ISSUED: 17 July 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — A new partnership between Shepherd University and Meritus Health Medical Center, Inc. will assist nursing students in becoming Registered Nurses and working locally.
Officials gathered on Shepherd’s Campus on July 17 to formally celebrate the opportunity that will see Meritus Health provide a limited number of scholarships for students each year.
Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Meritus Medical Center Melissa McHugh Short, MBA, MN, RN, said the agreement benefits Shepherd students and the hospital.
“The initiative is aimed at alleviating financial and to help the next generation of nursing professionals,” Short said. “We provide financial support to nursing students in the final year of their education and over the first years of their employment with Meritus.”
The scholarship from Meritus Health will provide a set amount of money per semester students can put towards tuition, required books, lab fees, and uniforms.
When students obtain their nursing license, they will receive a $7,000 signing bonus for working at Meritus Medical Center, and an additional $5,000 after completing three years of employment with Meritus Health.
Short said this partnership will directly address the critical need for Registered Nurses throughout the region.
Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix also expressed excitement, explaining how significant programs like this are for students.
“It is very important to make the educational opportunities here at Shepherd available to students, especially in vital areas of need,” Hendrix said. “We are always working to identify partnerships that support our students and benefit the community and local workforce.”
Applicants from Washington County, Maryland, and Jefferson County, West Virginia may apply.
Meritus Health will establish a similar scholarship for students at Hagerstown Community College.
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