Our Services
Improving the Health of Tennesseans by Guiding Healthcare Workforce Development
To make primary care easily accessible for all Tennesseans by connecting medical professionals with the communities where care is needed most.
To be a catalyst, helping identify and resolve issues that contribute to the nursing shortage in Tennessee.
To build an abundant and skilled allied health workforce through academic and clinical partnerships, promotion of various allied health professions and connections with non-traditional students.
To inspire Tennessee secondary school students to pursue a career in healthcare by providing knowledge, experiences and guidance.
Our History
The Tennessee Rural Partnership (TRP), a non-profit organization, was founded in 2006 to recruit primary care physicians to rural & underserved areas of the state. In 2012, TRP became a division of the Tennessee Hospital Association in order to increase its reach into the rural areas. By 2018, TRP had grown to include incentives for multiple primary care disciplines, behavioral health and dental professionals. In honor of its expanded reach, TRP changed its name to the Tennessee Center for Health Workforce Development and remains proud of its contributions to the healthcare workforce in Tennessee.
About TCWD
Placements:
Since 2006, TCWD has placed over 300 healthcare providers in Tennessee's rural and underserved communities.
Operations:
In 2012, we became an operating subsidiary of the Tennessee Hospital Association. The union opened up exciting new avenues and provided a solid foundation for growth.
Our Incentive Programs
Residency Incentive Program
The TCWD Residency Incentive is a financial incentive offered to medical residents in primary care (FM, IM, IM/Peds, Peds, OB/GYN) and behavioral health programs in exchange for a service commitment at an approved medically underserved
practice site in Tennessee. Applicants are eligible for either $105,000 or $140,000 based on a respective three-or-four-year length of residency. The financial incentive is paid on a quarterly basis for the length of residency, even if you are awarded the incentive later in your program. The post-graduate service commitments are also based on the length of residency. These funds are unencumbered and can be used however the resident chooses. You must be a US Citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for this incentive.
Practice Site Incentive Program
The Practice Site Incentive provides up to $50,000 in funding assistance that can be used for the recruitment and/or retention of primary care providers at rural and critical access hospitals, FQHC's, rural health clinics, or faith-based/charitable care clinics. If awarded, the service commitment is two years for full-time providers and the funds would be awarded directly to the practice site. Funds can be used for the following expenses: relocation expenses, insurance, sign-on bonuses, loan repayment, and in some instances, equipment. Please note this stipend cannot be used for salaries.
Psych NP Incentive Program
Incentive offers $20,000 per year for two years to Psych NP students in a Master's Program in return for 2-year commitment serving at an approved medically underserved practice site in Tennessee following graduation.
Healthy Smiles Student Loan Repayment Program
TCWD's Healthy Smiles Student Loan Repayment Program provides educational loan repayment to qualified dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants in exchange for a service obligation to practice full-time at dental clinics located in medically underserved areas.
Rural Rotation Incentive
The TCWD Rural Rotation Incentive Program is only available for rotations happening in Tennessee. Funds for this incentive program are to be used for expenses during the rotation (i.e. travel, lodging, food, etc.). Stipends are sent directly to the recipients. Recipients of this award will need to complete a 2-page synopsis after completing the rotation outlining their experience.
Health Sciences Achievement Award
The Health Sciences Achievement Award, formerly known as the Mary Layne Van Cleave (MLVC) Achievement Award, is given to Tennessee high school seniors who are pursuing a degree in a healthcare field after graduation. Awards are given in the amount of $2,000 and there are no requirements as to how the money must be spent. This award has been established to encourage Tennessee high school seniors to pursue a career in healthcare and we are excited to offer this opportunity to the future healthcare professionals of our state. Students who previously received this award previously are welcome to apply for the alumni award.
