HealthForce Kentucky was formed in 2022 after the state legislature declared an emergency to address the healthcare workforce shortage. We are a collaborative initiative of colleges, universities, and P–12 school districts across central and western Kentucky, working to expand access to high-quality healthcare training.
Our model operates on a hub-and-spoke approach. Our 35,000-square-foot Innovation Simulation Center in Owensboro serves as the hub — now open and ready to serve learners and communities across the region. Extending our reach into rural communities, our two tractor-trailer–based mobile labs serve as the spokes, bringing advanced simulation technology and resources directly to students through in-school programming.
Our focus is on delivering high-touch, hands-on learning experiences across the full continuum of healthcare education — from students first exploring healthcare careers, all the way through post-licensure professionals advancing their skills. We serve learners in both rural and urban communities, ensuring that quality healthcare training is accessible to all.
Together, the Innovation Simulation Center and our mobile units create a connected network of healthcare education — ensuring that no matter where a learner is in their journey, or where they live, they have access to the tools and training needed to improve clinical outcomes and patient care across all populations.
