Britt secures $1.8 Million for UWA to expand nursing training, address rural healthcare workforce needs

Story: Betsy Compton | Photo: Cody Ingram

The University of West Alabama will receive $1.8 million in federal funding to strengthen nursing education and workforce development, thanks to the appropriations leadership of U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.).

Senator Britt, a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, directly secured the funding through the Senate passage of the FY26 Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Act. 

“I am proud to have directly secured $1.8 million for Sumter County in this appropriations bill,” said Senator Britt. “This funding will procure crucial medical equipment supplies and improve the nursing education facilities that help train Alabama’s strong workforce of healthcare professionals.”

The funding will support UWA’s Alabama Rural Nursing Enhanced Technology Project, which will provide the Ira D. Pruitt College of Nursing with updated high-fidelity simulation training equipment for nursing students.

These advanced tools will expand UWA’s ability to deliver continued high-quality education for students pursuing an associate of science in nursing (ASN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree and better prepare graduates for certification exams and careers in healthcare. UWA nursing graduates have been among the top in the state for NCLEX pass rates for several years.

“At UWA, we are committed to providing exceptional educational experiences to our students to give them the advantage they need when they graduate and begin their careers,” said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. “This funding comes at a critical time for our region and the State of Alabama , and it will help ensure that we continue to offer high quality, workforce relevant nursing programs as we invest in advanced high-fidelity simulation equipment and facility upgrades.”

Building on the university’s existing simulation-based learning experiences, these enhancements will expand experiential learning opportunities and ensure students train using technology that reflects today’s evolving healthcare environments.

“With this support, UWA will be able to expand training capacity, modernize our learning environments, and better prepare nurses to serve the communities where they are needed most,” said Dr. Mary Hanks, Dean of the College of Nursing. “Clinical experience is a critical component of nursing education. Through simulation technology, we can provide additional hands-on experiences for our students with faculty members by their side to guide them and make the most of those teachable moments in a controlled environment.”

University leaders note that the project will significantly impact the state by helping retain licensed nurses in Alabama and addressing the ongoing nursing shortage.