MHC receives $50k from Medicine Hat Health Foundation to support health studies
Medicine Hat College (MHC) students with their sights set on healthcare will benefit from $50,000 to help fund their studies, thanks to a donation from the Medicine Hat Health Foundation.
Over the next five years, students in eligible programs can apply for up to $10,000 annually in bursary awards ranging in value between $1000-$2000. Those eligible will have a demonstrated financial need and be in a program with a helping and caring outcome.
Dean of MHC’s school of health and community services, Jason Openo, says funding is often the difference between someone continuing in their studies or dropping out for fear of their debt load. This donation will help reduce barriers for students while opening opportunities for in-demand jobs, benefitting both individuals and the region.
“Based on all the research we have done, this region will need more healthcare professionals, assistants, aides, and technicians in the next 3-5 years due to an aging population and an increasing number of retirements. The support from the Medicine Hat Health Foundation enables individuals to pursue careers that will be needed to maintain our healthcare system,” explains Openo.
Programs supported by the funding include health care aide, occupational/physical therapist assistant, speech language pathologist assistant, practical nurse, nursing and paramedic. Students may apply for this funding through the scholarship and bursary application, which opens each year on March 1.
Heather Bach, executive director for the Medicine Hat Health Foundation says the future of healthcare in our region depends on the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“We feel very privileged to have the opportunity to help support those who are studying hard to become tomorrow's surgeons, physicians, nurses, paramedics, and therapists,” says Bach. “Our long-standing relationship with Medicine Hat College is crucial to this, with many of their students undertaking their practicum studies in our hospital. It's a truly reciprocal partnership that's creating brighter outcomes for everyone in Medicine Hat and the surrounding area.”
Openo adds, healthcare offers personally rewarding careers, and thanks the Medicine Hat Health Foundation for their investment in people who will care for us and our loved ones.
For more information about scholarship and bursary awards at MHC, please visit www.mhc.ab.ca.