Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention - Transition to Practice Program (NEPQR-TPP)

The Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention Transition to Practice Program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Bureau of Health Workforce. This federal funding opportunity is designed to address persistent and projected shortages in the nursing workforce, particularly in rural and medically vulnerable communities. The program reflects national workforce priorities and responds to projections indicating a significant shortage of registered nurses in the coming decades. Through this initiative, HRSA seeks to strengthen the pipeline of qualified nurses while improving the quality and stability of healthcare delivery systems. The primary purpose of the program is to increase the supply of a highly trained nursing workforce by supporting innovative educational and clinical training opportunities. The program emphasizes the preparation of undergraduate nursing students with the skills necessary to deliver high-quality patient care in both traditional and nontraditional community-based settings. It also prioritizes expanding access to care in underserved areas by fostering partnerships between academic institutions and healthcare providers. Key program objectives include enhancing competency-based curricula, expanding experiential learning opportunities, strengthening academic-clinical partnerships, and providing faculty and preceptor development. Funding under this program supports a wide range of activities related to nursing education and workforce development. Allowable uses include developing and implementing competency-based curricula, purchasing simulation-based training equipment, supporting clinical training partnerships, and providing financial assistance such as stipends or scholarships to students. At least 45 percent of annual funding must be allocated toward experiential learning activities, including simulation-based technology. Additionally, at least 10 percent of the total annual budget must be used for participant and trainee support costs. Certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including construction, major renovations, accreditation fees, and student licensing or certification expenses. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to accredited schools of nursing, healthcare facilities such as federally qualified health centers or nurse-managed clinics, or formal partnerships between these entities. Eligible organizations must be domestic and may include public or private institutions of higher education, tribal organizations, and other qualifying entities. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Trainees supported by the program must meet federal citizenship or residency requirements. The principal investigator or project director must be a licensed registered nurse and cannot serve concurrently as the authorizing official. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov, and applicants are required to maintain active registrations with both SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. The application process includes submission of a project narrative, budget and budget narrative, and a series of required attachments such as accreditation documentation, organizational charts, staffing plans, and partnership agreements. Applications are evaluated through a competitive merit review process based on criteria including need, response, performance management, impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 17, 2026, with awards expected to begin on September 1, 2026. The program supports a four-year period of performance, structured as four 12-month budget periods. Award amounts are up to 750,000 dollars per year, with approximately 33 awards anticipated and total program funding exceeding 24 million dollars. HRSA anticipates issuing Notices of Award around the start date. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact program officials via email at nepqrtpp@hrsa.gov or by phone through the HRSA contact center.

Align project clearly with workforce shortages in rural or medically vulnerable areas; emphasize measurable outcomes and data tracking; demonstrate strong academic-clinical partnerships; ensure budget justification aligns with required percentages; highlight sustainability beyond federal funding