# Illinois RHTP: Expansion of Training and Certification Programs for Healthcare Support Workers

Training/certification program expansion for healthcare support workers via community colleges and community-based training programs. Initiative 3.B under the Illinois Rural Health Transformation Program, supported by CMS/HHS, aims to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce through targeted funding for selected training and certification programs. Programs are sub-awarded through formula allocations to community colleges and University affiliates, with funds obligated according to the program timeline.

## Key facts

- Status: No deadline (noncompetitive; recipients selected by the state)
- Type: GRANT
- Issued by: Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) (Illinois)
- Eligible applicants: Community Colleges, University Affiliates, Community-based Training Programs
- How to apply: Sub-award allocation via formula by HFS; no competitive open application. Recipients are designated in accordance with Illinois RHTP implementation-plan budget.
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://hfs.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/hfs/info/fedresctr/rhtprogup03092026.pdf

## Eligibility

Eligible applicants include Illinois community colleges and University-affiliated community-based training programs targeted for sub-award funding as designated in Initiative 3.B of the Illinois Rural Health Transformation Program.

## Requirements

Funds must be obligated before the end of the budget period (10/30/26 for Y1). Recipients must expand healthcare support worker training and certification offerings, comply with CMS/HHS financial assistance standards, and adhere to reporting requirements outlined by HFS.

## Required attachments

- Program budget documents
- Implementation plan summary
- CMS/HHS compliance certification

## Application package and source documents

- [IL - 2026 - Illinois RHTP (RHT Program Update (2026-03-09))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/3641eae6-aba4-4ee3-a4a0-0c505c4535d8/file) (primary) — official: https://hfs.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/hfs/info/fedresctr/rhtprogup03092026.pdf
- [IL - 2025 - Illinois RHT Program (Illinois RHT Program Narrative (Nov 2025 CMS application))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/dd59b451-6c4d-4797-ae2a-a9954ffd356e/file) — official: https://hfs.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/hfs/info/fedresctr/rhtsprogramnarrative.pdf
- [IL - 2026 - ruralhealthtp (Illinois RHT Program Update Briefing (Nov 13 2025, IL General Assembly))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/d32e11a8-37d9-465f-a62f-6116f4b59e12/file) — official: https://hfs.illinois.gov/info/fedresctr/ruralhealthtp.html

More Illinois RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/il (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/il.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/illinois-rhtp-expansion-of-training-and-certification-programs-for-healthcare-su--9e3b3bc7f9 — data as of 2026-08-18.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.