Penn Highlands Healthcare Expands Allied Health & Nursing Workforce Pipeline

Penn Highlands Healthcare is taking a proactive approach to addressing the growing shortage of nurses and allied health professionals through its Penn Highlands Healthcare Scholars Program, a workforce initiative that provides up to $65,000 in loan repayment for eligible students who commit to working at the health system after graduation.

"As healthcare leaders, we are tasked with rethinking how we support the next generation of healthcare professionals," said Lisa Smith, System Director of Talent Acquisition and Employee Engagement for Penn Highlands Healthcare. "Launching this program is one way we're taking the lead by investing earlier and more intentionally in the people who will deliver care in the years ahead. We are excited to partner with Scholars Network to bring this vision to life and create new opportunities for future nurses and allied health professionals."

"Healthcare workforce challenges don't start at the point of hire; they start when students are deciding whether they can afford to pursue and stay in a clinical career," said Dr. Sam Maron, founder of Scholars Network. "By aligning education, financial support, and employment from the outset, programs like this create a more sustainable pathway for students and a more reliable workforce solution for health systems."

"Healthcare workforce challenges require us to think differently about how we attract and support talent," said Heather Franci, MBHA, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Service Line Director for Penn Highlands Healthcare's Heart Center, Lung Center, Brain & Spine and Oncology Services. "Through this approach, we're able to connect with future clinicians earlier, reduce financial barriers, and build a more stable, committed workforce that is invested in our patients and our community."