UNT Nursing Program Receives $753K Federal Grant
The funding expands nursing pathways for North Texas clinical staff to help alleviate regional workforce shortages.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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The UNT Health College of Nursing has secured $753,262 in federal funding to launch its RISE-RN program. The initiative aims to expand nursing workforce pathways for medical assistants and other healthcare staff in North Texas through specialized training.
Why it matters
This grant addresses acute nursing workforce shortages by creating more accessible education pathways for existing healthcare support staff. It provides a new pipeline for local clinics and hospitals to recruit qualified nursing talent as demand for healthcare services continues to rise.
The UNT Health College of Nursing received $753,262 in federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration, part of a projected $3 million grant total over four years. This 100 percent federally backed initiative targets current healthcare workers.
The players
UNT Health College of Nursing
A Fort Worth-based academic institution that trains healthcare professionals and collaborates with regional medical organizations.
Health Resources and Services Administration
The federal agency tasked with improving healthcare access for people who are geographically isolated or economically vulnerable.
The details
The RISE-RN program utilizes simulation-based learning, virtual reality, and standardized patient training to streamline the transition for certified nurse assistants, medical assistants, and behavioral health technicians into registered nursing roles. Additionally, the college is rolling out the TEACH-UP microcredential initiative to upskill nursing faculty and clinical preceptors, ensuring the clinical workforce remains prepared for contemporary health demands.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: The federal funding award for the program was officially announced.
Over four years: The program is expected to receive approximately $3 million in total funding.
Market Landscape
This investment follows the pattern of federal support for Health Resources and Services Administration workforce development programs aimed at alleviating chronic staffing shortages. The initiative marks a strategic shift toward upskilling current frontline medical staff to meet regional demand.
Healthcare operators in North Texas should monitor this program as it develops new cohorts of qualified nurses from existing support staff. Clinics and hospitals should evaluate their internal training partnerships to leverage these emerging educational pathways for current employees.
The takeaway
The RISE-RN program provides a template for addressing personnel gaps by credentialing existing support staff rather than relying solely on new graduate recruitment. Operators should track the program's graduation rates to identify potential candidates for recruitment in the coming years.
Further reading
For more on industry hiring trends, browse our Nursing Jobs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Business Press.
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