Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota opens scholarship applications for students going into medical field

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota’s population has continued to grow, and the need for doctors is also growing. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota’s Caring Foundation aims to address the shortage by offering students scholarships.

“Over thirty percent of our state is in a primary care shortage area, thirty percent as well have a shortage of dentist, and over half of the state has a mental health professional shortage, so it’s a huge area of need and opportunity as well. So we just want to thank these students and really reward them for pursuing a career in the healthcare industry,” said Amber Blomberg, Executive Director of Caring Foundation and Community Engagement at BCBSND.

The scholarship, started in 2017, has offered students a pathway into the medical field. The intention is to lessen the financial burden and build a stronger workforce. Thirty students in North Dakota will receive the scholarship.

“Education prices are on the rise, as many things ar,e and I think if this is just one way that we can play a part in the healthcare industry in the students who are pursuing degrees to become a nurse, a doctor, a behavioral health specialist, etcetera we feel like we are doing the right thing,” said Blomberg.

One focus area Blomberg hopes students will consider is working in rural areas. Coming from a rural area herself, she notes that there is more of a need in rural areas.

“It’s really broad spectrum, where you can choose so many different lanes to go into in the health care field. So, I think it’s really exciting in itself, and I think as far as growth opportunities, there is just numerous different ways that one can continue to grow their career in the health care field,” said Blomberg.

Applications for the scholarship are being accepted until October 1st.

For more information, you can visit Blue Cross Blue Shield.