# Rural Virtual Reality and Skills Acceleration Network

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) to award federal funds for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Initiative 3.2: Rural Virtual Reality (VR) and Skills Acceleration Network. The program funds innovative healthcare training with VR, high-fidelity equipment, and related education for EMS and other healthcare professionals in rural Nebraska. Awards will support delivery, curriculum, staffing, outreach, and implementation aimed at advancing licensure and transforming rural healthcare education.

## Key facts

- Status: Closed
- Type: RFA
- Issued by: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health (Nebraska)
- Posted: 2026-05-29
- Application due: 2026-07-24
- Funding: $3.0M
- Eligible applicants: EMS training agencies (licensed in Nebraska), Institutions of higher learning, Nonprofit entities with EMS or healthcare training focus, Native American tribes, Area Health Education Centers (AHECs), For-profit EMS training organizations, Other healthcare training entities approved by DHHS
- How to apply: Email application to dhhs.emstraumaprogram@nebraska.gov
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Grants%20and%20Contract%20Opportunity%20Docs/RHTP%20Initiative%203.2%20RFA.pdf

## Eligibility

Eligible applicants include Nebraska licensed EMS training agencies, institutions of higher learning, nonprofit entities with a demonstrated focus on EMS or healthcare provider training, Native American tribes, Area Health Education Centers (AHECs), for-profit EMS training organizations, and other healthcare training entities approved by DHHS. EMS training agencies who only provide training for internal candidates and students are not eligible.

## Requirements

Applicants must propose innovative educational strategies using VR and simulation-based training, address outreach and sustainability in rural Nebraska, and demonstrate the ability to deliver and administer training to EMS and healthcare professionals. Applications must demonstrate organizational capacity, curriculum design, and measurable outcomes in advancing EMS licensure and healthcare education.

## Required attachments

- Project narrative
- Budget and budget justification
- Proof of eligibility
- Letters of support (if applicable)
- Organizational capability statement

## Application package and source documents

- [NE - 2026 - Request for Applications: Initiative 3.2 Rural Virtual Reality (VR) and Skills Acceleration Network](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/00a3738a-4ccc-475c-9103-33f2be6846b2/file) (primary) — official: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Grants%20and%20Contract%20Opportunity%20Docs/RHTP%20Initiative%203.2%20RFA.pdf
- [NE - 2025 - Initiative 3.2 Rural VR and Skills Acceleration Work Plan](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/c267b2fb-09df-445f-8298-fc7ad49835e0/file) — official: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Grants%20and%20Contract%20Opportunity%20Docs/Attachment%202%20RHTP%203.2%20Work%20Plan.docx
- [NE - 2026 - Rural Virtual Reality and Skills Acceleration Network RFA Cover Sheet (Initiative 3.2 application cover sheet)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/54d5bde3-cd89-47eb-8c16-613571e77f66/file) — official: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Grants%20and%20Contract%20Opportunity%20Docs/Attachment%201%20RHTP%203.2%20Application%20Cover%20Sheet.docx

More Nebraska RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ne (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ne.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/rural-virtual-reality-and-skills-acceleration-network--0ef19f2d72 — data as of 2026-08-11.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.