Strengthening Virginia's Healthcare Workforce
Virginia is taking bold steps to build a stronger healthcare workforce, ensuring that all residents have access to high-quality care. Addressing critical shortages in nursing and behavioral health professionals, the Commonwealth is focused on workforce incentives, expanded training, and faster licensing processes to meet the growing demand for healthcare services.
Tackling Nursing Workforce Challenges
Virginia is tackling critical nursing shortages through a range of financial aid programs designed to support nursing and nurse practitioner students, as well as clinical nurse faculty.
- Earn to Learn Nursing Acceleration Program: Transforms required clinical learning experiences into paid apprenticeships, giving nursing students hands-on experience while earning wages. Learn more
- Mary Marshall Nurse Scholarships: Provides financial assistance to nursing students.
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA): Learn more
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN): Learn more
- Long-Term Care Facility Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships for LPNs and RNs to work in long-term care facilities. Learn more
- Nurse Preceptor Incentive Program: Provides up to $5,000 per semester to nurses and nurse practitioners who offer clinical training to future nursing professionals. Learn more
- Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife Scholarship Program: Supports nurse practitioners and nurse midwives who commit to working in underserved areas of Virginia. Learn more
- Nurse Educator Scholarship Program: Supports master's and doctoral-level nursing students preparing to become nursing instructors. Learn more
- Virginia State Loan Repayment Program: Provides loan repayment assistance to nursing professionals who agree to serve in designated health professional shortage areas for two years. Learn more
In addition to these financial supporting measures, efforts are underway to expand our pool of nurse faculty in the classroom setting and permit nursing students to experience a wider range of clinical learning opportunities.
Addressing Behavioral Health Provider Shortages
With 41% of Virginians living in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, the state has launched the Virginia Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program. Funded with $4.1 million, this program provides loan repayment assistance of up to $50,000 for child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychiatric physician assistants and nurse practitioners, and other mental health professionals. By incentivizing providers to serve in underserved areas, Virginia is increasing access to essential mental health services. Learn more
Through these and other workforce initiatives, Virginia is creating a stronger, more resilient healthcare system to serve the diverse needs of its population. Find additional opportunities