BOSSIER CITY, La. — Bossier Parish Community College has been approved for $799,400 in state funding to expand nursing, diagnostic medical sonography and paramedic training programs aimed at addressing healthcare workforce shortages in rural northwest Louisiana.
The funding, awarded through the Louisiana Department of Health’s Rural Hero program, will support BPCC’s Regional Rural Healthcare Workforce Expansion Initiative. The initiative focuses on expanding educational opportunities for licensed practical nurses seeking registered nurse credentials, as well as students pursuing careers in diagnostic imaging and emergency medical services.
BPCC’s award represents approximately 26.6% of more than $3 million approved for Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges through the program. The statewide funding will support nine healthcare workforce development projects across seven institutions.
The investment is intended to strengthen the pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals in rural communities, where recruiting and retaining medical personnel remains a challenge.
“Strong communities depend on access to quality healthcare and a skilled workforce,” said Dr. Rick Bateman Jr., BPCC chancellor. “This investment goes beyond expanding educational opportunities. It strengthens the communities we serve, creates pathways to meaningful careers and supports the healthcare providers essential to our region’s growth. By investing in our local workforce, we’re helping build healthier, more economically resilient communities across northwest Louisiana.”
The award builds on a separate $300,000 grant BPCC received in June 2026 from the Louisiana Department of Health’s Health Care Employment Reinvestment Opportunity Fund.
That earlier funding supported the college’s LPN-to-RN Rural Apprenticeship Pathway, developed in partnership with Willis-Knighton Health System and Minden Medical Center. The program allows working licensed practical nurses to pursue registered nurse credentials while maintaining employment.
Combined, the two awards represent nearly $1.1 million in approved funding for BPCC’s healthcare workforce development efforts in 2026.
The latest funding will broaden those efforts beyond nursing by supporting diagnostic medical sonography and paramedic education, two fields that play important roles in rural healthcare delivery.
“At BPCC, we are committed to providing high-quality healthcare education that prepares students with the knowledge, clinical skills and hands-on experience needed to succeed in their professions,” said Michael Whitaker, dean of Nursing and Allied Health at BPCC. “This investment allows us to build upon that foundation by strengthening our nursing, sonography and paramedic programs while maintaining the high standards of education our students and healthcare partners expect. Ultimately, our goal is to graduate confident, competent healthcare professionals who are prepared to provide exceptional patient care throughout our region.”
The Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability administers Rural Hero funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program.
The $799,400 award covers the program’s first year and remains subject to execution of an interagency agreement and applicable funding requirements.
BPCC plans to continue working with regional healthcare providers, community partners and state officials to expand training opportunities and develop a workforce capable of meeting healthcare needs throughout northwest Louisiana.