Catawba Valley Health System Announces New Partnership with Catawba Valley Community College

Catawba Valley Health System (CVHS) has announced a new partnership with Catawba Valley Community College to create educational advancement opportunities for those looking to obtain their Registered Nursing (RN) degree.

The Catawba Nurse Advancement Program (CNAP) offers financial assistance in the form of a forgivable loan for approved education expenses toward a two-year degree in a professional nursing program approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

“CNAP is an innovative approach to assisting CVHS employees in becoming registered nurses. It is a benefit to our employees to have the cost of tuition paid for, while allowing them to maintain employment with a flexible work schedule,” said Michelle Lusk, CVHS’ Chief Nursing Officer. “CVHS and our community gain exceptional Registered Nurses. It’s a win-win.”

To participate in the program, individuals must be enrolled as a full-time student in an approved education program and have applied for financial aid through the college at which the program is being offered, as well as be employed by CVHS working at least 12 hours per week.

The goal of the program is to continue to develop area students into nursing professionals who are passionate about working within and serving the patients of Catawba County.

“The scholarship collaboration between CVHS & CVCC is crucial in providing opportunities for deserving individuals to access quality education in nursing,” said Robin Cornett, dean of CVCC Health Education. “CNAP allows us to make a greater impact and empower talented individuals who may otherwise be limited by financial constraints. Together, we can help students by investing in the next generation of nurses in our community.”

To learn more about the Catawba Nurse Advancement Program, visit CatawbaValleyHealth.org/CNAP.