Wright State University and Premier Health Team Up to Boost Nursing Workforce
As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, Wright State University and Premier Health are making strides in strengthening the nursing workforce through their long-standing collaboration. This partnership, which has been in place for 30 years, aims to provide affordable education and practical experience for nursing students.
According to a press release from Wright State, the Nursing Academy offers eligible students up to $8,000 annually in tuition assistance from Premier Health. When combined with scholarships from Wright State and federal and state aid, this financial support makes it easier for students to pursue their nursing degrees while ensuring a smooth transition into the local job market.
“Affordability is really important for students and their families when it comes to higher education,” said Bethany DeLong, the director of enrollment and retention at the College of Health, Education, and Human Services at Wright State. She emphasized that this support helps students see a nursing career as a realistic goal.
Hands-On Experience
Students enrolled in Wright State’s Nursing Academy not only follow the same academic curriculum as their peers but also work as paid part-time employees at Premier Health. This dual experience provides valuable insights into a professional healthcare environment, enabling students to connect with healthcare teams and explore different nursing specialties.
“Connecting students with meaningful healthcare experiences early in their education allows us to build a strong talent pool that meets our organization’s urgent workforce needs,” explained Mallon Briggerman, a workforce and talent development business partner at Premier Health.
The program has already seen positive outcomes; out of 13 graduates from Wright State’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program who completed the academy, 10 are now employed at Premier Health.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 3.4 million registered nurses in the United States, with a projected 5% job growth from 2024 to 2034—higher than the average for all occupations. Around 189,100 nursing positions are expected to open each year, mainly due to retirements or career changes.
A Local Impact
For many nursing students, staying in the Dayton area after graduation was a key concern, and the Nursing Academy offered a way to achieve that. Lillian Currey, a Wright State graduate from the Class of 2026, is now working as a new graduate nurse in the emergency department at Atrium Medical Center in Middletown. She expressed her desire to serve her local community.
“I really wanted to begin my nursing career with an organization that supports my growth, both personally and professionally,” Currey shared. Working with Premier Health allowed her to familiarize herself with their systems, build confidence, and establish meaningful connections.
“Support from my managers and encouragement to pursue professional development showed me that Premier is invested in their employees,” she added.
Financial Relief
Currey also highlighted the importance of financial support, noting that Premier Health’s tuition assistance significantly eased her financial worries. “If the academy had been available when I first started at Wright State, I could have graduated debt-free,” she reflected.
Through partnerships like this, organizations are actively working to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and meet the rising demand for nursing services.
