Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Three University of Tennessee (UT) campuses have been selected by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to receive Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grants, designed to address critical healthcare workforce shortages in rural communities across the state. The combined investment of more than $5 million will support initiatives that expand access, strengthen pipelines, and prepare more Tennesseans for careers in healthcare.

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly for making these grants possible,” UT System President Randy Boyd said. “With campuses across the state and a long-standing commitment to public service, the University of Tennessee is uniquely positioned to drive rural healthcare solutions. These programs will create new pathways for students, meet local workforce needs, and improve access to care for the people of Tennessee.”

Each UT campus will lead a regionally tailored program focused on strengthening the state’s rural health infrastructure:

1. UT, Knoxville (UTK): HEALTH – High School, Education and Apprenticeship Programs Leading to Transformative Healthcare Careers. Led by the UTK College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies, the program creates a seamless pipeline from high school through community college, into a new degree in medical sciences, and ultimately to graduate medical education. The program includes dual enrollment, work-based learning, paid residencies, and a guaranteed interview for the UT Health Science Center’s College of Medicine in Knoxville. Partner counties include Claiborne, Roane, and Rhea.
2. UT Martin (UTM): HOPE for Rural Health – Expanding Nursing Career Pathways for Northwest Tennessee Students. UTM will lead a regional initiative serving more than 6,000 students in Decatur, Fayette, Lauderdale, McNairy, and Tipton counties. The HOPE (Healthcare Opportunities Powering Excellence) program offers students a guided path beginning in eighth grade, including mentoring, dual enrollment with Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, and a clear track to UTM’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The initiative also includes clinical placements and workforce training at rural hospitals and clinics.
3. UT Health Science Center (UTHSC): East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Pediatric Residency Initiative. In partnership with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, the UT Health Science Center will establish a new pediatric residency program focused on preparing physicians to serve underserved and rural counties such as Sevier and Roane. The program includes collaboration with Covenant Health, Pediatrix Medical Group, and area high schools, providing educational and career opportunities to students from rural backgrounds. The program also aligns with state and national priorities for growing the pediatric healthcare workforce.

---