Four of Kentucky’s independent universities have been awarded $1.22 million to further their efforts in educating students for careers in healthcare. They are Bellarmine University in Louisville, Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Midway University in Midway, and the University of Pikeville in Pikeville.

The funds are part of $11.8 million in matching dollars presented by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to 33 eligible postsecondary healthcare programs. The programs are offered by 19 education and training providers in partnership with regional employers.

CPE announced the awards Oct. 30 as part of its Healthcare Workforce Collaboratory event, attended by nearly 200 healthcare representatives from across the commonwealth.

“AIKCU members have always prepared graduates to meet Kentucky’s healthcare needs — from front-line nurses to future doctors and many fields in between,” AIKCU President Mason Dyer said. “We’re proud of these AIKCU members for stepping up their healthcare workforce development efforts with the assistance of the Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund, and we’re thankful to their industry partners, CPE, and especially the legislature for making that possible.”

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Funding is provided through state appropriations to the Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund, enacted by the
Kentucky General Assembly in 2023.

A majority of the fund supports scholarships for students enrolled in targeted programs in areas of critical workforce need, while the remainder rewards innovation and excellence among professional healthcare education and training programs.

To be eligible, postsecondary programs must partner with one or more healthcare employers, who pledge a dollar amount to be matched by the HWIF.

Students who receive partnership-funded scholarships will be required to practice in Kentucky in their specialty area for each year of financial support they receive, not to exceed two years.