Workforce Ready Grant investment drives historic cohort growth and advances simulation-based clinical education
JACKSON and JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (April 30, 2026) – Rogue Community College (RCC) is seeing results from its efforts to address critical regional nursing shortages, supported by continued investment through the Workforce Ready Grant.
In 2023, RCC was awarded $970,000 to expand its nursing program capacity through strategic partnerships with Asante Health System and Providence Medford Medical Center. Building on demonstrated success, the program has since received additional funding, including a recent award of $225,000 to sustain and accelerate this work.
These investments have directly contributed to significant program growth. Nursing cohort sizes have increased from an average of 56 students in 2023 to 128 students in the current spring term, with plans to reach 144 students in the upcoming fall cohort.
“We take seriously our role in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. This growth reflects both the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to ensuring that students are equipped to meet the evolving needs of our community,” said RCC Dean of Health and Public Service Rusty Riis.
Beyond state funding, philanthropic support has created new opportunities for RCC to grow its nursing program and advance regional simulation-based education. These investments are enabling the integration of high-fidelity, life-like clinical scenarios into traditional classroom models, allowing students to engage in realistic patient care situations in a controlled learning environment. By bridging classroom instruction with hands-on simulation, RCC is enhancing student engagement, strengthening clinical decision-making skills, and better preparing graduates to transition confidently into patient care roles within local healthcare facilities across the Rogue Valley.
“Our partnership with Rogue Community College reflects a shared commitment to building a sustainable health care workforce in southern Oregon. Expanding access to high-quality nursing education helps ensure patients receive safe, skilled and compassionate care. Together, we are preparing nurses to meet the growing and complex needs of the communities we serve,” said Asante Three Rivers Medical Center Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Robert White.
RCC remains committed to working closely with healthcare partners and community supporters to meet the evolving needs of the region. This continued collaboration will ensure the college can respond effectively to workforce demands while expanding access to high-quality healthcare education.