We provide funding to create new residency training programs in rural areas.
Why do we need this program?
Only two percent of residency training occurs in rural areas. Training physicians in rural areas improves access to care. It also increases the likelihood of practicing in a rural community.
How much do we award?
We award up to $750,000 per grant.
How can I use this award?
This award supports start-up costs to create new rural residency programs, including Rural Track Programs. You may use funding for accreditation costs, faculty development, and resident recruitment. This includes both direct and indirect costs.
How can my organization apply?
If eligible, you must show specific needs in the service area for doctors in one of these medical specialties:
- Family medicine
- Internal medicine
- Preventive medicine
- Psychiatry
- General surgery
- Obstetrics and gynecology
You must also show that you have the needed supports to create the residency program and sustain it over the long term.
Read the most recent funding notice HRSA-25-007 and the RRPD frequently asked questions.
What technical assistance (TA) do you provide?
The RRPD TA Program provides advisors and resources to RRPD grantees. Anyone who registers for the portal can access free tools to help you get started. These include webinars and information about rural residency development.
What impact has RRPD had?
In Fiscal Year 2019, we funded our first cohort of RRPD awards. Since then, HRSA awarded $64M to 85 grantees in 38 states and 1 territory.
As of March 2025, award recipients have:
- Established 54 new accredited rural residency programs.
- Created 683 approved new residency positions in rural areas.
- Enrolled over 460 resident physicians to train in rural settings.
View a list of our 2019 – 2024 award recipients.
Read more about RRPD Program recipients and specialties.
Contact us
Jason Steele
RRPD Program Coordinator
Email: RuralResidency@hrsa.gov