New Jersey nursing program receives $600,000 grant

November 10th, 2010

The Helene Fuld Health Trust (HFHT) has awarded a grant of $600,000 to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey’s (UMDNJ) nursing program.

Half of the grant money will go toward scholarships for students who are enrolled in the school’s bachelor's of nursing degree (BND) program, while the other half will be held as a permanent endowment fund.

The annual income from the donation will yield perpetual scholarships, reflecting the HFHT’s goal to support and promote the health, welfare and education of nursing students.

"This grant will help us to fulfill our mission as we support the outstanding baccalaureate program offered to future nurses at the UMDNJ-School of Nursing,” said Marianne Caskran, HFHHT grants administrator.

Susan Salmond, dean and professor at the school, explained that many of the students are adults who have already earned an academic degree and exhausted their financial aid options. It is her belief that the grant will open up “new avenues” for individuals who wish to become nurses.

UMDNJ’s accelerated, 15-month BND is for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another subject, according to school officials.