Access to quality continuing education is essential for maintaining licensure and ensuring healthcare professionals stay current with the latest advances in patient care. However, opportunities to attend in-person training can be limited, and travel expenses can create a significant financial barrier.

The Caring for Kansas: Rural Health Providers Scholarship Program, created by the Kansas Center for Rural Health, the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development at KU Medical Center and the KU Area Health Education Center (KU AHEC), helps bridge that gap by providing financial support for eligible rural healthcare professionals to attend qualifying University of Kansas School of Medicine continuing education events, trainings and symposia. Scholarships cover event registration, travel, hotel accommodations and meal per diem expenses, making it easier for rural providers to access valuable learning opportunities.

“Rural healthcare professionals are the strength of their communities, often serving patients across substantial distances with limited resources,” said Kelly Sabol, KU AHEC program director. “Programs like Caring for Kansas help ensure that access to high-quality continuing education isn’t determined by a provider’s ZIP code.”

The program is open to healthcare professionals who live or work in rural Kansas counties. Detailed information about eligibility requirements and the application process is available on the KU AHEC website.

By expanding access to continuing education, the program aims to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce, build clinical skills and support quality improvement efforts that contribute to better health outcomes across Kansas.

Explore the list of qualifying continuing education events online. For questions, contact the KU Area Health Education Center at checkahec@kumc.edu or the KUMC Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development at contactce@kumc.edu.