Columbia State Community College has been awarded a $2 million Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The funding will support Columbia State’s initiative, “Rural RNs Rise (R³): Growing Caregivers,” which aims to address critical healthcare workforce shortages across southern Middle Tennessee.

Columbia State has received the highest grant allotment by the Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant, which offered $50 million in grant funds to facilities and programs across the state.

The funding is to be used in Tennessee counties considered rural by grant measurements, meaning counties having less than 50% of their population living within a 2020 Census Urbanized Area with a population of more than 50,000. This grant will provide benefits to students and healthcare facilities across eight rural counties in Columbia State's service area: Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Maury, Marshall, Perry and Wayne counties.

“This grant represents a significant step forward in our mission to meet the growing healthcare needs of our region,” said Dr. Denise Carr, Columbia State vice president for academic affairs. “By expanding our rural healthcare education pathways, we are not only preparing more students for high-demand careers but also strengthening the health and well-being of the communities we serve throughout southern Middle Tennessee.”

The R³ project focuses on creating clear educational pathways to high-demand healthcare careers, including the development of a paramedic/licensed practical nurse to registered nurse transition program and the expansion of dual enrollment emergency medical technician programs for high school students. By providing career development opportunities for paramedics, LPNs and high school students, the initiative prepares participants for impactful roles as RNs and EMTs, directly addressing the health care needs of rural communities.

“This grant provides funding to launch a long-desired pathway for paramedics in the region to pursue registered nurse credentials,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “The ability to provide financial support for related expenses during school allows students the freedom to work less and focus on learning!” 

Key components of the R³ initiative include:

• Development of a summer transition course for the paramedic to RN pathway.
• Expansion of dual enrollment EMT programs for high school seniors.
• Providing stipends to cover expenses such as certification exams, preparation courses, supplies and books.
• Offering completion grants to provide childcare and transportation support for students.

“We are honored to receive this funding, which validates the work Columbia State is doing to expand access to healthcare careers and support students in every stage of their journey,” said Patrick McElhiney, Columbia State director of grants. “It's a win for our college and for the region, and it wouldn't be possible without our outstanding partners—Maury Regional Health, National Healthcare Corporation, TCAT Pulaski, TCAT Hohenwald and Maury County Public Schools. Combined with our new Southern Regional Technology Center currently under construction, we're positioned to make a real difference in addressing rural healthcare workforce needs.”

The Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant is part of a statewide effort to strengthen Tennessee’s rural healthcare workforce by expanding access to education and career pathways in high-demand healthcare fields.

Columbia State is among 20 higher education institutions across the state to receive this funding, which supports the development or expansion of programs connecting rural students with in-demand opportunities in healthcare, behavioral health and dental health professions.