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Lincoln Health Apprenticeship Program Invests in Future of Rural Health Care

April 20, 2026 | Reading Time: 2 minutes
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A nursing student from TCAT Motlow State Community College spends full shifts shadowing a nurse at Lincoln Medical Center, gaining hands-on experience in patient care. Down the hall, a Lincoln Health employee is learning the ins and outs of medical billing and coding, building new skills while on the job.

These are just a few examples of how Lincoln Health, based in Fayetteville, TN, is investing in the next generation of health care professionals through its growing apprenticeship program.

Launched through a grant from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with support from the Tennessee Hospital Association, the program aims to strengthen rural health care by providing students and employees with real-world training opportunities. The current grant runs through June 2026, and leaders say early success has already prompted a reapplication for continued funding.

“We’re very hopeful that we will be awarded the grant again,” said Emily Schultz, staff development coordinator at Lincoln Health. “We appreciate their support in this.”

The program will welcome several nursing students from Motlow State Community College this summer and extends beyond nursing into multiple specialties across the Lincoln Health system, including Patrick Rehab and Wellness Center, Lincoln Medical Center and various physician clinics.

Participants are gaining experience in areas such as therapy services and medical billing and coding, with some apprentices already earning certifications.

“We’re already encompassing more than just the nursing avenue,” Schultz said.

A key benefit of the program is its flexibility. Students can complete required clinical hours while earning a paycheck, with schedules designed to accommodate their coursework.

“They’re completing requirements for their school while also earning a salary here,” Schultz said.

Current employees also benefit, gaining new certifications and expanding their career paths without stepping away from their roles. Leaders say the program is designed not only to build skills, but also to strengthen retention across Lincoln Health’s workforce.

“I definitely anticipate this playing a huge part in retention for our employees,” Schultz said. “We hope that it draws in more nursing applicants as students realize that we have this apprenticeship.”

By offering opportunities for growth and hands-on learning, Lincoln Health hopes to create a pipeline of confident, well-prepared professionals who choose to build their careers in rural communities.

“They’re more confident when they graduate nursing school,” Schultz said. “And hopefully, they want to continue to work here with us beyond graduation.”