What if you could finish your nursing program with minimal debt and a job already lined up? It sounds like a dream, but the Temple Health Nursing Scholars Program is making it a reality. Launched at Temple Health in August 2024, the initiative covers both RNs and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Students applying to or enrolled in an RN or CRNA program are eligible for up to $40,000 in loan repayment if they commit to working for Temple Health upon graduation.
Why Temple Health Launched This Program
Pennsylvania has among the highest per-capita nursing shortage rates in the country, with an estimated 20,000 nursing vacancies expected by 2026. RNs and CRNAs represent two of Temple Health's most critical areas of need. The Scholars program, supported in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was designed to build a sustainable, reliable pipeline for filling those roles.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for Temple Health and future RNs and CRNAs. Innovative partnerships like these are critical for developing the next generation of nursing professionals, and will help ensure that Temple Health has the highly-skilled workforce we need to succeed for years to come."
Chaudron Carter Short, PhD, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Temple Health
Preparing Students To Succeed
Collaboration is at the center of both Temple Health nursing and the Scholars Program. The program is operated by Noodle, the technology-enabled strategy and services partner for higher education founded by the creator of the Princeton Review, and brings clinical expertise to every stage of a student's journey.
"RNs and CRNAs are key areas of need for Temple, and this will build a reliable, sustainable pipeline for filling those roles. If you're a CRNA or RN, you'll be able to start your career with less debt and at one of the nation's top employers. The Temple Health Nursing Scholars Program is structured to set you up for success by getting you engaged in the Temple community before you even start working there full-time."
Samuel Maron, MD, Senior Vice President of University to Employer Initiatives, Scholars Network
Temple Health Nursing Scholars are prepared through direct partnerships with the deans of their nursing schools. The program ensures open lines of communication between students and Temple Health nursing leaders so Scholars know exactly what to expect when they arrive, and onboarding begins before graduation. Temple Health is also partnering with the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA) to provide additional loan repayment and educational opportunities for CRNA Nursing Scholars.
A Model for the State
The Temple Health Nursing Scholars Program is part of a broader, nationwide Scholars Network initiative that has now partnered with employers and nursing schools throughout Pennsylvania and across the country. By removing financial barriers to entry and creating structured, employer-backed pathways, the program is demonstrating that sustainable workforce pipelines are achievable and replicable.