WGNS Radio Summary: Middle Tennessee State University has received a $225,000 state grant aimed at improving healthcare access in rural Tennessee while creating new opportunities for students entering the medical field. The funding, awarded through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Rural Works: Healthcare Initiative, will support MTSU’s Center for Health and Human Services. The program will place students into entry-level healthcare jobs while they continue earning four-year degrees. Students will gain hands-on experience in patient support, telehealth navigation, and community health outreach. MTSU also plans to develop a new Rural Health Workforce Certificate to help students earn workforce credentials before graduation. University leaders say the initiative will help address healthcare shortages in underserved rural communities across Tennessee. Scroll down to read the full article...
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Full Details) - Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Health and Human Services, or CHHS, has secured a $225,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to help strengthen healthcare services in underserved rural communities while creating new job opportunities for students pursuing healthcare careers.
The funding comes through the state’s Rural Works: Healthcare Initiative and will support workforce-focused training, supervised practicum experiences, and the development of a multidisciplinary Rural Health Workforce Certificate at MTSU. The initiative is designed to place students into entry-level healthcare positions while they continue completing four-year degree programs.
Teresa Smith, director of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Rural Works: Healthcare initiative, said the partnership with MTSU will help address healthcare shortages in communities that struggle to recruit medical professionals. Smith noted the project connects students with meaningful employment opportunities while helping rural healthcare systems fill critical workforce gaps.
Under the program, students will gain hands-on experience in patient support services, telehealth navigation, and community health outreach while progressing toward their degrees. MTSU officials say the training will allow students to enter the workforce sooner while building long-term career pathways in rural healthcare.
The university also plans to launch a Rural Health Workforce Certificate program that will integrate workforce preparation into traditional bachelor’s degree tracks. Officials say the stackable credential will provide students with job-ready skills before graduation and help ease transitions into medical-related careers serving rural Tennessee communities.
Dr. Cynthia Chafin, director of MTSU’s Center for Health and Human Services, said the initiative addresses both immediate workforce needs and long-term healthcare development. Chafin explained the project creates a sustainable pipeline for future healthcare professionals to serve rural areas throughout Tennessee.
The project will include collaboration with multiple organizations and agencies, including 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.
David Butler, MTSU vice provost for research and dean of Graduate Studies, said the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to research and outreach that directly benefits communities across Tennessee. Butler added that the project links workforce development, education, and rural healthcare needs while creating new opportunities for students.
The grant will also help reduce barriers students often face when entering healthcare careers by assisting with expenses tied to certification exams, background checks, and other workforce-entry requirements.
Founded in 1993, MTSU’s Center for Health and Human Services has conducted research and community programming in all 95 Tennessee counties and relies primarily on external funding to support projects focused on improving health and well-being statewide.
