Joliet, Ill. – Silver Cross Hospital and the University of St. Francis (USF) share a commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare workers. The two institutions have partnered to offer qualified graduates of the USF Medical Laboratory Science and Radiography programs loan forgiveness up to $10,000 per student for funds borrowed through the Federal Direct Loan Program. The reimbursement will come in exchange for accepting full-time employment at Silver Cross Hospital.
Loan repayment will be reimbursed 50% (up to $5,000) at the one-year anniversary of each individual’s hire date, and the second 50% (up to $5,000) at the two-year anniversary of each individual’s hire date. Silver Cross will make direct payments to the student loans.
“The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5.8% employment growth for radiologic technologists and 5% employment growth for clinical laboratory technologists (otherwise known as medical laboratory scientists). This is extremely promising for students interested in these fields who have the opportunity to begin their careers at Silver Cross, provided they meet the eligibility criteria,” said Elizabeth McDermott, Ph.D., Dean of the USF College of Arts & Sciences.
Qualifications include USF program completion and successful passing of registry/certification exams. The loan forgiveness program began on October 1, 2024, is in place for one year, and is offered exclusively to new, qualifying Silver Cross Hospital employees hired during this timeframe.
“USF and Silver Cross Hospital have partnered to present an outstanding offer to graduates. This is an impactful opportunity for students to bundle successful program completion, national registry examination success, landing your dream job AND lessen student loan debt,” said Leia Levy, Ed.D., Associate Professor for USF’s Radiation Therapy program.
“Silver Cross Hospital is a Joint Commission accredited healthcare facility that has earned the Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval. It’s a privilege to begin your career with a full-time job offer at a highly-regarded hospital AND get a jump-start on crushing student loan debt,” Levy added.
Prospective students interested in exploring USF’s Medical Laboratory Science program should contact program liaison Ben Whitlock, Ph.D. (bwhitlock@stfrancis.edu) with questions or to confirm program application. Prospective students interested in exploring USF’s Radiography program should contact Leia Levy, Ed.D. (llevy@stfrancis.edu) with questions or to confirm program application. More information on the Radiological Sciences is also available on the April 15, 2024 episode of the USF College of Arts & Sciences Podcast, which can be accessed at https://sites.libsyn.com/514338/radiologic-sciences.
USF students and graduates interested in exploring career options at Silver Cross Hospital should visit silvercross.org/careers and should follow them on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/silver-cross-hospital/) , Indeed (indeed.com/cmp/Silver-Cross-Hospital), etc.
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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,300 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.
University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.
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