A recent MHA study shows that vacancy rates for nursing and skilled allied health professions are on the rise. Nursing vacancy rates reached 13 percent in 2006 and some allied health professions’ vacancy rates surpassed fifteen percent.

In order to address this nursing and allied health shortage, the Maryland Hospital Association created a scholarship program to attract students to Maryland health care careers. Since receiving a grant from BD Diagnostics in 2002, MHA has awarded at least ten $2,500 scholarships each year — 84 scholarships total.

This year MHA partnered with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, and with MHA affiliates, the Chesapeake Registry Program and PRIME. This allowed MHA to increase the number of scholarships to 18 this year.

“There continues to be a strong need for qualified health care professionals, and through the MHA Scholars Program we can provide financial support to deserving students,” MHA President Calvin Pierson said about the program.

Recipients submitted scholarship applications containing financial aid information, verification of hospital employment or volunteerism, a personal statement about their short- and long-term educational and career goals, and their official school transcript.

In order to meet eligibility requirements, each applicant is required to be within two years of obtaining a life sciences, nursing, or allied health degree from a Maryland college or university, and has to demonstrate financial need and academic success.

Additionally, each must work at a Maryland hospital to be eligible.

The 2007 MHA Scholars recipients’ degrees range from associate to doctoral, and most are pursuing nursing degrees while three are seeking degrees in allied health.

“This program offers one of many solutions to the health care labor shortage by enticing students to enter the field, awarding those looking to enter it, and giving a financial boost to those struggling to get there,” said MHA Vice President Catherine Crowley.

The program is offered each year and the application process typically begins in March. To view this year’s awardees or for more information, visit www.marylandhealthcareers.org.

Contact:
Catherine Crowley
Vice President
Maryland Hospital Association
410 379-6200

(Back to the top)