A joint undertaking of the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the five Cumberland County health care foundations, the bursary program has proven to be a very successful tool to bring local young people back to the area to live and work following graduation. Since its inception, the program has seen a total of thirty-seven Cumberland graduates return to the area with six more set to graduate this year.
The bursary program was designed to assist in addressing projected human resource shortages in various health care professions. The program is only open to Cumberland County students and preference is given to those enrolled in programs of study where there is an anticipated staffing need at the time of their graduation. Successful applicants receive a bursary of up to $5,000 per year to support their studies. Students must sign a contract with the health authority for a “return for service” commitment upon graduation equal to the number of years for which they receive a bursary. In addition to being guaranteed a job upon graduation, students are also given the opportunity for summer employment with the health authority.
The NSHA operates facilities in Advocate Harbor, Pugwash, Parrsboro, Springhill and Amherst and students may be placed at any of these sites upon graduation. Through this practice, the bursary program has proven to be an excellent way to address staffing shortages in each of these communities.
Application forms and further information on the program are available on-line at www.cha.nshealth.ca and from the Human Resources Department at (902) 667-5400 extension 6237 or from communications and public relations at 902-661-7129.
Information will also be available from Cumberland County high school guidance departments. Applications are not limited to high school students and those already in post-secondary health-care related studies are welcome to apply.
