Rock Valley College Foundation and Crusader Community Health Partner to Address Healthcare Shortage

ROCKFORD, IL – According to the U.S. News & World Report, “By 2025, the U.S. is estimated to have a shortage of approximately 446,000 home health aides, 95,000 nursing assistants, 98,700 medical and lab technologists and technicians, and more than 29,000 nurse practitioners, according to a 2021 report conducted by industry market analytic firm Mercer.”

Like many healthcare organizations, Crusader Community Health is stepping up to be a part of the solution to address workplace shortages left by the pandemic and the increased demand for care.

“Crusader Community Health is pleased to partner with Rock Valley College to announce two annual scholarship opportunities for students interested in careers in the medical and dental fields,” says Sam Miller, President, and CEO of Crusader Community Health. “We are proud to support RVC students pursuing these high-demand programs, and to help fill the workforce pipeline.”

The two new scholarships for RVC students will be available beginning in spring 2023:

• For students enrolled in or accepted into the Associate for Applied Science Medical Assistant Program.
• For students who are enrolled or accepted into the Dental Assistant Program.

While RVC has a longstanding history with its successful Dental Assistant program, the Certified Medical Assistant program is new to the College and will launch in January 2023.

“Certified medical assistants form the backbone of the healthcare sector, helping patients feel comfortable during appointments, explaining and clarifying doctors’ instructions and recommendations, and acting as a bridge between patients and other healthcare professionals,” said Ellen Njolstad-Oksnevad, dean of nursing and allied health at RVC.

Both RVC programs require students to complete an externship. Crusader Community Health has not only created this scholarship, but they have also committed to opening their doors and interviewing students for externships. Recipients of these two scholarships will be guaranteed an interview at Crusader Community Health for the externship that is a requirement of the Certified Medical Assistant and Dental Assistant Programs. 

Scholarship applicants must meet certain criteria to be qualified to receive the Crusader Community Health Medical & Dental Careers Annual Scholarship. In addition to being enrolled or accepted into the AAS in Medical Assistant or Dental Assistant Programs, students must reside within Boone or Winnebago Counites, have completed the financial aid process, and they must maintain a minimum of 2.75-grade point average.

About Crusader Community Health

Crusader Community Health has five clinic locations and three school-based health centers. Crusader employs hundreds of professionals and providers and serves over 59,000 individuals from across the Rock River Valley. For more information about Crusader visit: www.crusaderhealth.org.

About the Rock Valley College Foundation

Through the support of generous donors, and an expanding Alumni Network, the RVC Foundation is able to provide scholarships to deserving students, fund grants for RVC faculty and staff to enhance programs and services, and support activities that complement the College's educational offerings. For more information about Rock Valley College Foundation visit: rockvalleycollege.edu.

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