Wilson Medical Center and Wilson Community College are teaming up to launch a new scholarship program for nursing and surgical technology students.
The partnership is designed to strengthen the local workforce by supporting students financially and offering guaranteed job placement after graduation, officials said.
As part of the partnership, Wilson Medical Center will cover $10,000 in tuition fees for nursing student scholarship winners who are pursuing an associate degree in nursing or practical nursing and $7,500 in tuition fees for those in the surgical technology program. The deadline to submit an application for the initial cohort is Sept. 1.
In return, recipients commit to working at the hospital for two years after graduation. The program will support four registered nurses, two licensed practical nurses and two surgical technology graduates annually.
The initiative is focused on addressing the growing demand for health care professionals while enhancing educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in the field.
“Wilson Medical Center and Wilson Community College recognize the need to contribute to a strong workforce in our communities,” said Lindy White, Wilson Medical Center’s acting CEO. “This partnership will support students who have chosen health care as a career path. The program will provide financial support and clinical training to students who will contribute to the health care needs of our community.”
The community college has a demonstrated focus on workforce development and community partnerships, helping students complete training and earn credentials that provide sustainable careers and meet local workforce demand, officials said.
Based on that alignment, the hospital identified WCC as a strategic partner for the initiative and supports its vision for advancing health care education in the region, officials said.
“We are deeply thankful for the collaboration that makes this scholarship possible,” said Miranda Yelverton, WCC’s dean of health sciences. “By supporting aspiring nurses and surgical technologists through this scholarship, we are not only empowering individual students, we are strengthening our entire community with compassionate, skilled professionals ready to serve where they are needed most.”
The first scholarship recipients will be recognized at a luncheon in the fall.
Students interested in applying for the program must first be admitted to Wilson Community College’s nursing programs or surgical technology program. For more information about the program call 252-246-1333 or email Miranda Yelverton at myelverton@wilsoncc.edu.
The WCC scholarship program is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed of what officials describe as building a stronger, more sustainable health care workforce.
Earlier this year, the hospital partnered with Barton College to launch a medical fellows program, which provides undergraduates with hands-on clinical experience and professional mentorship.
Officials say these combined efforts reflect the hospital’s long-term commitment to preparing the next generation of health care professionals.
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