Sixth Cohort launches for Rural Health Nurse Certification Program

[Kansas City, Mo.] – The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL) launches the sixth cohort of the Rural Health Nurse Certification Program.

CRHL was built in response to the National Rural Health Association’s initiative to address the rural hospital closure crisis by equipping rural health professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead successfully during the most difficult time in rural healthcare history. This program was created by rural nurses, for rural nurses and was informed through an essential question: “What do you know now that you wish you’d known then?”

The program includes expert-led classes and interactive live discussion sessions covering essential topics like financial management, leadership development, patient outcomes, and more.

The following individuals were accepted into the March 2026 Rural Health Nurse Cohort:

• April Ward, BAYADA Personal Care – Williamsport, PA
• Ashley Curtin, Kittitas Valley Healthcare – Ellensburg, WA
• Beverly Carpenter, UNC Health Chatham Hospital – Siler City, NC
• Chelsey Rabe, Pender Medical Clinic – Pender, NE
• Danielle Shumway, University of Vermont Health Elizabethtown Community Hospital – Elizabethtown, NY
• David Holcomb, Community Memorial Hospital – Hamilton, NY
• Debbie Zufelt, Weiser Memorial Hospital – Weiser, ID
• Holly Petire, Kittitas Valley Healthcare – Ellensburg, WA
• Hope Gibson, Scotland Healthcare System – Laurinburg, NC
• Jean Ann Street, Shortgrass Community Health Center – Hollis, OK
• Londa Fiola, Ozarks Community Hospital – Gravette, AR
• Molly Martin, Monadnock Community Hospital – Peterborough, NH
• Sarah Bohnert, Community Memorial Hospital – Hamilton, NY
• Stephanie Boardman, Kittitas Valley Healthcare – Ellensburg, WA
• Tamberli Wilson, Crete Area Medical Center – Crete, NE

“This program was built to equip rural healthcare professionals with the skills, strategies, and support to lead through the toughest challenges facing rural healthcare today,” said Sydney Grant, Chief Learning Officer for CRHL. “It’s about more than just learning—it’s about community, confidence, and action.”

To learn more about the Center for Rural Health Leadership, visit https://www.crhleadership.com.

About the Center for Rural Health Leadership:

The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL) equips rural healthcare leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to create stronger, more sustainable healthcare organizations. Through specialized programs and expert-driven education, CRHL is committed to developing the next generation of rural healthcare leaders and strengthening healthcare in rural America.