Financial assistance for Mercy College nursing students

        Mercy College of Ohio has developed new programs to assist nursing students pay for college that includes financial support that extends throughout the learning journey and into a nursing career.
        Beginning in the summer 2022 semester, every new nursing student will receive a $2,000 Blue Healer tuition award (named for the Mercy College mascot) at the start of their first semester at Mercy College.
        Additionally, incoming Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students who are directly from high school can pursue a forgivable loan if they choose to pursue their career as a nurse in Mercy Health’s many local facilities.
        While in school, all nursing students can work at Mercy Health in roles such as a patient care tech or student nurse extern, providing them with flexible work schedules and access to tuition benefits through the hospital system that will cover tuition and fees.
        “These positions enable students to gain valuable experience and require them to work less than 10 hours per week to access the tuition benefit program,” said Elizabeth Spunk, PhD, RN, dean of nursing. “BSN students can be employed as patient-care techs as the preparation is included in their first semester.”
        “This pandemic has served as a reminder of how important nurses are to our communities and to our future. While much has changed in the past two years, one thing has remained constant – that nurses are key leaders in driving health care delivery,” said Deborah Bryant, chief nursing officer, Mercy Health – Toledo.
        Mercy College nursing graduates can obtain signing bonuses at the time of their employment, and they are also eligible for a student loan forgiveness program, another Mercy Health benefit, that makes monthly payments that increase over time toward their Federal student loans.
        All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Mercy College scholarship application.
        Mercy College has multiple opportunities for anyone wanting to become a nurse offering nursing programs at the bachelor’s and associate level with an evening and weekend track for those with commitments during the day and an accelerated BSN program for those with a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing.
        For complete details or questions visit www.mercycollege.edu/fundme.