Whether in Iowa's largest cities or in small, rural communities, the healthcare sector remains critical to the workforce pipeline. In her 2025 Condition of the State address, Governor Reynolds announced a new grant opportunity that aims to create a new pipeline of workers to help fill high-demand occupations in the healthcare workforce. The grant is open for eligible healthcare employers.
Applications for the Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grant closed on Wednesday, March 5, at 2:00 p.m. Stay tuned to this page for any announcements on upcoming grant awards.
Iowa Healthcare Pipeline Grant
Overview
Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grant
Purpose
Supports the creation of new pipelines of workers to help fill high-demand occupations in the healthcare sector.
Available Funding
$3,000,000 (maximum of $250,000 per grantee)
Eligible Programs
Work-based learning (WBL) programs that include an earn and learn component (Registered Apprenticeship, on-the-job training programs, or related programs that upskill or re-skill workers)
Application Period
Applicants must apply through IowaGrants.gov starting January 15, 2025. Applications are due Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Questions
For questions on the grant opportunity, please use the contact information below. The Notice of Funding Opportunity, instructions on iowagrants.gov, and important grant documents are included below.
Grant Overview: Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grant
The Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grant exists to provide financial assistance healthcare employers to crate new pipelines of workers to help fill high-demand occupations in the healthcare sector.
Awarded programs must be work-based learning (WBL) programs with an earn and learn component, which can include Registered Apprenticeship (RA), on-the-job training programs, or related programs that upskill or re-skill workers.
Total funding available: $3,000,000
Awarded funds: Individual project allocations will be considered up to a maximum of $250,000 per grantee. Projects will require a 25% private match of total program cost.
Eligible Expenses for Grant Funds:
Third-party Tuition and Fee Expenses for coursework specific to the healthcare training program for program participants.
Apprentice or Earn and Learn Participant Wages for eligible times throughout the program.
Internal Instructor Wages (This is an instructor employed by the applicant agency).
Mentor and Preceptor Wages for direct contact time with participants related to identified program activities.
Administrative Expenses – maximum of 5% of grant award for each submission (not eligible as match expenses)
The Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grant is open to healthcare employers who:
Have a physical location, a substantial Iowa presence, and are doing business in the State of Iowa.
Are currently providing healthcare services to local residents through one of the following settings or physical locations: hospital, long-term care facility, assisted living care, ambulatory care, home health or dental practice/office.
In good standing with the State of Iowa.
Are registered with and establish a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov prior to submission of an application.
Programs for creating the workforce pipeline must be in an approved health related field. Eligible High-Demand Priority Occupations are the following:
Dental Assistant or Hygienist
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Direct Support Professional
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Health Technologist & Technicians
Laboratory Assistant or Technician
Licensed Practical Nurse
Medical Assistant
Medical Secretary
Nursing Assistant
Paramedic
Pharmacy Technicians
Phlebotomist
Physical Therapy Assistants and/or Technicians
Radiology Technician
Respiratory Technician
Registered Nurse
Surgical Assistant and/or Technician
The following documents are included for the Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grantfunding opportunity. If you have any questions, contact Kathy Leggett, Business Engagement Liaison.
