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

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 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

NRHA Rural Hospital CMO/Physician Leader Certification Program
A rural hospital leadership and certification program for rural hospital physician leaders and Chief Medical Officers (CMOs).

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

NRHA Rural Hospital CNO Certification Program
A leadership and certification program for current Chief Nursing 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