Pathways to Health Careers Act

What it does

• •Amends section 2008 of the Social Security Act to establish competitive grants for eligible entities to provide career pathway training in health professions (allied health, nursing, EMTs, physician assistants, etc.) for low-income individuals.
• •Requires grant applicants to include adult basic education, work readiness training, case management, career coaching, and support services (child care, transportation, stipends) in their project plans.
• •Creates two types of demonstration projects: one targeting individuals with arrest or conviction records seeking health profession careers, and one targeting maternal health career pathways (doulas, midwives, postpartum workers).
• •Mandates minimum grant awards: at least 2 grantees per state/DC, at least 10 for Indian tribes/tribal entities, and at least 2 in territories, with specific data reporting and technical assistance requirements.

Why it matters

• •Addresses stated workforce shortages in health professions while expanding employment opportunities for low-income populations and individuals with criminal records who face employment barriers.
• •Incorporates labor market alignment requirements (applications must demonstrate in-demand jobs and worker shortages) and coordination with workforce development systems to link training to actual employer needs.
• •Establishes preferential consideration for applicants providing cash stipends, mentoring, and partnerships with employers and educational institutions, prioritizing financial support and job placement outcomes.

Who is affected

• •Low-income individuals seeking entry into health professions, with specific focus on those with arrest or conviction records and those interested in maternal health careers.
• •Eligible entities (nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, tribal organizations) that apply to administer grant-funded training projects.
• •Health care employers, workforce development boards, educational institutions, and apprenticeship programs that partner in project development and hiring.

What happens next

The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 6, 2026, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance; the text as presented does not indicate further legislative action.