CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Commits $1M in Academic Support and Tuition Reimbursement for LSUA Nursing Graduates

In a significant initiative to foster local talent and address the critical need for healthcare professionals, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital announced the launch of a Cohort Program in collaboration with Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA). The program aims to empower and assist students pursuing a career in nursing by providing exclusive access, comprehensive training, and financial support throughout their academic journey.

The Cohort Program offers a range of benefits to eligible LSUA Nursing students, including exclusive training sessions, certification preparation, and access to specialized resources. Additionally, Cabrini will cover the tuition and fees for all collegiate courses at LSUA, offering financial assistance of up to $25,000 per student. Most impressively, Cabrini guarantees immediate employment for all cohort members who successfully graduate from the LSUA School of Nursing and pass the licensure exam.

Monte Wilson, CEO of CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, explained, “The nation’s healthcare worker shortage threatens the viability of our community. CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital is pleased to partner with LSUA to establish strong pipelines of top-quality nursing and allied health students unhindered by the cost of tuition.”

The program will support up to 10 students per semester who have been accepted into the LSUA Nursing program or are entering LSUA Nursing clinicals. Exclusive training opportunities include group NCLEX preparation classes, hands-on clinical practice simulations, specialized boot camps, job shadowing experiences, and early access to scheduling interviews. These tailored resources are designed to equip cohort members with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in their nursing education and transition seamlessly into the healthcare workforce.

Designed explicitly for LSUA students admitted to the School of Nursing who are eligible for the federal Pell Grant, the Cohort Program represents an inclusive and accessible pathway for aspiring nurses from diverse backgrounds. The initial funding package, totaling $1,000,000, underscores Cabrini's commitment to supporting LSUA's efforts to bolster the local healthcare workforce. Looking ahead, Cabrini's leadership aims to expand the funding to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the program.

"Today marks a pivotal moment for the future of Central Louisiana's nursing workforce, as we join forces with CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in a partnership bolstered by a $1,000,000 commitment to our nursing students," stated Jeff Langston, LSUA Dean of the College of Health and Human Services. "This collaboration is crucial to addressing the shortage in Louisiana’s nursing workforce, ensuring nursing school becomes a tangible opportunity for many more in our region. Our gratitude extends to Monte Wilson, Dr. Paul Coreil, and our partners at the Cabrini Foundation for their unwavering support and collaboration in tackling this challenge head-on."

The Cabrini Cohort and associated funding support serve as a tangible contribution by St. Frances Cabrini Hospital to LSUA's broader mission of addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in the region. This collaborative effort, alongside LSUA's drive to develop a state-of-the-art Health Education Campus in downtown Alexandria, reflects LSUA's steadfast commitment to transforming the healthcare landscape and fostering a healthier future for central Louisiana communities.

For more information about LSUA's School of Nursing and its academic programs, visit www.lsua.edu/nursing.