WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals Welcomes Seventh Cohort of Aspiring Nurses

WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals recently hosted a formal signing ceremony for the WVU Medicine Aspiring Nurse Program at BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BridgeValley). On August 26, 2026, Thomas Hospitals welcomed 15 nursing students from BridgeValley and West Virginia State University to the seventh cohort of Aspiring Nurses at Thomas Hospitals. 

The event celebrated the continued partnership between Thomas Hospitals, BridgeValley and West Virginia State University, while welcoming West Virginia Junior College as a new partner this year. Together, the organizations are committed to developing the region’s future nursing workforce.  

Because tuition support generally already exists for nursing students through student loans, grants and scholarships, the Aspiring Nurse Program provides each student with up to $25,000 to support their real needs: day-to-day living expenses.

“Thomas Hospitals is proud to welcome this talented group of nursing students to the seventh cohort of our Aspiring Nurse Program,” Greg Rosencrance, M.D., president and CEO of Thomas Hospitals, said. “By providing financial support, academic guidance and hands-on clinical experiences, we are helping remove some of the barriers students face while completing their nursing education. Our partnerships with BridgeValley, West Virginia State University and West Virginia Junior College are essential to preparing skilled nurses who will serve our communities for years to come.” 

Each student accepted into the program will receive up to $25,000 over four semesters, including a sign-on bonus upon hire, in exchange for a three-year work commitment following graduation. Students also receive support from academic success coaches and complete clinical rotations at Thomas Hospitals, providing high-quality, hands-on clinical experiences to help them transition to professional nursing practice. 

The Aspiring Nurse Program at Thomas Hospitals is made possible in part through the WVU Medicine Thomas Foundation and generous support of community partners, including Dow West Virginia and the Maier Foundation. Their investment in the program helps provide nursing students with financial support as they complete their education and prepares them to enter the nursing workforce and serve communities throughout the region. 

To learn more about the WVU Medicine Aspiring Nurse Program, visit WVUMedicine.org/Aspiring-Nurse-Program. For more information about WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, visit ThomasHospitals.org.