Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the launch of a new Rural Hospital Officers Academy, an initiative aimed at strengthening rural health care by providing specialized training and professional development for hospital leaders across the state.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) said the academy is part of a broader effort to improve the long-term stability of rural hospitals and health care systems. The program was established through House Bill 18, which was passed during the 89th Texas Legislature and signed into law by Abbott.
“Rural hospitals play a vital role in communities across Texas,” Abbott said. “Leaders who guide these hospitals help families receive quality care close to home. The Rural Hospital Officers Academy gives these professionals the financial, regulatory and management expertise they need to keep their institutions strong. This investment in rural health care leadership will support hospitals and improve outcomes for Texans in every corner of the state.”
According to HHSC, an advisory committee for the academy held its first meeting in July to begin developing the curriculum that will be used to train future participants.
The academy is intended for individuals responsible for overseeing the financial health and operational stability of rural hospitals and rural health care systems. Eligible participants will include hospital board directors, chief executive officers, hospital administrators, and other senior-level leaders.
Officials said the coursework will focus on practical topics such as state and federal health care regulations, financial assistance programs, business administration, operational management, and other issues that affect the financial sustainability of rural hospitals.
HHSC Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said the program is designed to help hospital leaders address the unique challenges facing rural health care facilities.
“Rural hospital leaders are dedicated to serving their communities and managing the daily challenges of running a hospital,” Muth said. “The academy will give hospital leaders practical, Texas-focused instruction they can apply as they navigate budgets, operations and changing health care requirements.”
The academy will be offered at no cost to participants and will include at least 100 hours of in-person coursework and technical training.
To administer the program, HHSC has partnered with four major university systems: The University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Texas State University, and Texas Tech University. Together, the institutions will help develop and deliver the curriculum for participants.
State officials said enrollment is expected to begin in fall 2027 after the advisory committee completes development of the academy’s curriculum and training materials. Additional information about eligibility requirements and the application process will be released closer to the program’s launch.
The academy is part of Texas’ ongoing efforts to strengthen rural health care infrastructure and support the leaders responsible for ensuring hospitals remain financially stable and able to provide essential medical services in communities across the state.
