Meritus scholarship aims to make nursing more feasible career choice

Partnership with Shepherd University to cover a portion of tuition in exchange for commitment to working at Meritus Medical Center

A partnership between Meritus Health and Shepherd University will assist nursing students in becoming registered nurses and working locally.

Meritus is offering a certain number of scholarships to nursing students at the Shepherdstown, W.Va., school to help directly address the critical need for more registered nurses locally and throughout the country.

“We are excited to be working with Shepherd University to create this opportunity,” said Chief of Nursing Melissa Short, M.B.A., M.N., R.N. “Meritus Health will pay for a portion of the candidate's education in return for a pre-determined length of employment with the hospital after graduation.”

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 RN 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.

A similar scholarship program is available for Hagerstown Community College nursing students, too.

Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix also expressed excitement, explaining how significant programs like this are for students.

“It is so important to make the educational opportunities here at Shepherd available to students, especially in these vital areas,” Hendrix said. “We are always working to identify partnerships that support our students and benefit the community and local workforce.”

The intent is to attract students from Washington County, Md., and Jefferson County, W.Va., but Meritus reserves the right to entertain candidates from other locations.

Interested applicants can reach out to Savannah Durning at 301-790-8500 or Savannah.Durning@MeritusHealth.com for more information.