(This story was updated to add additional information.)
Students looking at a health care career could have three years of their education paid upfront, thanks to a partnership between Ozarks colleges and the health system.
Mercy Springfield is launching “Win from Within,” which would give qualifying students up to $10,000 in financial assistance per year for three years, according to a news release. This program is between Mercy and Ozarks Technical Community College, as well as Bolivar Technical College and Southwest Baptist University.
In order to receive that aid, participants will need to work 16 hours per pay period at a Mercy facility and commit to employment at Mercy in Springfield following graduation. The financial assistance can help students pay for tuition, books, registration and lab fees.
Applications for students starting during the spring 2025 semester are due Oct. 4. For more about eligibility requirements and the application process, those interested can contact Leslie Smith at 314-207-3469 or leslie.smith2@mercy.net.
Ozarks Tech programs that qualify for the Win from Within program include surgical technology; respiratory therapy; radiology; Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN); Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
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“Ozarks Tech is committed to removing obstacles to education, so this collaboration and program is an excellent fit because it offers an opportunity for those considering the health care profession to get their education and start their career debt-free,” said Dr. Aaron Light, dean of health sciences at Ozarks Tech, in the release. “Making this education more accessible will ultimately help grow and stabilize this important segment of our workforce.”
Health care and social assistance is the top industry in the Ozarks, accounting for 17% of the region’s employment, according to the Missouri Hospital Association’s annual workforce report. However, as the Missouri population ages and there continues to be high rates of turnover in health care careers, more employees will be needed. Programs like Win from Within aim to close that gap.
“The Mercy ‘Win from Within’ program was created to invest in our coworkers’ futures while addressing critical workforce needs in healthcare,” said Jessica Atchison, executive director of professional practice at Mercy Springfield, in an emailed statement. “By easing the financial burden of education and providing employment during and after training, we are not only empowering our coworkers to advance in their careers, but we are also ensuring that our community has access to skilled healthcare professionals in nursing, radiology, respiratory therapy, and surgical technology. This initiative strengthens our workforce while fulfilling our mission to serve with compassion and excellence.“
For more information about health care education opportunities at Ozarks Tech, visit explore@otc.edu or contact Student Affairs at 417-447-6900.