Pa Fights Nurse Shortage........

[colleen10]

- Anyone know how you find a list of "approved health care facilities" to qualify?

http://www.postgazette.com/breaking/20021031nursep7.asp

Pa. fights nurse shortage with school loan relief

Thursday, October 31, 2002

Associated Press

HARRISBURG -- Facing a statewide nursing shortage, officials this week unveiled a plan to interest students in nursing careers by offering to forgive part of their student loans.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will forgive up to 25 percent, to a maximum of $12,500, of a nursing student's loan principal over three years, officials said.

The program, known as "Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures," is estimated to benefit as many as 3,600 eligible nursing graduates next year and grow to as many as 12,800 graduates in three years.

In return, graduates must agree to work in the state as a direct-care nurse at an approved health care facility or as a nurse educator for one to three years.

The average nursing student in Pennsylvania graduates nearly $19,000 in debt, PHEAA said.

Enrollment in Pennsylvania's nursing schools rose last year for the first time in six years, but the number of graduates is still lower than what experts say will be needed.

[colleen10]

- Anyone know how you find a list of "approved health care facilities" to qualify?

http://www.postgazette.com/breaking/20021031nursep7.asp

Pa. fights nurse shortage with school loan relief

Thursday, October 31, 2002

Associated Press

HARRISBURG -- Facing a statewide nursing shortage, officials this week unveiled a plan to interest students in nursing careers by offering to forgive part of their student loans.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will forgive up to 25 percent, to a maximum of $12,500, of a nursing student's loan principal over three years, officials said.

The program, known as "Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures," is estimated to benefit as many as 3,600 eligible nursing graduates next year and grow to as many as 12,800 graduates in three years.

In return, graduates must agree to work in the state as a direct-care nurse at an approved health care facility or as a nurse educator for one to three years.

The average nursing student in Pennsylvania graduates nearly $19,000 in debt, PHEAA said.

Enrollment in Pennsylvania's nursing schools rose last year for the first time in six years, but the number of graduates is still lower than what experts say will be needed.