DES MOINES, IOWA, September 20, 2021 — The demand for baccalaureate-qualified nurses continues to rise. Evidence suggests that nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) have improved patient outcomes and even reduced mortality rates when compared to non-BSN-prepared nurses. According to a study by The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), every 10% increase of nurses holding a bachelor’s degree was associated with decreased patient mortality. Despite these obvious positive outcomes, there are still many hurdles preventing nurses from attaining their BSN, including limited access due to geographic location, an inability to take time off work to continue one’s education, and more. Mercy College PLUS has now partnered with CommonSpirit Health and Dignity Health Global Education (DHGE) to remove one of the biggest boundaries preventing nurses from seeking continuing education: cost.
MercyPLUS tuition is just over $2,500 per quarter up to 12 credits. If nurses are admitted to Mercy College, they can make use of tuition reimbursement, and submit an application for the Equity Impact Scholarship and could even earn their BSN with zero out-of-pocket costs.
A high quality program that offers flexibility
Mercy College PLUS launched the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program in partnership with DHGE earlier this year to help nurses attain their BSN degree and strengthen their credentials. This innovative program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It was co-developed by clinical experts from the field of nursing, and its curriculum builds on the expertise of the 120-year legacy of Mercy College of Health Sciences.
Increasing equity in healthcare education for the entire healthcare workforce
The RN to BSN program has been made even more affordable to nurses through the Equity Impact Scholarship. The scholarship is funded by CommonSpirit Health and is open to all applicants. Whether or not a healthcare professional is currently working, all are encouraged to apply for the scholarship by submitting a personal statement on how they would like to contribute to their healthcare community.
Zero out-of-pocket cost for learners
The Equity Impact Scholarship can decrease the out-of-pocket school expenses of a BSN student to zero when successfully combined with other financial assistance opportunities such as tuition reimbursement and federal grants. Prospective nurses are encouraged to inquire with their employer about whether they may be eligible to receive support for continuing education in the form of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may allow qualified applicants to access additional grant funds such as the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and/or Federal Pell Grant. With the Equity Impact Scholarship offering up to $7,500 across six terms, the combination of financial support from these sources could mean that nurses may not pay anything at all for their degrees (including course materials and other fees).
Accepting applications now
The scholarship application is now open for nurses interested in starting the RN to BSN program in the fall quarter beginning on October 4. Individuals interested in applying are asked to complete the online application to MercyPLUS’ RN to BSN program first and fill out the optional portion for the Equity Impact Scholarship. To learn more about MercyPLUS, please reach out to an enrollment coach by submitting an inquiry on the RN to BSN program page.
About Mercy College PLUS
Since 1899, Mercy College of Health Sciences has been empowering students with the training, knowledge, and education necessary to become successful healthcare professionals. Mercy College PLUS continues this legacy by expanding online education designed in collaboration with industry experts. With multiple start dates per year, affordable tuition, and generous transfer credit acceptance, students can advance their healthcare careers in a manner and time that is convenient for them.
About DHGE
Dignity Health Global Education (DHGE) is the leading healthcare workforce development company. Dedicated to providing customized educational opportunities and a student-centric experience, we develop online programs and workforce development solutions with industry, for industry. We achieve this goal by partnering with top-ranked academic institutions and thought-leading professionals.
