KEENE, Texas — Southwestern Adventist University has received a federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant to launch Healthcare Career Accelerator: Building Texas's Nursing Workforce Through Short-Term Credentials. The five-year initiative has a proposed budget of $2,999,900 and focuses on expanding access to healthcare education and career pathways.

The initiative is designed to expand access to healthcare education through short-term credentials and pathways to further nursing study. The project plan centers on Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Patient Care Technician (PCT), and many other workforce development certificate programs, with connections to SWAU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The project also emphasizes clinical learning, employer collaboration, certification examination preparation, and student support.

By connecting classroom instruction with practical experience, the initiative aims to help students prepare for entry into healthcare employment while keeping further education within reach. Its approach combines preparation for an initial credential with opportunities to continue building academic qualifications.

The project also calls for developing programs that meet Workforce Pell requirements. Eligibility is a project goal and will depend on the necessary approvals and requirements; the award does not itself establish student eligibility for that aid.

The project period runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031. Initial funding has been awarded; the full proposed five-year budget is subject to future continuation awards and applicable requirements.

Through Healthcare Career Accelerator, SWAU seeks to strengthen healthcare education in Johnson County and the surrounding region while advancing its mission of Knowledge. Faith. Service. Program availability and enrollment details will be shared as implementation progresses.
 
View the official SIP grant awards: https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/improvement-of-postsecondary-education/strengthening-institutions-program-84031a/grant-awards