The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing has joined Scholars Network, the nationwide platform that connects premier nursing programs with leading health systems to build affordable pathways into high-demand clinical roles. At Penn Nursing, the collaboration spans the school's BSN, master's, and doctoral programs, including its Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) and Nurse Anesthesia tracks.
Under the model, students are matched with participating health systems and receive substantial student loan repayment assistance in exchange for a commitment to work at the employer after graduation. Universities provide rigorous clinical training while employers offer early engagement and a defined career path, reducing debt risk for graduates and helping health systems build a more reliable pipeline of clinical talent.
The partnership "expands financial aid and post-commencement employment options for the next generation of boundary-breaking nurse leadership."
Antonia M. Villarruel, Margaret Bond Simon Dean of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
The initiative targets some of the most acute shortages in health care, including Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) and Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), while helping students manage the cost of advanced clinical education. The model emphasizes workforce alignment, financial sustainability, and long-term career outcomes for students, schools, and employers alike.