Saint Alphonsus Health System launched a student loan repayment program Monday aimed at addressing critical healthcare staffing shortages by recruiting early-career professionals to the Idaho-based provider.
The initiative will offer substantial loan repayment assistance over a three-year employment period for workers in high-demand positions including nurses, surgical technologists, radiologic technologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
“We recognize the significant financial burdens that many new healthcare professionals face upon entering the workforce,” said Brooke Thrasher, Saint Alphonsus chief human resources officer. “By offering substantial student loan repayment assistance, we aim to alleviate this burden, attract top-tier talent, and ensure that our communities continue to receive exceptional care.”
Financial barriers to healthcare careers
The program targets a significant obstacle for healthcare workforce development. According to the announcement, nurses graduate with average student loan debt of $40,611, while physicians face average debt of $188,317. CRNAs often accumulate more than $200,000 in student loan debt.
Saint Alphonsus partnered with Clasp, a retention-focused recruitment platform, to develop the program.
“Clasp is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employment,” said Tess Michaels, CEO and founder of Clasp. “Through our partnership with Saint Alphonsus, we’re making it possible for dedicated healthcare professionals to serve where they’re needed most, without the overwhelming weight of student debt.”
Regional healthcare impact
Saint Alphonsus Health System, a member of Trinity Health, operates four hospitals with 595 licensed beds across Idaho, eastern Oregon and northern Nevada. The Catholic, faith-based nonprofit employs approximately 6,200 staff members and 544 medical personnel.
The health system’s investment in workforce development comes as many healthcare facilities nationwide struggle with persistent staffing challenges following the pandemic.
