Rural Health Connect: More About the Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiative

About the Initiative

Rural communities across Tennessee continue to experience shortages in healthcare and community-based service professionals. Employers may struggle to recruit qualified workers, while individuals interested in these careers may encounter financial, educational, or logistical barriers to entering the workforce.

The Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiative addresses these challenges by connecting eligible participants with occupational training, career preparation, and rural employment opportunities.

Through the initiative, MTSU and its partners will:

• Prepare individuals for entry-level occupations needed in rural communities
• Reduce financial barriers to training and certification
• Connect trained participants with employers and community organizations
• Strengthen pathways into healthcare, behavioral health, recovery, and community health careers
• Support the long-term development of Tennessee’s rural workforce

Opportunities for Current MTSU Students

For eligible MTSU students residing in non-metro counties, the project provides an opportunity to develop career-ready skills and pursue occupational training while completing a college degree.

Participation may help students gain practical experience, earn an industry-recognized credential, and prepare for employment in a rural healthcare or community setting.

Opportunities for Adult Learners

The initiative also provides a pathway for adult learners who are seeking to begin a new career, return to the workforce, or develop skills for employment in a rural community.

Eligible adult learners may participate in occupational training without enrolling in a traditional four-year degree program. Specific educational, geographic, or occupational requirements may vary by training pathway.

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Developing a Rural Health Workforce Certificate

In addition to providing immediate training and workforce opportunities, MTSU will begin developing a multidisciplinary Rural Health Workforce Certificate.

The proposed certificate will be designed to integrate rural health and workforce preparation into a traditional bachelor’s degree pathway. It will allow students to build job-ready skills and work toward a stackable credential while completing their degrees.

The certificate is currently in development and is not yet available for enrollment.

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Community and Workforce Partnerships

The Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiative brings together MTSU faculty and staff, workforce development organizations, healthcare providers, public agencies, and rural health partners.

Project partners include organizations such as:

• Rutherford County American Job Center
• Northern Middle Tennessee Local Workforce Development Board
• Rural Health Association of Tennessee
• Primary Care and Hope Clinic
• Workforce Essentials
• Rutherford County Health Department
• Additional healthcare, workforce, and community partners

These partnerships will help align training with employer needs and connect eligible participants with career pathways in rural communities.

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Building a Stronger Rural Workforce

By preparing participants for specific, high-need occupations, the Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiative addresses both immediate employment needs and long-term workforce development.

The initiative seeks to create opportunities for individuals while helping rural organizations recruit trained workers who can provide essential healthcare, behavioral health, recovery, and community support services.