Austin Peay and Maury Regional Health Partner to Establish Healthcare Education Endowments

What's Happening?

Austin Peay State University and Maury Regional Health have announced a five-year partnership to establish healthcare education endowments. The collaboration includes the Maury Regional Health MLS Endowed Fund of Excellence and the Maury Regional Health Nursing Endowed Fund of Excellence, aimed at supporting APSU's Medical Laboratory Sciences program and School of Nursing. These funds will enhance simulation technology, provide student scholarships, and support faculty development. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address healthcare workforce shortages in rural Tennessee, supported by a $1.9 million grant from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission's Rural Health Pathways program.

Why It's Important?

This partnership is crucial for addressing healthcare staffing shortages in Middle Tennessee, particularly in rural areas. By investing in healthcare education, Austin Peay and Maury Regional Health are ensuring that students are workforce-ready upon graduation, thereby improving patient care quality. The endowments will help develop skilled medical laboratory scientists and nurses, strengthening the healthcare workforce pipeline in the region. This initiative reflects a commitment to advancing healthcare education and meeting the needs of underserved communities, which is vital for maintaining a robust healthcare system.

What's Next?

The partnership will focus on building the endowments over the next two years, with plans to name spaces in APSU's Health Professions Building to honor Maury Regional Health's contributions. The initiative includes paid high school worker programs, phlebotomy training, and online degree pathways for adult learners. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between education and employment in high-demand healthcare fields, providing flexible and accessible career-focused education. The collaboration is expected to have a lasting impact on healthcare education and workforce development in the region.