Avera Hospital announces its commitment to hiring Mount Marty Nursing students before and after graduation.
Mounty Marty nursing students now have a direct path to not only a job but also to student loan forgiveness.
Mark Long is the President of Mount Marty University.
“Today, Avera and Mount Marty University, announce the Avera Nursing Advantage Program. That names Mount Marty as Avera’s preferred nursing educator. It creates a pathway for students interested in a career in nursing, to study at MMU while working part-time and interning for Avera. For the last two years of nursing school, those students will be eligible for a generous sponsorship from Avera. Without reduced aid from MMU,” said Long.
Long said Avera will pay $15,000 dollars toward MMU nursing students’ tuition in their junior and senior year.
He said the money will go directly toward student loans.
Doug Ekeren is the Regional President and CEO of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
He said Mount Marty graduates have always been a keystone to their operation.
“Avera Sacred Heart Hospital and Mount Marty share a rich heritage. Both of us being Catholic ministries, having been founded by the Benedictine Sisters. For the past courter century, the Benedictine Sisters have been joined by the Presentation Sisters as founders of Avera. The sister’s ministry of education and healthcare often intertwine. As neighbors in Yankton, Avera Sacred Heart and Mount Marty, have a long-standing, collaborative relationship that we highly value,” said Ekeren.
Avera Human Resources official said the same hiring process applies to Mount Marty students as any other new hire.
