# Washington Rural Nursing Education Program (RNEP)

The Rural Nursing Education Program (RNEP) partners with Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) to address the rural nursing shortage using a "grow-your-own" model: students employed by CAHs earn their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) after completing online coursework and clinical training in their home communities. Funded under Washington's Rural Health Transformation Program. Application cycle open September 10 through October 2, 2026.

## Key facts

- Status: Closed
- Type: GRANT
- Issued by: Washington Health Care Authority (Washington)
- Application due: 2026-10-02
- Eligible applicants: Critical Access Hospital
- How to apply: Electronic submission via the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Application Portal. Link available on the RHT Program web page.
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/programs-and-initiatives/value-based-purchasing/rural-health-transformation-program

## Eligibility

Eligible applicants are Washington State Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) seeking to implement or partner in a local 'grow-your-own' Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program as part of rural workforce development under the Rural Health Transformation Program.

## Requirements

Applicants must: 1) Be a Certified Critical Access Hospital in Washington State; 2) Propose a program to support local students (current employees or community members) earning their ADN via online coursework and in-community clinical training; 3) Demonstrate capacity for student recruitment, support, and clinical placements; 4) Provide a budget proposal indicating use of RHT funds and non-federal cost sharing if required.

## Required attachments

- Program Narrative
- Budget Proposal
- Letters of Support (Optional)
- Proof of CAH Certification

## Application package and source documents

- [WA - 2026 - RHTP Rural provider incentives (WA HCA RHT program page (RNEP announcement))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/54c33232-cb2f-4f8c-821d-162fe000ed53/file) (primary) — official: https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/programs-and-initiatives/value-based-purchasing/rural-health-transformation-program

More Washington RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/wa (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/wa.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/washington-rural-nursing-education-program-rnep--55e2650b50 — data as of 2026-10-04.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.