Residents in the Foothills can now train to become registered nurses without leaving their home community, with a new bursary offering some students financial help along the way.
Through the University of Calgary’s Rural Community Route program, the first nursing cohort based in the Claresholm area is set to begin this fall, serving students across rural communities stretching from Claresholm north toward Calgary.
In support of the new cohort, the four healthcare foundations in the catchment area have also announced a combined $20,000 commitment to the Claresholm Rural Nursing Cohort Bursary over the next four years.
Students enrolled in the program this fall may be eligible to receive a $1,250 annual bursary.
The Claresholm & District Health Foundation, Vulcan County Health & Wellness Foundation, High River District Health Care Foundation and Sheep River Health Trust will each fund a $1,250 annual bursary for an enrolled student in their area who meets the bursary requirements.
Chantel Scott, foundation coordinator in Claresholm, said in a recent release that supporting rural nursing students can help communities attract and retain healthcare workers.
“Supporting bursaries for rural nurses helps attract and retain skilled health professionals and ensures residents can continue to receive compassionate care in their own communities,” Scott said. “Investing in rural nursing is an investment in the long-term health and well-being of rural families and communities.”
A bursary selection committee made up of local volunteers will meet to review applications, with bursaries to be awarded no later than Sept. 30.
The Rural Community Route program has also been launched in Drayton Valley, Wainwright, Bonnyville and Drumheller.
