that complement and/or enhance the training of a workforce to meet the nation's biomedical, behavioral and clinical research needs.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories
Application Deadline: Jan 25, 2027
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health

Certified Men's Health Educator Training
Course that focuses on the unique needs and challenges of boys and men, specifically in rural communities. While the course is available for all who are interested, currently the training will be provided at no cost for a limited number of individuals who live or work in designated rural counties in Tennessee.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: Men's Health Network, Rural Health Association of Tennessee

Certified Professional by the American Heart Association - Telehealth (CPAHA) Program
A certification program for healthcare professionals interested in demonstrating a commitment to telehealth.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: American Heart Association, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust

NRHA Rural Health Nurse Certification Program
A leadership and certification program for current rural nurses.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: National Rural Health Association

NRHA Rural Hospital CEO Certification Program
A rural hospital leadership and certification program for current and future rural hospital CEOs.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: National Rural Health Association

NRHA Rural Hospital CFO Certification Program
A leadership and certification program for current Chief Financial Officers of rural hospitals.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. Territories
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: Center for Rural Health Leadership, National Rural Health Association