Chelsi McCarty signs her name for the Aspiring Nurse Program award through WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center on Monday at the hospital. Camden Clark CEO Sean Smith signed on behalf of WVU Medicine. (Photo by Amber Phippps)

PARKERSBURG — Eight nursing students were accepted as the fifth group into the Aspiring Nurse Program through WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center Monday.

Students accepted into the program will receive up to $25,000 for four semesters as well as a $5,000 bonus in exchange for a post-graduation work commitment. Selected students also have the option to receive support from academic coaches and retention specialists.

Camden Clark Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Carol Grove said the program started in 2023 and has greatly impacted the lives of participating students.

“I’ve talked to a few of the students who were selected in the past and they said it made such a difference in the quality of their life,” said Grove.

The money is intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens students face while in nursing school. Grove said it’s not an easy program and they want to help aspiring nurses pursue their dream without the stress of the costs of everyday living.

Cory Fox, left, shakes WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Carol Grove’s hand at the Aspiring Nurse Program ceremony Monday night at the hospital. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The $25,000 is applied over the course of four semesters for things like housing and living expenses so students don’t have to work full-time while attending school.

“Having to work full-time while going through the nursing program can become very stressful, so our goal is to help in any way that we can,” said Grove.

There were six students from WVU Parkersburg, one from Washington State College of Ohio and one from West Virginia Junior College. The Aspiring Nurse Program is only for students already enrolled in select schools.

Washington State student Cory Fox said he was grateful for this opportunity.

“I had to drop down to part-time so I could focus on school, and I love nursing, no complaints, but it’s definitely a project you have to put your full effort into,” he said.

Ashley Sweet shakes hands with WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center CEO Sean Smith before signing on for the Aspiring Nurse Program award which will allow her to cover living expenses for four semesters. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Fox said that the money will help him pay the bills and pay for gas and daily necessities.

“I never would’ve thought that I was going to go into nursing, but working here and getting to be around people and seeing people at their worst as they get better is the best feeling ever,” said Fox. “I chose nursing to make a difference.”

Now that Fox has more financial support to continue his nursing goals, there is more focus on school and less on the stress that comes with daily life.

Grove said that they select students in the summer and winter to make sure they’re continually supporting students throughout the year.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com.