UNT Health Nursing College Secures Federal Funding
The college received over $750,000 to launch an initiative aimed at expanding North Texas nursing workforce pathways.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
Live Poll
Do you believe focused training programs are effective at addressing nursing shortages in your area?
The UNT Health College of Nursing has been awarded $753,262 in federal funding to support its new RISE-RN program. This initiative focuses on expanding nursing education access across North Texas for various healthcare support professionals.
Why it matters
The program aims to address urgent workforce shortages by providing clear educational pathways for current healthcare workers. By leveraging advanced training methods, the college seeks to strengthen the nursing pipeline throughout the region.
The initial $753,262 federal grant covers the start of the RISE-RN program, which is projected to receive approximately $3 million in total funding over four years. This investment represents 100 percent of the initial funding provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
The players
UNT Health College of Nursing
A Fort Worth-based academic institution dedicated to training future medical professionals and addressing critical healthcare staffing needs.
Health Resources and Services Administration
An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tasked with improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities for underserved populations.
The details
The RISE-RN program supports certified nurse assistants, medical assistants, behavioral health technicians, and licensed vocational nurses looking to advance their careers. It incorporates simulation-based learning, virtual reality, and the TEACH-UP microcredential initiative for faculty and preceptors.
Timeline
The federal funding award was officially announced on October 23, 2026.
The program is slated to receive its total funding allocation over a period of four years.
Market Landscape
This investment aligns with national efforts to bolster the nursing workforce through targeted federal support for regional academic institutions. It positions the college to better address localized labor market shortages by integrating professional development with scalable educational technology.
The expansion of the RISE-RN program will create new educational opportunities for local healthcare support workers seeking to become registered nurses. These advancements are expected to improve the quality of patient care by increasing the availability of trained nursing staff throughout North Texas.
The takeaway
Investment in specialized training pathways like the RISE-RN program helps current healthcare employees overcome barriers to advancing their nursing careers. Residents and workers interested in these new educational opportunities should monitor the college for future enrollment requirements.
Further reading
Find more career resources and industry updates on our Nursing Jobs portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Business Press.
Live Poll
Do you believe focused training programs are effective at addressing nursing shortages in your area?
