More than $6.35 million in federal funding will help Northern Arizona University students pursue careers in healthcare while building the workforce needed in the state’s rural, Tribal and medically vulnerable communities. The two five-year awards from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will provide more than $1.27 million in scholarships each year, expanding access to health education and preparing graduates to serve communities with the greatest health care needs.
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies received $3.1 million for Community Access and Rural Expansion (CARE-PA), an initiative designed to increase enrollment and retention of physician assistant students, expand the number of graduates entering primary care and strengthen the pipeline of providers serving high-need communities. CARE-PA will be led by professor Alison C. Essaryand associate professor Bettie H. Coplan.
The Department of Occupational Therapy received $3.25 million for Access to Care, Access to Education, which will provide scholarships, student support services and expanded experiential learning opportunities for students interested in serving rural, Tribal, and medically vulnerable communities. The program is led by associate clinical professor Gina Buban and Amy Armstrong-Heimsoth, clinical professor and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy.
Students who qualify for the scholarships are those who have experienced barriers to educational opportunity and are more likely to practice in rural, Tribal and medically vulnerable communities, where healthcare workforce shortages are often most severe. Financial barriers, however, can limit access to educational opportunities and reduce the likelihood that students pursue careers in these high-need areas. The new funding will expand financial assistance and student success resources, helping more students complete their training and enter the healthcare workforce.
“At Northern Arizona University, we believe higher education has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities and create a healthier future for Arizona,” said Janelle Chiasera, dean of the College of Health and Human Services. “This support from HRSA expands opportunities for students who are committed to serving rural, Tribal, and medically vulnerable communities while helping build the healthcare workforce our state needs. By investing in these future healthcare professionals, we are investing in greater access to care, stronger communities, and better health outcomes for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for HRSA’s partnership and excited to see the difference these students will make across Arizona.”
Both programs will enhance student success through experiential learning, community outreach and educational partnerships. These early experiences help build a stronger healthcare workforce pipeline and encourage graduates to pursue careers in communities facing persistent provider shortages. By expanding access to health professions education and supporting students from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, the programs will help strengthen Arizona’s future healthcare workforce.
The NAU Review | October 26, 2026 | Original Article