Rural Workforce

In Tennessee 91 of 95 counties are federally designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA). Rural Health Association of Tennessee works with K-12, community and technical colleges, and employers to support recruitment and retention into healthcare professions through Apprenticeships, Training Incentives, and Professional Development Stipends. (source: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/rural-health/federal-shortage-areas.html)

Working with Employers

RHA works with employers to meet support recruitment and retention of entry-level healthcare workers. RHA serves as an Apprenticeship Sponsor, acting as liaison between TN Department of Labor and the employer, for organizations establishing Apprenticeship programs for Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Technicians, and Community Health Workers.

Patty Lane, MS, MHM, MA Chief Program Officer		Beth Keylon, BS Workforce Development Ast. Director	Maddy Rymer Workforce Development Coordinator	Christy Belong Workforce Development Coordinator

Workforce Readiness Program- K-12 and Community Partnerships

RHA has developed a workforce ready curriculum to introduce youth to careers in healthcare and support the development of "soft skills" needed to be successful in healthcare. 

Schools in rural communities offering RHA's Workforce Readiness Curriculum may be eligible for incentives to teach the program.

Click here if you are interested in utilizing RHA's Workforce Readiness Curriculum. 

Rural Health Apprenticeships in the Spotlight

• Behavioral Health Workforce Workgroup Report published by Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Tennessee Division of TennCare
• Department of Labor Recognizes RHA Apprenticeship Program
• Amerigroup Donation Benefits two West Tennessee Organizations

Thank You to our Funders!

Our Apprenticeship Program is made possible by the generosity of the below funders: