Baker College and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services have partnered to address the need for psychiatric nurses while offering financial assistance to nursing students. This collaboration presents an opportunity for aspiring nurses interested in mental healthcare to receive comprehensive education and support that bridges the gap between academic learning and practical experience, fostering a new generation of skilled psychiatric nurses ready to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.
Students enrolled in Baker College’s Nursing program have the opportunity to join the Pine Rest Academy for Nursing Students, and eligible students can receive up to $40,000 to cover tuition expenses, provided as forgivable loans. In return, students commit to working at Pine Rest during their schooling and agree to serve as a nurse at Pine Rest for two years post-licensure by the State of Michigan. The Academy is open to both current Pine Rest employees seeking to advance their careers and Baker College students interested in pursuing psychiatric nursing. Participating students can complete their nursing program at Baker within six semesters.
“We are thrilled to partner with Pine Rest to offer this transformative scholarship program to our students. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to supporting the next generation of nurses. By providing students with financial assistance and guaranteed employment opportunities, we are empowering them to pursue their dreams and make a meaningful impact in an area of care that engages with a vulnerable population,” said Maria McCormick, Baker College Dean of Nursing.
This partnership will strengthen the healthcare landscape by training and placing high-quality mental healthcare professionals in Michigan communities.
“The true impact of the nursing shortage is felt by the people in our Michigan community who cannot access the care they need because there are not enough nurses across the board,” said Gretchen Johnson, DNP, MSN, RN-BC, chief nurse executive at Pine Rest. “That’s not a problem that will be solved by recruiting nurses from one local organization to another. It can only be solved by increasing the number of new nurses entering the field. That is what we aim to achieve through collaboration with educational partners like Baker College.”
Pine Rest, the single largest freestanding behavioral health provider in Michigan and the third largest in the country, has been the proven leader and preeminent behavioral health partner in West Michigan for decades. It offers a full continuum of services including inpatient and partial hospitalization, psychiatric urgent care, residential and outpatient services, addiction treatment and recovery, extensive child and adolescent programs, senior care services, as well as specialized assessment and treatment clinics. In addition to the main campus in Grand Rapids, Pine Rest has 21 outpatient locations throughout West and Northern Michigan. With over 450 world class physicians, clinicians, and advanced practice professionals, Pine Rest has the most expertise and experience to serve Michigan’s behavioral healthcare needs. Learn more about Pine Rest and the Nursing Academy.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more about eligibility, deadlines, and other requirements for Pine Rest and our Nursing program. Follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.