Ochsner Health is again expanding its Ochsner Scholars program for aspiring nurses and physicians ready to fill critical healthcare shortages in local communities.
Ochsner announced tuition assistance for 100 nurse scholars pursuing Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LPN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degrees this spring to students across Louisiana and Mississippi. Ochsner is also covering tuition for up to 10 physician scholars interested in pursuing careers at Ochsner in primary care or psychiatry.
“To advance our mission, it’s critical that Ochsner provides high-demand, high-wage job opportunities to fill workforce gaps in communities that need us most,” said Missy Sparks, vice president of talent management for Ochsner Health. “By aligning education curriculum to support industry needs, we can advance great careers in equitable and inclusive ways.”
About Ochsner Nurse Scholars
Ochsner Nurse Scholars encompasses tuition assistance programs for aspiring nurses and allied health workers enrolled in a nursing program who pledge to serve as employees at Ochsner Health following education at an accredited school.
The degree program is enrolling now for the Spring 2024 academic term, with a deadline of October 15, 2023.
Students accepted into Ochsner Scholars receive tuition assistance for an accredited nursing school in Louisiana, Mississippi, or the University of West Alabama. As of September 2023, students from 41 colleges and universities throughout Louisiana and Mississippi have been supported by the Ochsner Nurse Scholars program, including Loyola University New Orleans and Delgado Community College.
Ochsner offers other tuition assistance programs in addition to Ochsner Scholars. Applications will close October 15, 2023, for Heart of Healthcare, a program for students interested in earning a BSN degree at Chamberlain University – New Orleans. Ochsner offers up to three years of partial tuition coverage and Chamberlain provides discounted tuition. Additionally, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette announced a partnership with Ochsner Lafayette General to open an ABSN program starting May 2024.
Students who become part of all nursing education programs receive more than just financial assistance -- Ochsner also offers comprehensive support in the form of mentorship, career guidance, and much more.
About Ochsner Physician Scholars
Ochsner Physician Scholars is a program for medical students admitted into the LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine (LSUHS School of Medicine) or The University of Queensland Ochsner Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. Selected medical students receive a payment from Ochsner Health intended to be used for medical school expenses. In exchange, the students must commit to work in an Ochsner Health facility for five years after they complete their residency.
The application deadline for Ochsner Physician Scholars is March 1, 2024. Only medical students interested in pursuing careers in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine Primary Care, Internal Medicine Pediatrics Primary Care, or Psychiatry are eligible. Ochsner will name up to five Ochsner Scholars from LSUHS School of Medicine and up to five from The University of Queensland Ochsner Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
Over the summer, Ochsner awarded its sixth Physician Scholar award to LSUHS School of Medicine student John David Sawyer, who is planning a career in psychiatry. This spring, the first Ochsner Physician Scholar Mary Curet, MD, is expected to complete her final year of Family Medicine residency. She plans to join Ochsner’s staff in June.