BAYADA Partners with ECPI University to Address Nursing Shortage with Scholarships

In a significant move to tackle the pressing nursing shortage in South Carolina, BAYADA Home Health Care, known as the country's largest independent nonprofit home health provider, has forged a valuable partnership with ECPI University. This collaboration aims to make a meaningful impact on the nursing landscape by providing scholarships totaling $355,000 to current and aspiring nursing students at the ECPI University's Columbia campus. This financial support will specifically benefit over 35 students pursuing paths as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs).

The initiative comes at a critical time as South Carolina is projected to face one of the nation’s most severe nursing shortages, with estimates indicating that more than 19% of registered nurse positions could remain unfilled by 2037, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. To combat this alarming trend, BAYADA and ECPI University have established a scholarship program that allows nursing students working 20 hours a week at BAYADA to receive up to $10,000 in scholarship funds. This financial assistance is designed to support students in their goal of obtaining practical nursing or registered nursing certifications.

Students enrolled in the nursing program at ECPI University can expect to gain invaluable hands-on experience during their studies. By working with BAYADA, they will not only learn about personal care and companionship but also how to provide essential household support services that empower seniors and adults to live independently and safely at home. Shawn Keith, the Director of BAYADA’s Columbia office, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "This collaboration is fundamentally about strengthening our community. We're focused on job creation, career development, and ensuring that more individuals receive the necessary care they desire in their homes."

ECPI University has been a pivotal part of the Columbia region's nursing workforce since 2011, offering accelerated educational programs that integrate classroom learning with clinical training and personalized student support. They offer a Practical Nursing diploma that can be achieved in just 15 months and an Associate Degree in Nursing that enables students to sit for the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN licensure examinations within an 18-month timeframe. The university has proven instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous nurses within the Midlands, many of whom are now catering to patients across various healthcare settings.

Matthew Stein, Campus President at ECPI Columbia, expressed pride in the partnership, noting, "We are thrilled to collaborate with BAYADA in promoting access to nursing education. Our joint commitment to developing a skilled and job-ready nursing workforce reflects the significant contributions of our graduates to the Greater Columbia community."

The funding provided by BAYADA for this scholarship initiative has been sourced entirely from COVID-19 public stimulus dollars aimed at supporting caregivers and healthcare professionals. For current and potential students interested in learning more about the opportunity, further details regarding the scholarship program are available on the ECPI University website.

About BAYADA Home Health Care


BAYADA Home Health Care has built a legacy of over 50 years, committed to delivering compassionate and reliable healthcare services. With more than 370 locations not just in the United States but extending to places like Germany, South Korea, and India, BAYADA is dedicated to ensuring clients of all ages receive diverse personalized nursing, rehabilitative, and personal care services, all grounded in compassion and excellence in care. Through initiatives like the Advance to LPN Scholarship Program, BAYADA actively anticipates future healthcare trends and works towards transforming home health care, benefiting individuals who need essential services at home.

About ECPI University


Founded in 1966, ECPI University is a regionally accredited institution offering a range of career-focused degree programs in health science, technology, business, and more. The university, which operates 18 campuses across various states, prides itself on providing accelerated learning opportunities and hands-on education to prepare graduates for their careers. To date, ECPI University has successfully trained over 75,000 graduates who are now contributing to various industries including healthcare, thereby significantly impacting their communities.

This strategic partnership between BAYADA and ECPI University not only showcases the commitment to enhancing the nursing workforce in South Carolina but also highlights the shared goal of creating accessible pathways for future healthcare professionals, ensuring a positive trajectory for the healthcare sector in the region.

Topics Health)

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