LOUISVILLE, Ky. — University of Louisville's (UofL) School of Nursing is getting a big boost for its training programs, which is expected to bring better access to healthcare in medically underserved areas.
The two grants, worth $6.5 million, were awarded to the school by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The money will support recruitment and retention of nursing professionals across the state.
“These kinds of workforce pipeline grants are truly transformative and will make a lasting and tangible impact on the health and wellness of Kentuckians for generations to come,” Gerry Bradley, interim provost, said. “Our highly trained and committed nursing faculty are advancing the work that enables us to continue in our effort to expand access to high quality and diverse health care across the entire Commonwealth.”
Nearly $4 million of the funding will go toward an accelerated Licensed Practical Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN-to-BSN) pathway. The grant will support scholarships for up to 83 students to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Then, $2.6 million will go toward a project aimed to increase the number and diversity of nurse practitioners.
“We want the nurse practitioner workforce to more closely mirror the population of Kentucky in terms of diversity and enable NPs from rural areas in the state to earn an APRN degree and provide high quality health care in their own rural areas across the Commonwealth,” Robertson said.
According to a news release, Kentucky has a "severe shortage" of health care workers. Officials report that a portion of 113 of the state’s 120 counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas, including parts of Jefferson County.
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