Commitment to Care

Commitment to Care Nursing

Commitment to Care: Carroll College & Benefis Health System Partner to Support Nursing Students

\Carroll College is proud to announce the launch of the Commitment to Care program, a new initiative in partnership with Benefis Health System designed to support nursing students as they prepare for careers in healthcare. This program provides eligible nursing students with a $30,000 interest-free loan over four semesters to help offset the cost of their education, with a loan forgiveness option for those who work at Benefis as registered nurses after graduation.

"As the Director of Carroll College’s Nursing program, I am excited to announce the launch of our Commitment to Care program in partnership with Benefis Health System," said Lauren Swant, DNP, MSN, RNC-NIC, CNE, CPHQ, Associate Professor and Director of Nursing. "This initiative not only reflects our dedication to preparing the next generation of professional nurses who are committed to the provision of holistic and compassionate care, but also removes significant financial barriers for our students. By helping alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a nursing degree, we are empowering students to focus on their education and professional growth while addressing critical healthcare needs in our community. Together, we are creating meaningful change for our students and strengthening the quality of care for individuals and families across Montana."

Lauren Swant

By helping alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a nursing degree, we are empowering students to focus on their education and professional growth while addressing critical healthcare needs in our community. Together, we are creating meaningful change for our students and strengthening the quality of care for individuals and families across Montana.

Dr. Lauren Swant Associate Professor and Director of Nursing

The Commitment to Care program is open to both third- and fourth-year undergraduate nursing students and students in Carroll’s Accelerated Nursing Program. While students are not required to work at Benefis following graduation, those who do will receive loan forgiveness over a four-year period while employed as registered nurses.

This partnership is designed to help alleviate financial barriers to nursing education while also addressing the growing need for skilled nurses in Montana’s healthcare system. The state, like much of the country, faces a critical nursing shortage, and Benefis Health System remains committed to investing in the future of healthcare by supporting nursing education.

Program Highlights:

  • Open to Carroll College undergraduate nursing students (3rd and 4th year) and Accelerated Nursing students.
  • Provides a $30,000 interest-free loan distributed over four semesters.
  • Students who work at Benefis as registered nurses will receive loan forgiveness over four years.
  • The loan is available regardless of future employment plans, offering students financial flexibility.
  • Aims to support workforce development and strengthen Montana’s healthcare system.

This initiative aligns with Carroll College’s long-standing commitment to excellence in healthcare education and Benefis Health System’s mission to support the development of future healthcare professionals. By making nursing education more accessible and affordable, the Commitment to Care program helps bridge the gap between education and workforce demands while ensuring that highly trained nurses are prepared to serve communities across Montana.

This dedication to excellence is also reflected in Carroll College’s nursing program, which continues to set the standard for success. Over the past two years, Carroll has achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN national licensure exam, with a 99% three-year pass rate—the highest in Montana. The National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the exam all nursing graduates must pass to become licensed professionals, and Carroll’s students in both the traditional undergraduate and accelerated nursing tracks have consistently exceeded expectations.

Benefis Health System is pleased to partner with Carroll College in an effort to increase the number of students pursuing careers in nursing. Creative programs like Carroll’s Commitment to Care will help address the significant nursing shortage in our state, ensuring Montanans get quality care when they need it for years to come. Financial support can mean the difference between students pursuing nursing and taking alternative paths. Together Benefis and Carroll can help make those decisions easier for the next generation of our workforce.

John Goodnow CEO of Benefis Health System

More Information

For more information about this opportunity through Benefis Health System, eligibility requirements, and application details, contact Nick Malisani at NickMalisani@benefis.org.