Innovative partnership with Allegany College of Maryland expands nursing workforce pipeline in Garrett County
Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC), in collaboration with the Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) School of Nursing, recently held an induction ceremony for the largest cohort of students to date entering the WVU Medicine Aspiring Nurse Program at the ACM Garrett County site.
Launched in 2023, the Aspiring Nurse Program offers direct financial assistance—up to $25,000 over two years—to students pursuing a pre-licensure registered nursing degree. In exchange, students commit to a three-year work agreement at a participating WVU Health System hospital upon graduation.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in nursing,” said Kendra Thayer, Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital. “We are especially excited to welcome our largest class to date into the Aspiring Nurse Program. It’s an honor to support these students with financial assistance toward their degrees and, ultimately, to welcome them as part of our team at GRMC following graduation.”
The program provides financial and human-centered support to eligible students enrolled at select schools in West Virginia and neighboring regions. Current WVU Medicine employees may also apply. The program supports up to two years of study in pre-licensure RN programs. RN-to-BSN, LPN, and graduate-level nursing programs are not eligible.
Students selected into the program are interviewed by hospitals in the WVU Health System, including GRMC, to determine fit and interest. Those accepted receive staged financial assistance throughout their studies, including a final payment upon hire.
The 2025 Aspiring Nurse Program cohort at GRMC includes: Madi Artice, Shay Briskey, Tailynn Friend, Karmen Lopez, Kim Rodeheaver, Bry’lee Rodeheaver, Madison Seese, and Sydney Tichinel.
“This program not only eases the financial burden for students but also helps ensure that our local healthcare system continues to have the skilled nurses it needs to provide high-quality care,” added Thayer.
The highly competitive Aspiring Nurse Program is expected to make a significant and lasting impact on participating hospitals throughout the WVU Health System by addressing workforce needs and improving access to care in rural and underserved areas.
For more information on the Aspiring Nurse Program, visit WVUMedicine.org/aspiring-nurse-program/.
Photo Cutline: Front row, left to right: Madison Artice, Shay Briskey, Tailynn Friend, Karmen Lopez, Kimberly Rodeheaver, Bry’lee Rodeheaver, and Madison Seese. Not pictured is Sydney Tichinel.
Back row: Laura Waters, regional director of human resources, GRMC and Potomac Valley Hospital (PVH); Jackie Bittinger, regional physician provider recruiter and talent advisor, GRMC and PVH; Kendra Thayer, vice president of clinical services and chief nursing officer at GRMC and PVH; Brenda Boucot, MSN, RN, assistant professor of nursing at Allegany College of Maryland; Mark Boucot, president and CEO of GRMC and PVH; and Marjorie Fridkin, MD, FACS, Chief Medical Officer of GRMC and PVH.
