UnitedHealthcare Donates $25,000 to Support East Carolina University College of Nursing Scholarships - Seite 2

Many of these students work part- or full-time while furthering their education with online classes that can flex around their work and life schedules. With many students already working in rural settings, the likelihood they will continue to work in that area is great.

“The goal of the RIBN program is to provide a pipeline of baccalaureate nurses to underserved and rural parts of the state by making it easier and more affordable for students from those communities to obtain their BSN,” said Brown. “Through our partnership with UnitedHealthcare, we will be able to support these aspiring nurses’ educational goals by helping them overcome the economic challenges they may face.”

The community colleges participating in the RIBN program include: Beaufort County Community College, Carteret Community College, College of the Albemarle, Craven Community College, Lenoir Community College, Pitt Community College and Roanoke-Chowan Community College.

Students in the RIBN program spend the first two years of their coursework at a community college campus while completing at least one online course per semester through ECU. Receiving their associate degree in nursing at the end of their third year, and after passing the state licensure exam, they progress to the program’s fourth year with online coursework at ECU in preparation for their bachelor of science in Nursing.

“As a practicing physician, I know firsthand how a shortage of health care workers can have a far-reaching impact on the availability and quality of care in our rural communities,” said Rep. Murphy. “The UnitedHealthcare RIBN Rural Health Scholarship will be an excellent way to help those who wish to serve in often underserved areas of our state further their education and ensure future career success.”

Students may apply for the scholarships online at AcademicWorks.com. Recipients will be announced in mid-April. UnitedHealthcare RIBN Scholarships will cover the 2018-2019 school year. This scholarship program financially assists senior-year students in the RIBN program; the last year of the program is the most expensive for these students. Preference will be given to students who excel academically, demonstrate financial need and wish to begin/continue their work in rural, underserved areas.