PURPOSE:
Rural regions across the globe face critical maternity care shortages due to provider maldistribution, service closures, and geographic barriers. The Preparation for Rural Professional Practice (PRPP) curriculum, developed through the HRSA-funded Colorado Rural Midwifery Workforce Expansion Program, aims to prepare midwifery students for successful and sustainable rural practice. This abstract highlights the curriculum’s development, integration of digital and interprofessional tools, focus on provider well-being, and potential for global replication.

DISCUSSION:
The PRPP curriculum was co-designed with rural midwives, educators, and healthcare leaders to reflect the realities of rural care delivery. This stakeholder-driven process emphasized adaptability and relevance across diverse settings. The curriculum includes five pillars: (1) rural clinical immersion; (2) telehealth and interprofessional care coordination; (3) community-engaged learning; (4) mentorship and provider well-being; and (5) expanded clinical scope (e.g., maternal mental health, substance use care, ultrasound, surgical first assist). Telehealth modules prepare learners to deliver care in resource-limited and remote contexts, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists provided clinical support during high-risk teleconsultations. Wellbeing sessions address burnout, isolation, and professional sustainability—key issues in rural retention.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Three cohorts (n=9) of rural-background trainees have completed the curriculum. Early evaluation shows strong perceived preparedness, particularly in navigating resource limitations and interprofessional collaboration. Preceptors report increased alignment between trainee capabilities and rural care demands. Curriculum materials are actively being shared among U.S. midwifery programs, and interest has been expressed by international educators exploring rural-focused training adaptations.

KEY MESSAGE:
A collaboratively developed rural midwifery curriculum can strengthen provider retention, integrate telehealth, and support well-being—critical to sustaining a rural maternal health workforce. The PRPP model shows that aligning education with rural realities produces midwives who are clinically prepared and supported. Emphasizing interprofessional collaboration, expanded scope, and community engagement, the model equips midwives to meet needs in underserved areas. Adaptable across settings, it offers a scalable approach to improving maternal health globally. Poster session 3 (Group B)