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Sanford Health Education Resources

Nursing Students at Sanford Health

Sanford Health and Mary: Helping Students Thrive

Future health care professionals need the best education, and they need it to be affordable. That's why Sanford Health has partnered with the University of Mary to meet the health care needs of our community and beyond. Our committed partnership with Sanford allows our students to receive the best health care education in the country and creates a network of professionals dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of people everywhere.

Scholarships

Sanford scholarships are part of a professional development program sponsored by Sanford Health and supported by the University of Mary. Together, we make sure your health care education is affordable.

Sanford Health Directors Award

This scholarship is part of a professional development program sponsored by Sanford Health and supported by the University of Mary. Incoming freshmen are eligible for $9,500 in total funding: $2,500 is given during students' freshman year, and $7,500 is given during students' junior year as long as they maintain scholarship eligibility requirements (remain in good academic standing, continue to pursue an eligible major, and attend professional development opportunities sponsored by Sanford Health).

Qualifying Majors

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Communication Science and Disorders
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Cybersecurity Administration
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Radiologic Technology
  • Respiratory Therapy 
  • Social Work
Nursing students working in the sim labs

Tuition-Free Nursing Academy

Mary's tuition-free Nursing Academy offers the most elite and in-demand nursing education program in the region. Only for the most inspired applicants, Nursing Academy students complete their Bachelor's of Science in Nursing in 2.6 years and have guaranteed employment at Sanford Health when they finish.

Health Care Profession Loan Forgiveness Program

Eligible future athletic trainers, radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, and nurses can apply for Sanford's Loan Forgiveness Program. Sanford aims to help students with the expenses associated with completing a nursing degree in exchange for employment at Sanford Health Bismarck for a specified period of time. Take advantage of this generous opportunity and learn more below:

Scholarship Program for Current and Future Nurses

Traditional nursing students and those who have completed their Accelerated Second Degree in nursing through the University have the opportunity to receive a financial award from Sanford Health in exchange for employment at Sanford Health Bismarck. Receive awards of up to $20,000 in this generous scholarship program.

Learn more about the program, which may include sign-up incentives, below:

  • Must be enrolled full time in an accredited nursing program.
  • 3.0 cumulative grade point average or above is required.
  • Full-time enrollment must be continuous until graduation.
  • Must successfully graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the Nursing Certification Licensing Exam (NCLEX).
  • Award of $20,000: $10,000 paid twice throughout academic program.
  • Recipients are not eligible for any hiring bonus being offered at the time of employment.
  • After graduation, recipients agree to work for Sanford Health Bismarck, as an inpatient Registered Nurse, for a period of 2 years from the start date in a full-time status.
  • Forgiveness will begin upon receipt of the attainment of a permanent Registered Nurse license
  • Failure to comply with any of the requirements of this program will result in repayment of the loan with interest.

Sanford Health Bismarck provides this financial resource directly to the students selected through the application process. Any and all taxes associated with this financial resource

become due at the time of forgiveness. The taxes will be deducted in the year you begin your employment as an RN. This is in accordance with the Internal Revenue Services’ guidelines.

Sanford Health Bismarck administers the student loan program. Any questions should be directed to hrhelp@sanfordhealth.org or 877-243-1372.

Additional Sanford Opportunities

Sanford Health also provides other opportunities for eligible students of the University of Mary: 

Sanford Student Internship Program (SSNIP)

The innovative Sanford Student Internship Program (SSNIP) allows students to experience the day-to-day life of a registered nurse in a number of different environments and settings. This paid internship is a great opportunity for University of Mary students to strengthen their clinical skills while under the guidance of a nurse preceptor. Explore more about SSNIP here.

Employment Opportunities

Sanford Health employs over 50,000 people across 26 states and 9 countries. They offer competitive pay and an attractive benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees.  Together, they serve hundreds of thousands of patients in their communities. Explore the wide variety of positions available at Sanford at sanfordcareers.com.

Sanford Nurse Residency

The Sanford Health Nurse Residency Program is a 12-month, evidence-based program that helps new nurses transition from being a student to being a professional registered nurse. 

Residents learn the confidence required to provide effective care, leadership skills they use every day, and crucial nursing network connections. 

Every nurse at a participating facility with less than 12 months of experience is enrolled in the program, and they join learning cohorts that meet regularly for webinars.

About Sanford

Sanford Health is the largest rural health care provider in the United States. It serves more than a million patients in an area that spans over 250,000 square miles. The Sanford Bismarck region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana, and northern South Dakota. It includes more than 20 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston, and Watford City, and it also includes a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.

Sanford Health Bismarck has also received the Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This is the highest recognition a hospital can receive for excellence in nursing. 

Have Questions?

For questions about eligibility and the application process, please contact Admissions at 701-355-8210 or by email.