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Gov. Reynolds Announces New Grant to Advance Healthcare Careers in Iowa
New Opportunity to Boost the Healthcare Workforce in Critical Areas of the State.
DES MOINES, IOWA – In last night’s Condition of the State address, Governor Kim Reynolds announced a new grant opportunity that addresses Iowa’s need to grow its healthcare workforce in communities across the state.
Starting today, the Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grant is open to eligible healthcare employers and is accepting applications on iowagrants.gov. Grant applications are due on Wednesday, February 19, at 2:00 p.m.
The announced grant will provide $3 million in total funding to create new pipelines of workers to help fill high-demand occupations in the healthcare sector. Awarded programs must be work-based learning (WBL) programs with an earn and learn component, which can include Registered Apprenticeship (RA), on-the-job training programs, or related programs that upskill or re-skill workers.
“In rural and urban communities alike, access to high-quality healthcare depends on having a robust workforce in high-demand health careers,” said Governor Reynolds. “This unique grant opportunity promises to do just that, bringing more medical professionals to every part of our state while strengthening our healthcare talent pipeline for many years to come.”
Eligible employers can utilize the new opportunity to expand existing models or implement newly designed earn and learn programs in designated high-demand occupations such as a Registered Nurse, Direct Support Professional, Laboratory Assistant or Technician, Paramedic, Dental Assistant or Hygienist, and more.
“Healthcare jobs have never been more important to our workforce than they are today, but that doesn’t mean that it should be difficult to start a career in its many important occupations,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “This grant is laser focused on innovative earn and learn models that accelerate the pathway to a healthcare career in the areas that need them most. I encourage any eligible healthcare employer to consider how this opportunity can enhance your workforce.”
The healthcare and social assistance industry was the largest industry sector in the state in the most recent sector data, and several healthcare occupations are consistently cited on the list of top 25 job openings on iowaworks.gov.
For more information on the new grant opportunity, visit: Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grant. Webinars on the grant opportunity are available for interested applicants, who can register using the links below:
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An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.
workforce.iowa.gov
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