Latest news with #HealthProfessionalShortage
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Adtalem Global Education and Sallie Mae Sign Letter of Intent to Explore New Student Financing Model
CHICAGO & NEWARK, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Adtalem Global Education Inc. (NYSE: ATGE) and Sallie Mae (Nasdaq: SLM), formally SLM Corporation, today announced they have signed a Letter of Intent to explore alternative financing solutions for healthcare students as the federal Grad PLUS loan program phases out beginning July 1, 2026. The planned initiative intends to establish an alternative financing framework to help students across Adtalem's five institutions—representing one of the largest concentrations of future healthcare professionals—access funding to pursue their career goals. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, healthcare occupations are expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023-2033, with healthcare workers benefiting from recession-resistant career stability within the $4.3 trillion U.S. healthcare sector. In addition, the U.S. faces healthcare workforce shortages, with more than 7,000 areas currently designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas by the Health Resources and Services Administration. Moreover, the Association of American Medical Colleges projects a physician shortage of up to 124,000 by 2034, highlighting the urgent need for healthcare workforce expansion. "Sallie Mae is an exceptional leader in student financing, and an ally in our mission to scale healthcare education nationwide," said Steve Beard, chairman and chief executive officer, Adtalem Global Education. "Our institutions support over 90,000 students in their career aspirations, many of whom form the backbone of the U.S. healthcare system. This anticipated program will deepen our relationship with Sallie Mae and is expected to expand financing access for our students to complete their education and work in communities across the country. Together, we're creating innovative solutions that drive student success while addressing critical healthcare workforce needs—it's a win-win." 'As the market leader for private student lending, we are well-positioned to create innovative and scalable solutions that meet the evolving needs of our school partners and help as many students as possible access and responsibly fund their higher education,' said Jon Witter, chief executive officer, Sallie Mae. "This proposed initiative with Adtalem will not only assist their students pursuing critical, in-demand healthcare professions but also could serve as a model for other institutions seeking alternative financing solutions as they navigate changes to the federal student loan program.' The planned program will seek to establish a framework for developing tailored financing solutions specifically designed for healthcare education, which is expected to include deferred repayment options and degree-specific terms. The companies expect to finalize a definitive agreement and announce financing products in the coming months, subject to regulatory processes and final agreements. About Sallie Mae Sallie Mae (Nasdaq: SLM) believes education and life-long learning, in all forms, help people achieve great things. As the leader in private student lending, we provide financing and know-how to support access to college and offer products and resources to help customers make new goals and experiences, beyond college, happen. Learn more at Commonly known as Sallie Mae, SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. About Adtalem Global Education Adtalem Global Education is the leading provider of healthcare education in the U.S., shaping the future of healthcare by preparing a workforce with high-quality academic programs. We innovate education pathways, align with industry needs and empower individuals to reach their full potential. Our commitment to excellence and access is reflected in our expansive network of institutions, serving over 90,000 students and supported by a strong community of approximately 365,000 alumni and nearly 10,000 dedicated employees. Visit for more information, and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Via Christi partners with high schools to expose students to health care careers
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The ongoing health care shortages continue to stress the system across the state. Statistics from the Kansas Hospital Association report for this year show that more than 15% of primary care physicians aged 65 or older are nearing retirement in the next few years. For many other healthcare fields, the gap between aging professionals and recruiting new ones is widening. Notably, in rural Kansas, many counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). One program is addressing these issues by giving high school seniors inspiration and access to learn about the health care field. Mental health, a silent crisis in rural Kansas 'These are the best and the brightest kids around,' said St. Gianna Catholic Health Academy Director Stanley May. At St. Gianna Catholic Health Academy, scrubs are the uniform, and the focus is on hands-on training. The academy is a collaboration between Ascension Via Christi, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, and Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School. 'The real world and the hospital is going to help them see that, hey, maybe this is for me, or maybe it's not,' May said. The program provides high school seniors with access to and exposure to the hospital setting. Students observe healthcare professionals at Via Christi, including surgeries, therapy, and other forms of patient care, while completing a medical terminology course. 'It's a semester-long program. And every afternoon, the students come to St. Francis Hospital, where the classroom is. Mondays and Wednesdays, they actually go out and shadow. And there are 35 to 40 different shadow sites between St. Joe and St. Francis that the students are exposed to,' May said. 'We're able to step back and kind of just see their thought process and how they treat patients. And it kind of makes you feel like you're in the moment and like you're kind of helping,' Leah Hanke, a student at St. Gianna Health Academy, said. This comes as the state is gripped with shortages in every field. The Kansas Hospital Association says the state's hospitals are experiencing significant vacancy rates in critical positions, like registered nurses, at 15%. While the turnover rate for nursing staff is reported at 20%, meaning demand outpaces the supply. These students are potentially a solution to the growing issue. 'I hope to go into nursing, get into a nursing program, and hopefully become a registered nurse, maybe specialize in pediatrics,' Hanke said. 'I've been to like surgery, and I've gotten to see life births and just in a variety of departments throughout the hospital. So that's definitely been cool,' Claire Runyan, another student at St. Gianna Health Academy, said. The health academy is becoming a way to learn not just about medical fields, but also to gain an understanding early on if healthcare is for them. Kansas college student wins appeal, insurance approves treatment 'Seeing the way all the nurses treat their patients or how they just work every day is just a really good inspiration for me and how I want to treat others and help others in my career,' Runyan said. The program director says that most students from the program, around 90%, pursue a major in healthcare in college. Following four to five years down the road, 80% of those students wind up in some form of healthcare. To apply, you must be a junior at Bishop Carroll or Kapaun with a good grade point average, a strong attendance record, and a keen interest in science and medicine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
