More than $6.35 million in federal funding will assist Northern Arizona University students in pursuing careers in healthcare, addressing workforce needs in rural, Tribal, and medically vulnerable communities. The funding, awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), includes two five-year grants that will provide over $1.27 million in scholarships annually, enhancing health education access and preparing graduates for high-need areas.
Support for Physician Assistant Studies
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies received a $3.1 million grant for the Community Access and Rural Expansion (CARE-PA) initiative. This program aims to increase the enrollment and retention of physician assistant students, boost the number of graduates entering primary care, and strengthen the provider pipeline for underserved communities. The initiative will be led by professor Alison C. Essary and associate professor Bettie H. Coplan.
Funding for Occupational Therapy
Meanwhile, the Department of Occupational Therapy will benefit from a $3.25 million grant designated for the Access to Care, Access to Education program. This initiative will offer scholarships, student support services, and enhanced experiential learning opportunities for students focused on serving rural, Tribal, and medically vulnerable populations. Associate clinical professor Gina Buban and Amy Armstrong-Heimsoth, clinical professor and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy, will oversee this program.
Targeting Healthcare Workforce Shortages
Eligible scholarship recipients include those who have faced educational barriers and are more likely to practice in areas with significant healthcare workforce shortages. Financial obstacles can hinder access to educational opportunities, making it difficult for students to enter these critical fields. The new funding will expand financial aid and support services aimed at helping more students complete their training and join the healthcare workforce.
University Commitment to Community Health
Janelle Chiasera, dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Northern Arizona University, expressed the institution’s belief in the transformative power of higher education. Chiasera emphasized the importance of investing in future healthcare professionals to enhance access to care and improve health outcomes in Arizona.
Enhancing Student Success
Both funding programs will focus on improving student success through experiential learning, community outreach, and educational partnerships. These early experiences are designed to foster a robust healthcare workforce pipeline, encouraging graduates to work in communities facing persistent provider shortages. By broadening access to health professions education and supporting a diverse range of students, the programs aim to fortify Arizona’s future healthcare workforce.
Source: Northern Arizona University
