ECU Health Launches Loan Scholarship Program for Healthcare Workforce

ECU Health has launched the Academic Loan Scholarship Program to strengthen the healthcare workforce in eastern North Carolina. This initiative offers students pursuing degrees in critical health sciences financial aid of $5,000. In exchange, participants commit to a one-year, full-time position with ECU Health after graduation, ensuring a steady influx of qualified professionals to local healthcare facilities.

Brian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer of ECU Health, highlighted the program's significance in reducing financial barriers for aspiring healthcare workers and building a dependable workforce. The program encourages local students to engage with ECU Health early in their education, promoting both personal growth and regional healthcare sustainability.

Focusing on Allied Health and Nursing Needs

The Academic Loan Scholarship primarily addresses staffing in allied health and nursing fields, with $165,000 dedicated to funding 33 scholarships. Candidates must be enrolled in high-demand programs at local community colleges, such as nursing and respiratory therapy. Participants in the Nursing Ribbon Program are also eligible.

Josh Crocker, Vice President of HR Centers of Excellence at ECU Health, emphasized the program's role in easing educational costs for students entering high-demand healthcare fields. This initiative supports regional talent development, improves access to healthcare services, and aligns with ECU Health's mission to enhance regional health outcomes.

Applications for the Academic Loan Scholarship Program are open until May 22, 2026. For more information on eligibility and application procedures, interested individuals can contact Brynn Schiller.