To assist students and current professionals pursuing higher education in the healthcare industry, several organizations provide annual financial aid opportunities. Students can benefit from these scholarships by to earn degrees at an affordable cost, while employees may consider returning to school because of the lower expenses.
The Oakwood Healthcare Foundation recently awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to 84 recipients who are student volunteers and Oakwood Retirement community employees. The foundation launched this financial aid program to help its personnel further their education in the healthcare field.
Among the recipients, two students who are enrolled in nursing programs were awarded the Alberta Muirhead scholarship, which will pay for all educational expenses. Also, one financial assistance opportunity will fully fund a student pursuing an advanced degree in nursing.
"Our scholarship program allows nurses and other professionals to continue their education, hone their skills and achieve their career aspirations," said Carla O'Malley, executive director of the foundation. She added that donors help "someone achieve their dreams and our patients and the community benefit by receiving care from better educated, better trained and more highly motivated professionals."
Government statistics suggest that by 2018, the employment of nurses is expected to increase by 22 percent, translating into an estimated 581,500 new jobs.
