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New Scholarship Program to Address Haywood County Healthcare Worker Shortage
Haywood County -- January 16, 2025: Healthcare workers are in high demand across the country, and Western North Carolina is no
exception. To help meet this critical need,
Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) has partnered with Haywood Community College (HCC) to launch the Haywood Healthcare Scholars Program. This new scholarship aims to support students pursuing healthcare careers while helping fill vital positions in the local workforce.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship provides financial support to students enrolled in certain healthcare-related programs. It covers:
Full tuition
Textbooks
Supplies
Costs for background checks and drug screenings
This removes many financial barriers that often make it difficult for students to pursue higher education, especially in healthcare fields.
Textbooks
Supplies
Costs for background checks and drug screenings
This removes many financial barriers that often make it difficult for students to pursue higher education, especially in healthcare fields.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to students in a variety of healthcare programs at HCC and Southwestern Community College (SCC). Some of the eligible programs include:
Nursing (Registered Nurse and Nurse Aide)
Medical Assistant
Phlebotomy
Paramedic
Radiography
Respiratory Therapy
Surgical Technology
Medical Sonography
Medical Laboratory Technology
Students must meet the following criteria to qualify:
Medical Assistant
Phlebotomy
Paramedic
Radiography
Respiratory Therapy
Surgical Technology
Medical Sonography
Medical Laboratory Technology
Students must meet the following criteria to qualify:
Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0
Stay in good behavioral standing throughout their studies
Stay in good behavioral standing throughout their studies
Submit two letters of recommendation (one from a faculty member and one from a healthcare professional)
Participate in a panel interview
Participate in a panel interview
Priority is given to residents of Haywood or Buncombe counties and to current HRMC employees who are seeking further education.
Commitment to Local Healthcare
In return for receiving this financial support, scholarship recipients agree to work at HRMC or one of its affiliated clinics or offices after graduation. The length of this commitment matches the time it took to complete their educational program. For example, if the scholarship covers a two-year nursing program, the recipient is expected to work for HRMC for two years.
This commitment helps ensure that local patients receive care from professionals who understand the community and its unique needs.
Why Is This Program Important?
The shortage of healthcare workers is a nationwide issue, but rural areas like Haywood County face even bigger challenges. The Haywood Healthcare Scholars Program is designed to address this problem by:
Supporting local students in achieving their educational goals
Strengthening the healthcare system by training and retaining local professionals
Creating a direct path from education to employment, which benefits both students and the community
Strengthening the healthcare system by training and retaining local professionals
Creating a direct path from education to employment, which benefits both students and the community
How to Apply
If you’re interested in applying for this program, you can contact Kelly Maney, HRMC’s People Services Consultant, at kelly.maney@lifepointhealth.net for more information.
If you’re interested in applying for this program, you can contact Kelly Maney, HRMC’s People Services Consultant, at kelly.maney@lifepointhealth.net for more information.
About the Partnership
This initiative is a collaboration between HRMC, a Duke LifePoint Hospital known for its commitment to excellent care, and HCC, a local college offering flexible, high-quality education. Together, they are working to build a stronger healthcare workforce in Western North Carolina.
A Brighter Future for Haywood County
By investing in local talent, the Haywood Healthcare Scholars Program not only helps students but also ensures that the people of Haywood County have access to well-trained healthcare providers. It’s a win-win solution for students, healthcare facilities, and the community.
For more details, visit the Haywood Regional Medical Center website: www.myhaywoodregional.com.
This program represents a major step toward improving healthcare access and workforce stability in our region.
WNCTimes
