CMH launches nurse tuition forgiveness program

LEWISTON — Central Maine Healthcare will reimburse students pursuing a two or four-year nursing degree at Maine College of Health Professions in Lewiston under a new Central Maine Healthcare Student Loan Program.
The program was recently announced by President and CEO Steve LIttleson, who said it shows CMH’s commitment to adding talented nurses to its team. “Maine College of Health Professions provides the best training available for nurses to launch their careers, and once the nurses receive their diploma, Central Maine Healthcare will have a nursing position waiting them,” Littleson said.
CMH said the benefit is worth up to $22,500 in tuition costs. Following graduation, nurses who qualify within program guidelines are guaranteed a position at CMH. In exchange for the tuition loan, graduates commit to working at CMH for a time period relative to the tuition, and their loan is forgiven over time. For example, three years of employment at CMH would result in three years of loan forgiveness.
Maine College of Health Professions, which is part of CMH, has been preparing students for health care careers since it was established in 1891.
“This opportunity will be a deciding factor for individuals considering a nursing career,” said Monika Bissell, MCHP president. “For too many aspiring nurses, tuition costs are a barrier to pursuing a degree. This generous program will help remove that barrier. Nursing is one of the most respected professions in the country, and for good reason. Nurses provide invaluable, specialized care to our communities, and they are in great demand right now. MCHP has been the longest history in Maine of preparing nurses for the workforce longer than any other institution in Maine, and we believe this program will help us continue to do that in the years to come.”