pdf | 0.17 MB
Grant Writing Guide
An engaging manual for the medical education community on how to write and apply for grants.
Rural Health Transformation Program
Explore U.S. rural healthcare funding and align training with readiness opportunities
What is the Rural Health Transformation Program?
The Rural Health Transformation Program is a CMS-led initiative that supports states, rural hospitals, health systems, EMS agencies, and other rural healthcare providers—including behavioral health organizations—in improving care delivery and patient outcomes in rural communities through funding for population health and workforce transformation initiatives.
The Rural Health Transformation Program tackles the realities of rural healthcare—small teams, limited resources, and high-stakes emergencies that require coordination between hospitals and EMS.
Each state administers its own program—requirements vary.
Challenges
- ✓Workforce shortages and staffing constraints
- ✓Limited access to specialty and tertiary care
- ✓Long transfer times to higher levels of care
- ✓Infrequent exposure to low-frequency, high-risk clinical events
- ✓Maternal and neonatal emergencies in facilities with limited OB coverage
- ✓Limited opportunities to practice complex, team-based scenarios
- ✓Limited digital infrastructure, training resources, and technology tools
- ✓Outdated infrastructure, equipment, and clinical technology
Where simulation supports Rural Healthcare Transformation
Many Rural Health Transformation initiatives prioritize workforce readiness, innovative training solutions, and digital resources that help scale and standardize care delivery across rural communities—areas where simulation can help teams strengthen coordination, uncover workflow gaps, improve communication, and prepare for high-risk clinical events.
It helps organizations move beyond training programs to achieve more consistent, system-wide readiness and improved team performance.
Team readiness
- ✓Simulation-based onboarding for new clinical staff and hires
- ✓Train-the-trainer programs to reduce reliance on travel and external faculty
- ✓High-frequency, low-dose skills practice for rare but high-risk events
- ✓Structured debriefing and remediation programs to support retention and confidence
- ✓Digital and VR-enabled training programs that expand access to consistent learning across geographically dispersed teams
Quality improvement
- ✓Team-based simulation for rural hospital stabilization, escalation, and transfer readiness
- ✓In-situ simulation to uncover workflow and communication gaps during high-risk events
- ✓Simulation programs supporting maternal, neonatal, trauma, and emergency preparedness across rural hospitals
- ✓EMS-ED handoff simulations to reduce door-to-intervention times
- ✓Simulation to support community paramedicine, treat-in-place, and alternative rural care delivery models
- ✓Virtual reality and mixed reality solutions that support scalable, standardized training and performance improvement across rural networks
Hospital & EMS coordination
- ✓In-situ simulation across hospitals, health systems, EMS agencies, and rural clinics
- ✓Regional simulation collaboratives connecting small or critical access sites
- ✓Tele-simulation and distributed simulation models to reach remote training
- ✓Simulation-based onboarding and competency programs for rural hospital staff
System performance
- ✓Hospital simulation center expansion and modernization initiatives
- ✓Simulation lab build-out or modernization
- ✓Scalable training solutions for rural hospitals, satellite facilities, and regional care networks
- ✓Portable simulation kits for satellite facilities and EMS
- ✓Simulation programs that support competency tracking, reporting, and quality improvement goals
"Simulation is not just training—it’s a system readiness strategy."
Where Laerdal Can Support Rural Health Transformation
Rural Health Transformation initiatives are driving investment across workforce, operational, and clinical priorities where Laerdal can help support readiness, access, and care delivery across rural communities.
Facility & Equipment Modernization
Upgrade training environments with advanced simulation equipment, skills labs, and clinical infrastructure.
Workforce Development & Retention
Strengthen staff readiness and retention through onboarding, acceleration, and career development programs.
Rural Education & Clinical Confidence
Expand access to training and specialist support to build confidence in rural care teams.
Digital
Transformation
Leverage digital tools and virtual learning to scale training across distributed care environments.
How to get started
- Identify your state’s program
- Review funding priorities
- Contact Laerdal for funding-aligned solutions
- Align internal readiness needs
- Begin internal discussions
Frequently asked questions
How can I find state programs supporting rural health initiatives?
Explore available state-level programs and initiatives designed to support rural health systems.
What is the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program?
Get a high-level overview of the program, including its goals, structure, and how it supports rural communities.
Are there real-world examples of this program in action?
See how different states are implementing rural health transformation efforts and the impact they are making.
Where can I find answers to common questions about the program?
Review frequently asked questions to better understand program requirements, timelines, and participation.
How can I strengthen my grant application?
Access practical guidance and best practices to improve your chances of securing funding.
Is there a quick checklist for grant writing?
Use this simple infographic to stay on track and ensure your application includes key elements.
pdf | 1.50 MB
How to Successfully Write a Grant
A checklist to help you build a clear, outcome-driven grant proposal for CPR training programs.