Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) has been awarded $3.66 million through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).  

This grant, provided as part of the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR) – Workforce Expansion Program (WEP), will be distributed over four years to strengthen the nursing workforce in acute and long-term care settings across rural and underserved communities. 

CGTC is one of only five institutions nationwide – and one of two from the Technical College System of Georgia – to receive this prestigious grant award. The funding will be used to recruit, train, and retain nurses who will address critical shortages in healthcare, particularly in non-metro areas. By focusing on acute care and long-term care, this initiative is set to provide vital support to healthcare facilities facing significant staffing challenges. 

“We are incredibly honored to receive this grant,” said Dr. Patricia Wynne, dean for the Health Sciences Division at CGTC. “This investment will allow us to expand our nursing programs and equip more students with the skills needed to serve in high-demand healthcare roles. In partnership with local healthcare providers, we aim to fill the gap in nursing services, which is especially crucial in our rural communities.”