CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey on Monday announced a $291,403 award to the WVU Medicine Center for Nursing Education to expand nursing education capacity and help address critical workforce shortages across West Virginia. The funding comes through Mountain State Care Force, one of seven statewide initiatives under the Rural Health Transformation Program.
“This investment will help put more nurses in our hospitals and communities so West Virginians can get the care they need, improve their health, and get back to work,” Morrisey said. “A strong healthcare system starts with having the people in place to care for patients.”
The WVU Health System currently reports about 1,000 nursing vacancies across its network. The new award will expand enrollment at the WVU Medicine Center for Nursing Education and establish new instructional sites in Wheeling and Berkeley County.
The expansion is expected to create capacity for approximately 100 additional nursing students each year, with a focus on increasing access for students from rural and Health Professional Shortage Area communities, including Hancock, Ohio, Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel counties.
The program will offer tuition and fee assistance, academic services, wellness resources, and other supports to help students complete their nursing education. In return, participating students will commit to serving in West Virginia’s healthcare workforce.
“Addressing workforce shortages requires more than recruitment alone,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh. “We also need to expand educational opportunities and help more West Virginians enter healthcare careers.”
Mountain State Care Force focuses on recruiting, training, and retaining healthcare professionals in communities facing workforce shortages. It is part of the state’s broader Rural Health Transformation Program, designed to improve healthcare outcomes, expand access to care, and strengthen the healthcare workforce.
“The best solutions come from the people who know them best,” said Alina Czekai, Director of CMS’ Office of Rural Health Transformation. “We’re proud to partner with states on practical, community‑driven strategies that strengthen rural healthcare capacity and create lasting improvements.”
Additional awards under the Rural Health Transformation Program will be announced as West Virginia continues implementing its statewide strategy to expand healthcare access and improve outcomes.
