Rivier University awarded $1.8M Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training grant
Behavioral health workforce education expands at Rivier University with the award of a new U.S. Health and Human Services grant.
The U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded Rivier University a $1,874,606 grant to fund behavioral health workforce education and training (BHWET) through a newly created PIPEline (Professional, Interdisciplinary, Psychiatric, Education) Project. This program aims to expand the pipeline of certified behavioral health workers in New Hampshire with a special call to recruit professionals who will practice in rural areas.
“This HRSA grant acknowledges and advances Rivier’s extensive work in training highly qualified behavioral healthcare providers,” says Sister Paula Marie Buley, Rivier’s President. “U.S. workforce demand in this sector is substantial and growing. Rivier is well-positioned to meet that demand—to educate and support the current and next generation of wellness providers.”
The PIPEline Project will focus on enhancing the education and graduation of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners and school psychologists to meet the growing need in New Hampshire. Goals include increasing student enrollment by 20% over four years in Rivier’s MSN: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Psychology in Counseling and School Psychology programs and enrolling a diverse population of students to serve high-need populations in high-demand areas. Also, the grant will fund $10,000 – $25,000 stipends for PIPEline students during their final practicum semesters.
Working with community partners, Rivier will expand experiential training opportunities for behavioral health students and instruction in telehealth technologies to significantly increase access to services for patients in rural areas and those challenged by medical or pandemic conditions. Behavioral health workforce education efforts will also include a series of professional development seminars to be offered to practicing behavioral health educators and service providers to inform and elevate the current community’s knowledge base and skillsets.
“PIPEline Project’s impact will be felt throughout the region,” shares Dr. Paula Williams, Dean of Nursing and Health Professions. “Students, educators, current practitioners, patients, and clients will be transformed in many ways. The University is grateful to HRSA for the opportunity to serve and improve the health and quality of life in New Hampshire.”
Students interested in the MSN: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Psychology in Counseling and School Psychology are invited to attend virtual Information Sessions and to contact the Office of Admissions via email at admissions@rivier.edu or by phone at (603) 897-8507.